MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: The Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) Develops Software to Benchmark Local Microfinance Industry

In an attempt to increase transparency for microfinance stakeholders, the Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) has developed two benchmarking software applications, Pakistan Microfinance Review (PMR) software and Microfinance Connect. Both software packages are based on data sets that are released periodically.

PMR is an annual publication that tracks financial performance indicators for Pakistan’s microfinance industry. The PMR software, developed in 2008 by PMN, can be used for trend analysis and comparative analysis of 88 indicators. The software is updated every June and is accessible via www.pmronline.info.

Microfinance Connect was developed in 2007-2008 as supporting software for MicroWATCH, a quarterly publication tracking outreach indicators for the Pakistani microfinance industry. The software tracks 29 indicators and is accessible via www.microfinanceconnect.info.

“This and other benchmarking technology is providing increased levels of transparency and standards by which to measure MFI performance both nationally and internationally,” said an article posted on the Banking with the Poor Network’s website.

By: Stefanie Rubin, Research Associate

About the Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN):

The Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) is a network of 12 microfinance providers, “representing a regional balance and approximately 90% of the outreach in Pakistan.” PMN acts as a disseminator of microfinance information with the aim of improving the outreach and sustainability of microfinance in Pakistan.

Additional Resources:

Source Article: Banking with the Poor Network: “Using Technology to Benchmark the Pakistan Microfinance Industry,” http://www.bwtp.org/news/?p=170

Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN): http://www.bwtp.org/arcm/pakistan/II_Organisations/Supporting_Organisations/PMN.htm

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