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Microloan Sharks (2008)
Are MFIs achieving the double bottom lines: alleviating poverty and profit for investors?
Attracting Microfinance Investment Funds: Promoting Microfinance Growth through Increased Investments in Kenya (2008)
Feasibility of microfinance investment funds as key drivers for channeling alternative funding sources for Kenya MFIs.
Branch Licensing Policy (2007)
Revised policy with the aim to enhance the outreach of banking services to rural/underserved areas of the country.
Impact Assessment of SACCOSs in Nepal's Hill Districts: Findings of an Action Research (2005)
Have hill-based SACCOs generated socio-economic impact and improved ability to provide services to their members?
Undermining Sustainable Local Economic and Social Development with Microfinance: Evidence from Croatia (2008)
Paper presented at the 4th International Conference "An Enterprise Odyssey: Tourism, Governance and Entrepreneurship", June 11-14, 2008
After the Earthquake in China: Interview with HRCG (2008)
Mr. Yuan Yue of Horizon Research Consultancy Group discusses the impact of the May 2008 earthquake in China
After the Earthquake in China: Interview with IFC (2008)
Mr. Jinchang Lai of IFC Chengdu discusses the reconstruction efforts after the May 2008 earthquake in China.
After the Earthquake in China: Interview with CFPA (2008)
Mr. Wu Peng of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation discusses reconstruction efforts following the May 2008 earthquake
After the Earthquake in China: Interview with Microcred Nanchong (2008)
Mr. Min Chen of Microcred Nanchong discusses reconstruction efforts after the May 2008 earthquake in China.
After the Earthquake in China (Chinese) (2008)
A role for microfinance institutions?
Cost of Illness: Evidence from a Study in Five Resource-Poor Locations in India (2008)
Assessment of perceived needs for healthcare, demand and financial risks presented by illness
Do Micro Health Insurance Units Need Capital or Reinsurance? A Simulated Exercise to Examine Different Alternatives (2006)
Examines capital needs of micro health insurance units and alternatives to satisfy them.
Why 'One-Size-Fits-All' Health Insurance Products are Unsuitable for Low-Income Persons in the Informal Economy in India (2007)
How important is an optimal match between perceived and actual needs of clients for attractive health insurance designs?
Why Should the Poor Insure? Theories of Decision-making in the Context of Health Insurance (2004)
Summarizes insights from economic and social theories on decision making and individuals' insurance enrollment decisions
Delivering Microfinance and Social Services in Conditions of Fragility in Nepal (FIELD Report No. 3) (2008)
Strategies used by institutions to deliver goods and services to populations affected by the Maoist insurgency in Nepal.
MD Overview: Clients Affected by HIV/AIDS (2008)
Role of MFIs in mitigating devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on poor households and communities.
Economic Strengthening for Vulnerable Children: Principles of Program Design & Technical Recommendations for Effective Field Interventions (FIELD Report No. 2) (2008)
This report lays down programming beliefs and economic strengthening tools for developmental initiatives.
Economic Strengthening for Vulnerable Children: Principles of Program Design & Technical Recommendations for Effective Field Interventions (FIELD Brief No. 3) (2008)
This brief provides an overview of programming beliefs and economic strengthening tools for developmental initiatives.
Microfinance and HIV/AIDS: Strategic Partnerships (Microfinance and HIV/AIDS NOTE #2) (2008)
How partnerships between institutions can support the delivery of HIV/AIDS related health and social services?
Health Insurance Benefit Packages Prioritized by Low-Income Clients in India: Three Criteria to Estimate Effectiveness of Choice (2007)
Draws policy insights by analyzing poor prospective clients' benefit-package composition choices
Willingness to Pay for Health Insurance Among Rural and Poor Persons: Field Evidence from Seven Micro Health Insurance Units in India (2007)
Major determinants influencing health insurance premium choices among rural and bottom-of-the-pyramid segments
Variations in Microcredit Interest Rates (CGAP Brief) (2008)
Factors influencing MFI interest rates
Islamic Microfinance: An Emerging Market Niche (Focus Note No. 49) (2008)
Islamic microfinance sector's potential to expand financial access
Building Security for the Poor: Potential and Prospects for Microinsurance in India (2007)
How insurance services for rural poor can straddle the social and financial bottom line objectives?
