MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: C-Quadrat Dual Return Vision Microfinance Fund Lends $35m to MFIs in 11 Countries

C-Quadrat Asset Management loaned a total equivalent to USD 35 million to 16 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in 11 countries from its Dual Return Vision Microfinance Funds during August and September. C-Quadrat, a member of Austria-based CQ Investment Group, tells MicroCapital that the MFIs have “a strong focus on their social mission, customer protection, transparency and community involvement” as well as a growing awareness of environmental issues. The names of the MFIs and their locations remain confidential, as does the amount lent to each.

Crystal, which the Dual Return Vision Microfinance Fund has supported since 2012, has been promoting green lending since 2018. It finances hybrid cars as well as home improvements and household items that are deemed energy efficient. Although the green share of Crystal’s GEL 262 million (USD 88 million) loan portfolio is small, Crystal is working actively to develop this product area.

As of September 2019, the Dual Return Vision Microfinance and Dual Return Vision Microfinance-Local Currency sub-funds hold assets valued at an aggregate of USD 608 million. The CQ Investment Group, which was founded in 1991, manages EUR 9.5 billion (USD 11 billion) in assets as of 2019. It has operations in 20 countries in Eurasia.

By the MicroCapital Team

Sources and Additional Resources

Information provided directly to MicroCapital by C-Quadrat

Crystal home page
https://crystal.ge/

Crystal prospectus 2018
https://ir.crystal.ge/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Prospectus_Signed_?15m_2019_ENG_Final.pdf

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