MICROFINANCE PUBLICATON ROUND-UP: The Business Case for Life Microinsurance in the Philippines, MIX Map of Financial Inclusion in India, 2012 Sub-Saharan Africa Snapshot

“The Business Case for Life Microinsurance in the Philippines: Initial Findings;” by Richard Koven, Michael J. McCord, John Wipf and Emily Zimmerman; published by the MicroInsurance Centre; October 2012; 9 pages; available at:
http://www.microinsurancecentre.org/milk-project/milk-docs/doc_details/890-milk-brief-14-the-business-case-for-life-microinsurance-in-the-philippines-initial-findings.html

This study considers four life microinsurance products in the Philippines. The median coverage level of the products was USD 3,870, and the median annual premium was USD 7.59. The authors conclude that complexity in product design makes comparisons among the prices of the policies problematic. As a result, it is challenging for clients to chose the most appropriate package. A follow-up report will be issued later in 2013 that will further explore these findings.

“MIX Releases India Map of Financial Inclusion;” by Mariola Janik; published by the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX); January 2013; available at: http://www.mixmarket.org/announcements/MIX-releases-India-Map-of-Financial-Inclusion-with-support-from-the-Citi-Foundation

The US-based nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), with the support of the US-based Citi Foundation, has released a display of financial inclusion in India that combines various types of data into one image. The map provides data aggregated by district including socio-economic factors such as two-wheeler and mobile phone ownership, demographics and available financial services. The map also shows the locations of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and banking correspondents. The map is intended “to help funders, policymakers, and practitioners obtain an integrated view of the state of financial inclusion in India and draw insights to influence investment in the sector [and] inform policy decisions.” MIX plans to update the map every three months.

“2012 Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Snapshot;” by Audrey Linthorst and Mélina Djre; published by the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX); January 2013; 36 slides; available at: http://www.themix.org/publications/mix-microfinance-world/2013/01/2012-sub-saharan-africa-regional-snapshot

This report is a summary of data provided by 259 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for the year 2011 to the US-based nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX). It covers the geographic distribution of institutions, the services offered, and the average loan balance and percentage of women served by each institution type. It also encompasses differences in return on assets, operating expenses and funding structure as well as variations among regional economic communities. The report concludes that “despite localized high risk levels, overall risk is decreasing in SSA.”

By Nicole Boyd, Research Associate

About MicroInsurance Centre
Established in 2000 and based in the US, the Microinsurance Centre is a for-profit initiative of MicroSave, an India-based technical assistance, training and technical resource center for microfinance with much of its experience in Africa. The Microinsurance Centre’s activities include research, product development, working groups support and the provision of training in microinsurance.

About the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX)
The Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a US-based nonprofit provider of performance data and analysis on MFIs, funders, networks and service providers dedicated to serving the financial needs of low-income clients. The mission of MIX is to strengthen the microfinance sector and financial inclusion in general by promoting transparency. The organization’s MIX Market website offers access to financial and social performance information covering approximately 2,000 MFIs. MIX publications include the MicroBanking Bulletin and MIX Microfinance World, which feature periodic research and data analysis. Incorporated in 2002, MIX is headquartered in Washington, DC, with regional offices in Azerbaijan, India, Morocco and Peru. Its supporters include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Omidyar Network, The MasterCard Foundation, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Citi Foundation, Ford Foundation and Deutsche Bank. Mix reported total revenue of 4.4 million from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation provides grants and guarantees focusing on the areas of microfinance, small and growing businesses, education, asset building and neighborhood revitalization. Citi Foundation is the charitable arm of US-based financial services provider Citigroup. Its annual giving was USD 78 million in 2011.

Sources and Additional Resources:

“The Business Case for Life Microinsurance in the Philippines: Initial Findings;” http://www.microinsurancecentre.org/milk-project/milk-docs/doc_details/890-milk-brief-14-the-business-case-for-life-microinsurance-in-the-philippines-initial-findings.html

“MIX releases India Map of Financial Inclusion with support from the Citi Foundation,” http://www.mixmarket.org/announcements/MIX-releases-India-Map-of-Financial-Inclusion-with-support-from-the-Citi-Foundation

“2012 Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Snapshot,” http://www.themix.org/publications/mix-microfinance-world/2013/01/2012-sub-saharan-africa-regional-snapshot

MicroCapital. March 12, 2012, “MICROFINANCE PUBLICATION ROUND-UP: Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Snapshot, Eliminating Entry Barriers in Brazil, and Savings Commitments in Malawi,” https://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-publication-round-up-sub-saharan-africa-regional-snapshot-eliminating-entry-barriers-in-brazil-and-savings-commitments-in-malawi/

MicroCapital. October 30, 2012, “MICROFINANCE PUBLICATION ROUND-UP: Analysis of Microfinance Investment Vehicles; Female Microfinance Clients in Pakistan; Life Microinsurance in the Philippines,” https://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-publication-round-up-analysis-of-microfinance-investment-vehicles-female-microfinance-clients-in-pakistan-life-microinsurance-in-the-philippines/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MicroInsurance Centre https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=The+Microinsurance+Centre

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Citi Foundation https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Citi+Foundation

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

Do you know that MicroCapital publishes the MicroCapital Monitor newspaper each month? Find out more at https://www.microcapital.org/products-page/

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