Peer Education and Alternative Income: An Effective Mainstreaming Strategy for Devadasi (Temple Prostitutes) Women to Leave Sex Trade in Bellary District, Karnataka, India (2006)
World Vision efforts to raise general awareness for HIV and AIDS through mobile medical camps.
"Searching in the Dark" for the Credit Switch (2006)
Will microfinance offered as part of integrated rural development projects help improve credit access?
Beyond RRB Amalgamation Myths (2007)
Myths on which the logic of regional rural banks amalgamation is based.
Smart Regulation for Inclusion (2008)
Importance of providing regulatory regime enabling MFIs to operate in an legitimacy environment
MIS Automation Guide for Philippine Microfinance Institutions (MIS Menu): Draft 2 (2008)
Attempts to put together the demand (MFI needs) and supply (systems available in the market)
The MicroBanking Bulletin Issue #16 (2008)
Performance analysis & benchmarking source for microfinance industry by the MIX
Microinsurance for Markets Affected by HIV/AIDS (Microfinance and HIV/AIDS NOTE #3) (2008)
Challenges and risks inherent in serving microinsurance to communities with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
The MicroBanking Bulletin Issue #13 (2006)
Managing transformations and introducing innovation, in the microfinance sector while reinforcing commitment to the clients.
The MicroBanking Bulletin Issue #14 (2007)
Performance analysis & benchmarking source for microfinance industry by the MIX
Managing Microfinance Risks: Some Observations and Suggestions (2008)
Need for embedding risk management into institutional culture and values
The MicroBanking Bulletin Issue #15 (2007)
This issue of the bulletin focuses on the future of the microfinance sector.
Child Savings Account: Global Trends in Design and Practice (2008)
Overview of the global landscape of CSAs in their various forms.
Child Savings Account: A Primer (2008)
Importance of Child Savings Account (CSA) in child's development
Global Savings, Assets & Financial Inclusion: Lessons, Challenges & Directions (2007)
Report from Global Symposium June 2007
Benchmarking Microfinance in Eastern Europe and Central Asia 2006 (2007)
An in-depth analysis on the performance of microfinance providers.
Leveraging Remittances with Microfinance: Indonesia Country Report (2007)
Key policy recommendations for leveraging migrant remittances.
Benchmarking Mexican Microfinance: Performance and Transparency in a Growing Industry (2007)
Compares MFIs performance in Mexico with their peers in the Latin America region, as well as with each other.
Benchmarking Azerbaijan Microfinance 2006 (2008)
An in-depth analysis on the performance of microfinance providers in Azerbaijan.
Leveraging Remittances with Microfinance: Timor Leste Country Report (2007)
Assesses the impact of remittances on the livelihoods of the poor.
Leveraging Remittances with Microfinance: Samoa Country Report (2007)
How MFIs can enhance the developmental impact of remittances into Samoan households?
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Remittance - Fiji (2007)
Assesses remittances regulatory framework in Fiji and suggests mechanisms to make it more efficient.
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Remittance - Samoa (2007)
Assesses the remittances regulatory framework in Samoa and suggests mechanisms to make it more efficient.
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Remittance – Timor Leste (2007)
Assesses remittances regulatory framework in Timor Leste and suggests mechanisms to make it more efficient.
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Remittance - Indonesia (2007)
Assesses remittances regulatory framework in Indonesia and suggests mechanisms to make it more efficient.
Handbook for the Analysis of the Governance of Microfinance Institutions (2006)
How MFIs governance challenges be addressed?
Reducing Adolescent Girls' Vulnerability to HIV Infection: Examining Microfinance and Sustainable Livelihood Approaches (2008)
Can microfinance programs mitigate poverty as a risk factor for HIV?
Microfinance’s Impact on Education, Poverty, and Empowerment: A Case Study from the Bolivian Altiplano (2008)
How microcredit impacts families economically and domestically?
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Remittance - Philippines (2007)
Assesses remittances regulatory framework in Philippines and suggests mechanisms to make it more efficient.
Does Self Help Group Participation Lead to Asset Creation (2008)
Evaluates the long term impact of microcredit membership.
Financial Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: Review and Lessons (2008)
Draws lessons on best practices in financial inclusion and proposes reforms for policy design.
Business Training: Impact and Experiment on Product Design (2008)
Impact of training course on business and financial skills for self-employed women in Ahmedabad.
Challenges of Introducing Individual Lending in India (MicroSave India Focus Note 14) (2008)
Need to contextualize lessons while graduating from group lending to individual lending.
