www.microlinks.org/news
This page contains news and announcements related to microfinance and microenterprise development. If you have an item to post, please send it to microlinks@microlinks.org. To see our archive of previous news and announcements, click here. To view our subpage with news, events and resources related to the current global financial crisis, click here.
Microfinance investor demand rises in spite of financial crisis and decreased demands for fundingDate Posted: July 15, 2010
MicroRate has published its State of Microfinance Investment: The 2010 MicroRate MIV Survey. This fifth annual survey from MicroRate highlights that interest in microfinance funds remains strong despite the recession. Microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs) are a relatively new category of funds that mobilize investments in rich countries and channel them to microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the developing world. “The flow of funding through MIVs is one of the little noticed triumphs of development,” says Sebastian von Stauffenberg, CEO of MicroRate. Read the survey results on MicroRate's site.
Puget Sound investors realize social and financial returns from microfinance investment fund
Date Posted: July 15, 2010
Global Partnerships (GP), a Seattle-based nonprofit that invests in high-performing, socially focused microfinance institutions in Latin America, announced that the cycle of its first $2 million microfinance investment fund has been completed, less than five years after the fund was closed. As of last week, Global Partnerships had repaid all investors to Microfinance Fund 2005, either on time or early, with interest. “GP’s microfinance funds are demonstrating that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive,” said Jeff Keenan, a Puget Sound investor who has invested in all three of GP’s funds to date. Global Partnerships, founded in 1994, created its first fund, Microfinance Fund 2005 (MFF05), after realizing that philanthropic capital alone would not be sufficient to meet the demand for affordable microfinance capital. Find out more at www.globalpartnerships.org.
Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central AmericaDate Posted: July 15, 2010
AZMJ recently conducted a study for the Inter-American Development Bank on Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central America. The study is now publicly available online for download on the Inter-American Development Bank’s website.
Gates Foundation offers prizes to help Haiti in association with USAID
Date Posted: June 15, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Support will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Microfinance investor demand rises in spite of financial crisis and decreased demands for funding
Date Posted: July 15, 2010
MicroRate has published its State of Microfinance Investment: The 2010 MicroRate MIV Survey. This fifth annual survey from MicroRate highlights that interest in microfinance funds remains strong despite the recession. Microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs) are a relatively new category of funds that mobilize investments in rich countries and channel them to microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the developing world.
“The flow of funding through MIVs is one of the little noticed triumphs of development,” says Sebastian von Stauffenberg, CEO of MicroRate. Read the survey results on MicroRate's site.
Puget Sound investors realize social and financial returns from microfinance investment fund
Date Posted: July 15, 2010
Global Partnerships (GP), a Seattle-based nonprofit that invests in high-performing, socially focused microfinance institutions in Latin America, announced that the cycle of its first $2 million microfinance investment fund has been completed, less than five years after the fund was closed. As of last week, Global Partnerships had repaid all investors to Microfinance Fund 2005, either on time or early, with interest. “GP’s microfinance funds are demonstrating that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive,” said Jeff Keenan, a Puget Sound investor who has invested in all three of GP’s funds to date. Global Partnerships, founded in 1994, created its first fund, Microfinance Fund 2005 (MFF05), after realizing that philanthropic capital alone would not be sufficient to meet the demand for affordable microfinance capital. Find out more at www.globalpartnerships.org.
Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central AmericaDate Posted: July 15, 2010
AZMJ recently conducted a study for the Inter-American Development Bank on Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central America. The study is now publicly available online for download on the Inter-American Development Bank’s website.
Gates Foundation offers prizes to help Haiti in association with USAID
Date Posted: June 15, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Support will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Puget Sound investors realize social and financial returns from microfinance investment fund
Date Posted: July 15, 2010
Global Partnerships (GP), a Seattle-based nonprofit that invests in high-performing, socially focused microfinance institutions in Latin America, announced that the cycle of its first $2 million microfinance investment fund has been completed, less than five years after the fund was closed. As of last week, Global Partnerships had repaid all investors to Microfinance Fund 2005, either on time or early, with interest.
