The nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) has released the 2009 Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Microfinance Analysis and Benchmarking Report in English and Spanish. The report is based on data from 332 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in over 18 countries.

The report includes an analysis of financial performance of MFIs and the funding structure of microfinance in the LAC region. It also discusses the impact of the global financial crisis on MFIs in the region.

“There is an indication that the microfinance market in the region is following the cycles of the formal financial sector more than it had in the past, although microfinance institutions with diversified credit products remain less susceptible to recent crises across the board,” said Mr Renso Martinez, author of the report and Manager at the Latin America Office of MIX.

By Stefanie Rubin, Research Associate

About the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX):

Established in 2002, Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Washington, DC, and regional offices in Peru, Senegal, India and Indonesia. MIX provides detailed financial and social performance information from microfinance institutions (MFIs), as well as business information from market facilitators and donor organizations and investors in microfinance. MIX was founded by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) and is sponsored by Citi Foundation, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Additional Resources:

2009 Latin America and Caribbean Microfinance Analysis & Benchmarking Report: http://www.themix.org/publications/2009-latin-america-and-caribbean-microfinance-analysis-benchmarking-report

MicroCapital Universe: Microfinance Information Exchange: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Microfinance+Information+Exchange+%28MIX%29