CIDA's Microfinance Guidelines: Supporting the Development of Inclusive Financial Systems (2007)
Guidelines aimed primarily to advice CIDA officers and improve microfinance programming effectiveness.
Developing Mobile Money Ecosystems (2008)
Conference proceedings from the first Mobile Money Summit held in May 14-15, 2008 in Cairo, Egypt
Banking Through Networks of Retail Agents (Focus Note No. 47) (2008)
Do banks need to adapt their systems to efficient transactional environment and build scalable, flexible retail networks?
Addressing Board Challenges (2007)
How important is the role of board directors and management members within the governance structure?
Winning Strategies for Small Business Lending (2008)
Analysis of strategies adopted by financial institutions able to achieve profitable and sizeable small business lending portfolios.
Syria: Microfinance Market Assessment (2008)
Recommendations to bridge demand-supply gap and improve financial services access in Syria.
Lebanon: A Diagnostic Study on the Demand for Financial Services by Micro and Small Enterprises (2008)
Analysis of demand-supply gap in financial services in Lebanon.
A Microfinance Institution Expands its Services to Protect Clients’ Health (2008)
Has Bolivian MFI CRECER succeeded in achieving the double bottom line by expanding health protection services?
Microfinance as an Instrument for Small Enterprise Development: Opportunities and Constraints (2004)
This document highlights the key findings of an impact assessment survey of microfinance conducted in Hambantota and Moneragala Districts.
Enhancing the Impact of Microfinance: Client Demand for Health Protection Services on Three Continents (2008)
Potential of microfinance as a platform for delivery of complementary health services.
The Microfinance Evolution Toward MSME Lending: Lessons from Pakistan (2008)
Impact of small enterprise lending by MFIs in Pakistan
Operational Guidelines for Sustainable Housing Microfinance (2008)
Practical guidance for MFIs in providing housing finance.
An Indian Microfinance Institution Meets Clients’ Health-Related Needs (2008)
Bandhan in India demonstrates the positive impact that sustainably delivered health protection services can have on institutional competitiveness.
A Microfinance Institution Offers Health Protection Services to Reach New Markets (2008)
PADME Benin expands health protection services to reach more microentrepreneurs in new markets and enhance its own competitive position.
Credit Union Regulation and Supervision: Technical Guide (2008)
WOCCU's experiences in developing suitable regulatory systems and supervisory frameworks.
Reimagining Microfinance (2008)
Redefining the dichotomy between commercial and pro-poor microfinance.
Laos: Regulation for Savings and Credit Unions (2008)
Directive issued by the Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR regulating the establishment and operations of Savings and Credit Unions.
Laos: Regulation for Deposit-Taking MFIs (2008)
Directive issued by the Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR on establishment and operations of deposit-taking MFIs.
Laos: Regulation for Non-Deposit Taking Microfinance Institutions (2008)
Directive regulating the establishment and operations of non-deposit taking MFIs in Laos.
2007 CGAP Regional Funder Survey: Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
Results of CGAP survey of funder projects, specific country activities, and funding instruments
National Microfinance Strategies (2008)
Benefits and challenges of developing country-level microfinance strategies.
Banco Compartamos: Market Leadership Sustained by Superior Efficiency (2008)
Assessment of Banco Compartamos from an equity market perspective.
Creating Value for All: Strategies for Doing Business with the Poor (2008)
Case studies demonstrating the successful pursuit of both profits and social impact by the private sector.
Banking on Mobiles: Why, How, for Whom? (Focus Note No. 48) (2008)
Can banks tap the potential of mobile phones for providing greater financial access to the poor?
Implementing FATF Standards in Developing Countries and Financial Inclusion: Findings and Guidelines (2008)
Impacts of implementing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) controls on financial inclusion in five countries.
Pakistan: Country Level Savings Assessment (2008)
Strategies for improving deposit services available to low-income households in Pakistan.
India's MFI Transparency Gap: What Causes it and What Should be Done about it? (2008)
How should regulators respond to the transparency deficit in microfinance operations?
Manual on Loan Policy & Procedure for Non-bank Financial Organizations Established Under the World Bank Funded Farm Privatization Support Project Tajikistan (2005)
Credit Appraisal for Non-Banking Financial Organizations in Tajikistan, Central Asia
An Enabling Regulatory Environment for Microinsurance (2006)
This paper highlights the barriers in existing regulatory framework for microinsurance and preliminary insights from some countries to deal with them.