“GP’s microfinance funds are demonstrating that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive,” said Jeff Keenan, a Puget Sound investor who has invested in all three of GP’s funds to date. Global Partnerships, founded in 1994, created its first fund, Microfinance Fund 2005 (MFF05), after realizing that philanthropic capital alone would not be sufficient to meet the demand for affordable microfinance capital. Find out more at www.globalpartnerships.org.
Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central AmericaDate Posted: July 15, 2010
AZMJ recently conducted a study for the Inter-American Development Bank on Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central America. The study is now publicly available online for download on the Inter-American Development Bank’s website.
Gates Foundation offers prizes to help Haiti in association with USAID
Date Posted: June 15, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Support will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central America
Date Posted: July 15, 2010
AZMJ recently conducted a study for the Inter-American Development Bank on Financing Agriculture Value Chains in Central America. The study is now publicly available online for download on the Inter-American Development Bank’s website.
Gates Foundation offers prizes to help Haiti in association with USAID
Date Posted: June 15, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Support will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Gates Foundation offers prizes to help Haiti in association with USAID
Date Posted: June 15, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Support will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Read the Associated Press story, or learn more about the incentive fund on microLINKS.
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Open Call for Session Feedback for the 2011 Global Microcredit Summit
Date Posted: June 9, 2010
The next Global Microcredit Summit (GLOMCS) will be held November 14 - 17, 2011 in Valladolid, Spain. This Summit will be the fifteenth in the Campaign's series of global and regional summits focused on promoting microfinance to end poverty. The Summit currently has an open call for plenary and workshop session feedback, and requests help in selecting the plenary and workshop titles to be offered. Please complete the brief survey no later than, June 11, 2010.
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in IndonesiaDate Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Standard Chartered completes its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia
Date Posted: March 4, 2010
Standard Chartered has completed its first microfinance transaction in Indonesia, providing financing worth IDR15 billion (equivalent to USD1.6m) to Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura (MBK). MBK is Indonesia’s leading microfinance institution (MFI), and was the top ranked institution in the MIX Market’s Global Composite Ranking of MFIs in 2009. The loan is supported by a USD 750,000 guarantee from Grameen Foundation, a global non profit organisation based in Washington DC that works to replicate the Grameen Bank microfinance model around the world through a global network of partner microfinance institutions. Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia CEO designate Tom Aaker said, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we are determined to be a force for good within the markets in which we operate. As well as contributing to sustainable business economic growth through our core business activities in Asia, Africa and Middle East, we want to have also a broader positive impact on the societies in which we live and work. This microfinance loan to MBK is a great example of how we are striving to achieve this in Indonesia.” This deal signifies the second recent microfinance loan in Asia, with the Standard Chartered now providing banking products and services to microfinance institutions to a total of 23 countries.
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activitiesDate Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Basel releases guidance for effective Banking Supervision to microfinance activities
Date Posted: March 4, 2010
SThe Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued for consultation a report that contains the guidance for the application of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision (BCP) to microfinance activities, and the range of practices on regulating and supervising microfinance activities, according to an official press release. The guidance is based on a careful analysis of key regulatory and supervisory issues relevant to microfinance activities as identified through a questionnaire conducted by the Basel Committee, as well as secondary research to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of current practices and experience in countries from different geographical regions and income levels, the report said. To download the full report, click here.
