Overview:
ALTERFIN is a cooperative society that invests in microfinance institutions (MFIs) and fair trade producers’ associations.

Description:
ALTERFIN is a cooperative society formed in 1994 that engages North South organizations, financial institutions, social organizations, private companies, and individuals. Initial shareholders were 11.11.11, an umbrella-organization of Flemish non-governmental organizations (NGOs); 8 NGOs and 2 banks: Mercator Bank, owned by a Belgian insurance company, and the Triodos bank, a Dutch commercial bank with a social mission. ALTERFIN invests in microfinance institutions (MFIs) and associations of fair trade producers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) Profile:
http://mixmarket.org/funders/alterfin

Organization’s Website:
http://www.alterfin.be/index.php?cid=4

Just the Facts:
Country of Incorporation: Belgium
Year Founded: 1994
Legal Status: Cooperative society with limited liability
Fund Assets (as of day/month/year): EUR 15.3 million (USD 21.6 million as of 31/December/2007)
Fund Assets allocated to MFI investment (as of day/month/year): EUR 7.6 million (USD 10.7 million as of 31/December/2007)
Number of MFI Investments (as of day/month/year): 40 (as of 31/December/2007)
Area of Operation: Global
Participant(s)/Backer(s)/Investor(s): 11.11.11, Mercator Bank, Triodos Bank
Instruments: Loans and Debt Securities, Equity, Guarantees, Technical Assistance
Investment Horizon: 1 to 5 years
Fund Currency: USD, EUR

Contact Information:
Vlasfabriekstraat 11
1060 Brussels
BELGIUM
tel: +32 2 538 58 62
fax: +32 2 538 37 90
e-mail: alterfin@alterfin.be

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Additional Resources:
Latest News from ALTERFIN
http://www.alterfin.be/newsletter.php

Link to Microcapital Universe wiki page
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=ALTERFIN

Authored by Kenny Kline, Research Associate