Regulation on the Principles and Procedures Related to the Determination of the Loans and Other Receivables for which Provisions Shall be Set Aside by Banks and to the Provisions to be Set Aside (2001)
The Nature of Poverty and its Prospects: Pakistan Evidence (2008)
Poverty reduction strategies and implications in Pakistan.
Planning for Cost Effective Evaluation with Evaluability Assessment (2008)
Explanation of steps involved in conducting an evaluability assessment to carry out a cost-effective impact assessment.
Developing Human Capital in Mexico (Note from the Field) (2008)
Challenges of generating skilled talent for the microfinance sector.
The Impact of Training on Women's Micro-Enterprise Development (2000)
This paper summarizes the findings of study undertaken to measure impact of training on women against income, access and control of resources, status, and quality of life.
Supporting Women's ICT-Based Enterprises: A Handbook for Agencies in Development (2005)
A manual to help promote, initiate and improve women's ICT-based micro and small enterprise.
Savings Behaviour of Poor People in the North East of India (MicroSave India Focus Note 13) (2008)
Tracing the importance of wider access to formal savings channels for low-income households.
Moral Hazard and Peer Monitoring in a Laboratory Microfinance Experiment (2008)
Aspects of group lending schemes, using controlled experimental methods.
Benchmarking Nepal’s Microfinance Banks 2006 (2008)
Tracing the rapid development of Nepal's microfinance sector despite political unrest.
Transforming NGO MFIs: Critical Ownership Issues to Consider (Occasional Paper No. 13) (2008)
Insights on ownership-related issues for NGO-MFI transforming into a for-profit institution
Poverty and Social Impact Assessment: Pakistan Microfinance Policy - Final Report (2006)
This study reviews the microfinance sector in Pakistan from a policy perspective.
Summary of the Poverty and Social Impact Assessment: Pakistan Microfinance Policy - Briefing Note (2006)
Is the microfinance sector in Pakistan ready and able to scale up?
"You Cannot Save Alone": Financial and Social Mobilisation in Savings and Credit Groups (2007)
The study offers an insight into the dynamics of group formation, as experienced in the provision of microfinance services.
Inventory of Microfinance Activities Supported by Norway (2006)
This study is an overview of microfinance projects supported by Norad and draws lessons from the ongoing support.
Expanding the Role of Microfinance in Promoting Renewable Energy Access in Developing Countries (2006)
How microfinance institutions can facilitate the implementation of renewable energy initiatives?
Statistical Analysis of Rainfall Insurance Payouts in Southern India (2007)
This paper studies the payout data of rainfall insurance contracts and discusses its implications.
Taking Stock of Investors’ Perceptions of the Social Rating (microREPORT #98) (2008)
How do social investors view the social rating tools developed for the microfinance market?
MFI Financing Strategy: Guidelines and Template (microREPORT #89) (2007)
This guide outlines steps that MFIs should take while sourcing capital from the market.
Introducing Rural Finance into an Urban Microfinance Institution: The Example of Banco Procredit, El Salvador (2007)
Paper presented at FAO, the Ford Foundation, and IFAD’s conference on rural finance research "Moving Results into Policies and Practice", March19-21, 2007, Rome, Italy.
Organisational Review of Strømme Foundation (2003)
This report carries out performance assessment of Strømme Foundation and provides recommendations for its developmental efforts.
Making Insurance Work for the Poor (Microinsurance Conference 2007) (2007)
Summary of discussions & findings from microinsurance conference organized by CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance, the Munich Re Foundation, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, November 13-15, 2007, India.
A Microfinance Institution Offers Services to Protect Clients' Health in Burkina Faso (2008)
Local context that led to health protection services for Réseau des Caisses Populaires microfinance clients
An MFI Tests a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Clients’ Healthcare Needs in the Philippines (2008)
Design and implementation of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development's health protection services.
Role of Microfinance in Poverty Alleviation: Lessons from Selected IDB Member Countries (2008)
The strategy for poverty alleviation through microenterprise development in member countries of the Islamic Development Bank.
Islam, Poverty and Micro Finance "Best Practices" (2008)
Commonality between the Islamic goal of poverty alleviation and microfinance best practices.
Islamic Microfinance Development: Challenges and Initiatives (2008)
Islamic microfinance at the micro, meso and macro level.