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in AsiaDate Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Women’s World Banking Announces its First Loan Guarantee in Asia
Date Posted: February 16, 2010
Women’s World Banking has announced its first ever loan guarantee in Asia to support a $1.6 million loan by Standard Chartered Bank Philippines to WWB network member, CARD Bank. The loan guarantee is WWB’s latest effort to promote the responsible entry of commercial capital into the microfinance sector, spurring the development of the microfinance industry and enhancing efforts to provide basic financial services to millions of poor men and women around the world. “The commercial banking sector has a tremendous opportunity to expand their markets while making a real impact in the lives of so many poor around the world,” said WWB president and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian. “Through this bold effort, Women’s World Banking and Standard Chartered Bank are sending a strong signal to the rest of the commercial banking industry that an investment in microfinance is not only an investment in the future, but a sound business practice.” Read the full press release.
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks InternsDate Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Peru's Agriculture Bank Seeks Interns
Date Posted: February 16, 2010
The Agricultural Bank in Peru has 5 vacancies for internships at its headquarter located in Lima, Peru. The selected professionals will participate in 2-week induction program about main procedures of the Bank, conducted by the departments of Risks, Sales and Development. At the end of the induction program, participants may choose a research project to be developed in collaboration with some of the departments of the Bank. The internships last 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills are required, as well as a background in marketing, sociology, psychology, business administration, finance, economics, agriculture science, or other similar specialties. Interested applicants should send their resume to Mr. Julio Meza.
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance AnnouncedApplications InvitedDate: February 25-26, 2010Hyberabad, India
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more. Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad. Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009
Workshop on Capital Structuring and Equity Raising in Microfinance Announced
Applications Invited
Date: February 25-26, 2010
Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in capital structuring and equity investments; learn to recognize key factors that drive sound valuation and hone your negotiation skills to garner maximum investment value. The workshop with its interactive design will ensure role-plays, perspectives from investors in the MF space and more.
Register now for this 2-day participatory workshop on Capital Raising and Equity Structuring in Microfinance conducted by an experienced faculty comprising of Vineet Rai, Anurag Agarwal, Atreya Rayaprolu, Satish Pai, Sanjib Jha and Narendra Prasad.
Learn more online at http://intellecap.com/registration-mfi-workshop2. For queries kindly contact Ms. Rashmi Pillai at 91-22-40359218/222.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After EarthquakeDate Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Fonkoze in Haiti Satisfies 100% Demand Disbursement for Remittance Transfers and Depositors’ Savings After Earthquake
Date Posted: January 26, 2010
Two weeks after the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti, the country's largest microfinance institution, Fonkoze, has risen to the challenge. About $2 million in cash has been safely transferred to the 34 then-functioning branches throughout Haiti, which has satisfied 100% of demand for remittance transfers and depositors’ savings, essential to helping people start to rebuild. Assistance in this effort was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, U.S Department of Treasury, The Inter American Development Bank, Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others. Fonkoze anticipates that 38 of their 40 branches will be operational by January 27. Follow Fonkoze's story on their Earthquake News page.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor WorldwideDate Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Women’s World Banking Receives Grant to Increase Dramatically Access to Savings for Millions of Poor Worldwide
Date Posted: January 15, 2010
Women’s World Banking (WWB), a thirty-year old network of leading microfinance institutions and banks dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, has announced a landmark $8.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will enable WWB to create over the next ten years innovative savings products and services for nearly seven million low-income people in Latin America, Africa and Asia. WWB will use the foundation grant to support investments at four of its flagship network members in elements that are vital to effective savings mobilization: market research, product design, effective marketing and sales, and innovative service delivery methods. “This signature package of grants represents our first bold effort with the microfinance community to provide poor people safe places to save their money,” said Bob Christen, director of Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We see it as a major step to drive change and help broaden the microfinance business model to include savings.” Read more about this grant.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on PovertyDate Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
BRAC's Abed to be Knighted for Work on Poverty
Date Posted: January 6, 2010
Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Fazle Hasan Abed, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed is to be appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his work spanning four decades in education, health, human rights and social development and for bringing financial services to the doorstep of millions of the poor in an effort to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh and countries in Asia and Africa.
Documents
Provision of Health Services to Microfinance Clients
Health Services to MF Clients-Results and Call for Survey Participation.pdf Publication Date 08/2009