Savings Glossary (2005)
Glossary on savings adapted from "Saving Operations for the Poor: An Operational Guide."
Microfinance Institutions - Factors in Risk Assessment (2008)
Fitch's rating criteria for MFIs
The Microfinance Sector: Its Success Could be its Biggest Risk (2008)
Will transformation encourage mission drift in MFIs?
Savings Frequently Asked Questions (2005)
FAQs on savings adapted from "Saving Operations for the Poor: An Operational Guide."
CGAP Study on Self-Help Groups in India (2007)
Brief on CGAP's two-part study examining the financial viability of SHGs
CGAP-MicroSave Virtual Savings Exchange Report (2005)
Summary of discussions from Virtual Savings Exchange conference on the challenges of mobilizing small deposits
Financial Services for Low-Income People in Russia: New Challenges of the Economic Boom (2008)
Does Russia need a separate law on microlending?
Who Are the Microenterprise Owners? Evidence from Sri Lanka on Tokman v. de Soto (2008)
Reasons for low microenterprise growth in Sri Lanka
Household Poverty: Addressing the Core of Microfinance (2003)
Has microfinance established its roots at household levels?
An Assessment of the Capacity and Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions: The Philippine Case (1997)
Constraints affecting MFI capacity and performance in the Philippines
Addressing Constraints in the Provision of Financial Services to MicSMEs and Poor Households (2001)
Role of policy environment in promoting market-based microfinance in the Philippines
A Microfinance Promise: To Provide the Poor Access to Finance Services (2003)
Advantages of market-oriented financial and credit policies
Impact of Microfinance on Rural Households in the Philippines (2008)
This paper studies the impacts of a microenterprise financing program in the Philippines.
Healing Fields Foundation: Case Study (2008)
Model and organizational structure of an Indian NGO working in health and microinsurance
Evolution of the Microinsurance Partner Agent Model: SHEPHERD Case Study (2008)
Potential evolution of a microinsurance partner-agent model through community-insurance linkage
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 14 (2007)
Regulatory innovations for an enabling microinsurance environment
Microinsurance: What Can Donors Do? (Microinsurance in Focus No. 8) (2008)
Tips to donors on supporting microinsurance
Claims Processing: Some General Comments (Microinsurance in Focus No. 9) (2008)
Microinsurance provider initiatives on facilitating claims process
Providing Insurance of Real Value to the Poor (Microinsurance in Focus No. 12) (2008)
Making a case for group micro-insurance
Facilitating an Appropriate Regulatory and Supervisory Environment for Microinsurance (Microinsurance Note #8) (2008)
The role of the supervisor in microinsurance
Microhealthinsurance Update , October 2005 (Issue2) (2005)
Functioning of micro health insurance schemes in rural India
Innovative Marketing in Peru: Helping Poor People Save (Brief) (2008)
Programmed savings among semi-urban poor in Peru
Housing Finance for the Poor in Morocco: Programs, Policies and Institutions (microREPORT #96) (2008)
Donor and government housing finance programs in Morocco
WWB Calí: Banco de Bogotá Loan Guarantee (microNOTE #41) (2007)
Role of loan guarantees in expanding funding bases of MFIs
Maximizing Choice: Diverse Approaches to the Challenge of Housing Microfinance (microREPORT #97) (2008)
Recent innovations in housing finance
Going to Scale with Housing Microfinance: The Role of Commercial Banks (microREPORT #92) (2008)
Housing microfinance as entry point for banks into microfinance
Visions of the Future of Microinsurance, and Thoughts on Getting There (Microinsurance Note #9) (2008)
Innovations to deliver microinsurance products to large numbers of low-income people
CGAP Final Report: Programmed Savings among Semi-Urban Poor (2008)
A study on clients of a municipal savings and loan institution enrolled for a long-term savings plan.
CGAP MENA Initiative Update - January - April 2008 (2008)
CGAP partner activities in the Middle East and North Africa
Crafting a Graduation Pathway for the Ultra Poor: Lessons and Evidence from a BRAC Programme (2008)
Can a grants-based approach create sustainable pathways out of ultra poverty?
The Role of Investors in Promoting Social Performance in Microfinance (European Dialogue No. 1) (2008)
Developments in social performance management in Europe
Banking on the Future: An Interview with Chandula Abeywickrema from Hatton National Bank in Sri Lanka (2007)
A discussion with Hatton National Bank’s Deputy General Manager on targeted savings products.
SHGs in India: An Interview with CS Reddy (2007)
SHG contribution in empowering women and providing services in rural areas
Delivering for Efficiency - 3 Case Studies on Cost–Efficient Delivery Mechanisms (2006)
Creative approaches used by MFIs for cost-efficient delivery mechanisms
Questions to Hugh Allen on Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLAs) (2007)
Potential of an open and transparent system managed by a self-selected women group
Managing for Profitability - Case Studies from DEPROSC Development Bank (DD Bank) in Nepal and Banco Caja Social (BCSC) in Columbia (2006)
Institutional efforts in managing operations profitably in challenging situations
Marketing for Trust - 4 Case Studies on Marketing Small–Balance Deposits (2006)
Institutional strategies for marketing deposit services to low-income clients
SHGs in India: Questions to Niraj Verma from the World Bank (2007)
Interview discusses the role of, potential and challenges faced by SHGs in India
Reaching More Savers: Q&A with Management and Staff of ACSI in Ethiopia (2006)
An overview of ACSI efforts in improving systems and processes to attract more savers
Selling Savings Services - Q&As with Experts (2006)
Highlights from a 24-hour Q&A session on marketing deposit services for the poor
Text-A-Deposit: Expanding Mobile-Phone Banking to Include Savings Services (2007)
A look at USAID's MABS program that facilitates mobile phone technology for remittances
Where are They Now? Learning from the Progress of Seven Microfinance Deposit–taking Institutions from 1996–2003 (2008)
This paper examines the success of small-balance savings institutions.
Working at Both Ends: Enhancing Supply and Demand for Savings Mobilization in Rural Uganda (2008)
Overview of USAID-funded program that promotes savings in rural Uganda
2007 MIX Asia 100: Ranking of Microfinance Institutions (2008)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Asian MFIs?
In-depth Analysis on the Access to and Suitability of the Loans (2004)
How are households empowered by credit from community-oriented financial intermediaries?
Rural Finance and Microfinance Development in Transition Countries in Southeast and East Asia (2003)
Issued related to development of microfinance in transition countries in Asia
Extent of Asset Accumulation of the Households (2004)
Does membership to community oriented financial intermediary help poor households accumulate assets?
Innovations as Response to Failures in Rural Financial Markets (2006)
A review of innovations in rural financial markets
The Role of other Economically Active Household Members in Poverty Alleviation (2004)
Does dependence on a single source of income increase a household’s chance of being poor?
Inverting the Pyramid - The Changing Face of Indian Microfinance (2007)
This report traces the evolution of Indian microfinance, gauges its performance and maps its future potential.
Poverty and Access to Microfinance with Gender Dimension (2003)
Benefits to members of community-oriented financial institutions in the Philippines
Is the Promise Being Fulfilled?...Microfinance in the Philippines: Status, Issues and Challenges (2004)
How can microfinance perform reach its full potential in the Philippines?
Efficiency and Gender Concerns: Issues Confronting the Philippine Credit Cooperatives (2003)
Analyzing implications of women’s participation on the efficiency of credit cooperatives in the Philippines.
Microfinance Lending for Small Water Projects and Output-Based Aid: The Experience So Far from Kenya (2005)
Using microfinance to enhance the sustainability of water and sanitation sector in Kenya
HiFi News (No.11) (2003)
This newsletter describes various initiatives that help the poor access funds for housing development activities.
Social Enterprise and Microenterprise: Understanding the Connection (FIELD Funder Guide Issue 11) (2008)
Can social enterprises learn from the experience of microenterprises?
Establishing a Credit Administration & Control Unit (MicroSave Briefing Note #61) (2008)
This handout demonstrates how to organize a Credit Administration Unit (CAU).
Benefits of Loan Portfolio Audit for MFIs (MicroSave Briefing Note #62) (2008)
This note highlights benefits of Loan Portfolio Audit for Indian MFIs.
The Market Led Revolution of Equity Bank (MicroSave Briefing Note #63) (2008)
A look at Equity Bank’s success factors
Housing Finance for the Poor: El Salvador (microREPORT #39) (2007)
What factors make housing finance effective for the poor?
Are We Overestimating Demand for Microloans? (2008)
This brief suggests reducing microcredit demand estimates.
Norms and Values of the Various Microfinance Institutions (2008)
How do norms and values affect MFI functioning?
Extending Financial Services with Banking Agents (2008)
How do banking agents in Brazil help poor people access financial services?
Microinsurance: What Can Donors Do? (2008)
Tips for donors to support microinsurance
Rosca Participation in Benin: A Commitment Issue (2008)
What motivates individuals to join rotating savings and credit associations in Benin?
Microfinance in Nigeria and the Prospects of Introducing its Islamic Version there in the Light of Selected Muslim Countries' Experience (2008)
Islamic microfinance or conventional microfinance – What works in Nigeria?
Transitions to Private Capital: Case Studies from the Liability Side of the Balance Sheet (microREPORT #99) (2007)
Differences in funding strategies of MFIs
The Pocantico Declaration (2008)
What paths do global microfinance leaders envision for microfinance?
Decree No.: 165/2007/NÐ-CP - Some Amendments and Supplements to the Decree No.: 28/2005/ND-CP Dated 09th March 2005 of the Government for Micro Finance Institutions Activity in Vietnam (2007)
This Decree amends the 2005 law on Microfinance Institutions activity in Vietnam.
Kenya: The Cooperative Societies Act (Amended), 2004 (2008)
This law contains provisions governing the establishment and functioning of co-operative societies in Kenya.
Republic of Turkey: Associations Law (2004)
This law sets out provisions relating to the activities, liabilities, and auditing of the branches and agencies of the non-profit organizations in Turkey.
Republic of Turkey: Law for Foundations (2003)
Directive governing the establishment and functioning of foundations in the Republic of Turkey.
Turkish Civil Code (2003)
This excerpt of the Turkish Civil Code provides rules governing associations and foundations.
Liquidity and Required Reserve Ratio (2007)
These tables show the required liquidity and reserve ratios for banks in Turkey, as of the 4th quarter of 2007.
Republic of Turkey: Law on Cooperatives (1996)
Directive containing provisions governing cooperatives in the Republic of Turkey.
Ethiopia: Licensing and Supervision of Banking Business Directives (1994)
Directive issued by National Bank of Ethiopia containing provisions governing the licensing and supervision of banking business.
Ethiopia: Licensing and Supervision of MFIs Directives (1996)
Law issued by National Bank of Ethiopia governing the licensing and supervision of MFIs in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia: Microfinance Country Scan (2007)
Development of microfinance in Ethiopia
Subprime Lending: Lessons for the Microfinance Industry (2008)
How can microfinance industry avoid becoming predatory?
Microfinance, Rural Livelihoods and Women's Empowerment in Uganda (2006)
Has microfinance brought about gender equality in Uganda?
Microfinance for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: An Introduction (2007)
Role of microfinance in water and sanitation sector
Microfinance Investments in Quality at Private Clinics in Uganda: A Case-control Study (2007)
Can microfinance loans improve access to health services in Uganda?
Strategic Guidelines for Sida Support to Market-Based Rural Poverty Reduction: Improving Income among Rural Poor (2004)
Guidelines for Sida to improve income levels of the rural poor
Poverty Reduction and Gender Equality: An Assessment of Sida's Country Reports and Evaluations in 1995-96 (1997)
Do Sida’s country reports pay attention to poverty reduction and gender equality?
Rural Development: A Summary of Sida's Experiences and Priorities (1999)
Sida’s role in rural development
Interview with Rene Azokli of PADME Benin (French) (2008)
Transcript of interview on Beninese television of former director of PADME
Housing Microfinance: Policy Recommendations for Sida's Programs (2004)
Lessons from Sida's experience in housing microfinance in Central America
Human Resource Challenges and Solutions in Microfinance - Survey Report (2008)
A report on human resource challenges in global microfinance
Rural Microfinance: Policy Recommendations for Sida's Programs (2004)
Sida’s activities in sustainable rural finance and institution-building
Support to the Microfinance Sector in Bolivia: Sida Evaluation 99/30 (1999)
How can Sida and IDB aid microfinance in Bolivia?
Is Microfinance a Good Poverty Alleviation Strategy? Evidence from Impact Assessment (2004)
What is the best way to use microfinance as a poverty reduction instrument?
Microfinance and Women's Empowerment: Evidence from the Self Help Group Bank Linkage Programme in India (2006)
What role does microfinance play in the empowerment of women?
Microfinance and the Millennium Development Goals in Pakistan: Impact Assessment using Propensity Score Matching (2008)
Can microfinance help achieve Millennium Development Goals?
Social Performance Map (2008)
Why does microfinance need to focus on the triple bottom line?
Prudential Regulations for Corporate/Commercial Banking (2008)
This document contains regulations for corporate and commercial banking in Pakistan.
Banking Options for Children in Situations of Vulnerability, Compounded by HIV/AIDS: Outcomes of a Study Conducted in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu (2007)
Lack of savings options for orphaned and vulnerable children in India
Microfinance in Russia: Benchmarks and Analysis 2006 (2008)
A look at the current state of Russian microfinance
The Credit-Deposit Ratio - Time for a Re-Think? (MicroSave India Focus Note 3) (2008)
Should Indian banks reduce their credit-deposit ratios?
Regulation #135: On Procedures Regulating Activities of Microcredit Deposit Organizations" (2008)
This regulation sets prudential requirements for Microcredit Deposit Organizations (MDOs) in Tajikistan.
Central Asia Benchmarking Report, 2006 (2008)
Trends in the Central Asian microfinance sector
PADME Benin: Statement by Rene Azokli (2008)
In this paper, the former director of PADME, Benin, asserts its independence as a private, legal entity.
Freedom from Hunger and Recent Developments at PADME in Benin (2008)
This paper expresses Freedom from Hunger’s support to the microfinance organization PADME in Benin.
Statement from Triodos on PADME Benin (2008)
Statement of support to PADME, Benin
Youth Microenterprise and Livelihoods: State of the Field - Lessons from the 2007 Global Youth Microenterprise Conference (2008)
How can the youth employment gap be decreased?
Private Sector Involvement/Mainstreaming - How Can the Private Sector Become More Engaged in Housing Finance Solutions for the Poor? (2008)
Leveraging private sector funding for low-income housing finance solutions.
Microfinance in Latin America and the Caribbean - 2008 Data Update (2008)
Growth of microfinance in Latin American region.
Report on Benin Council of Ministers Meeting (2008)
What decisions did the Benin Council of Ministers arrived on the PADME issue?
Report on Benin Council of Ministers Meeting (French) (2008)
Minutes from Benin Council of Ministers meeting March 5, 2008 to discuss PADME.
Recent Developments at Association PADME, a WWB Network Member (2008)
A statement of support from Women’s World Banking to PADME
Stemming the Tide of Mission Drift: Microfinance Transformations and the Double Bottom Line (Draft) (2008)
Is the influx of private capital into microfinance causing mission drift?
Sida’s Experience in Microfinance: A Review (2004)
SIDA’s role in microfinance and rural finance
Microfinance Activity in Philippines: Operational and Regulatory Challenges of the Microfinance Industry in the Philippines (2007)
Review of the new microfinance regulatory policy of the government of the Philippines.
The Current State of the Microfinance Industry and the Legal Issues and Challenges of Microfinance Institutions in Cambodia (2006)
Evolution of microfinance in Cambodia and suggestions for development of the sector.
Making Financial Markets Work for the Poor: Guidelines on Microfinance (2004)
Suggested course of action for donors in microfinance.
Microfinance Activity in Sri Lanka: A Comparison of the Draft Microfinance Institution Act with the Co-operative Societies Law Number 5 of 1972 and the Voluntary Social Services Organization Act of 1980 (2007)
The disadvantages of the proposed Sri Lankan Microfinance Act.
Recommendations for Commercial Insurers (Microinsurance in Focus No. 7) (2008)
How can microinsurers reach the low-income market?
FINCA Afghanistan's Special Edition Newsletter: 2007 at a Glance (2008)
This newsletter covers FINCA Afghanistan’s activities and financial and management reports.
Loss Prevention and Control (Microinsurance in Focus No. 6) (2007)
This note explains how microinsurers can help their clients prevent losses.
Organizational Development in Microinsurance (Microinsurance in Focus No. 5) (2007)
This paper suggests solutions to the problems of organizational development in microinsurance.
What Savings Products Do People Want? Short Exploratory Study in Tamil Nadu (2007)
This study identifies the savings products that poor people use and researches the kind of savings products that people are willing to use.
Exploratory Work in Orissa: Who is the Marginal Client for Microfinance? Why Do People Repay So Well? (Draft) (2006)
This paper analyzes repayment behavior of microfinance clients.
Competition and Multiple Borrowing in the Indian Microfinance Sector (2007)
Is multiple borrowing among MFIs in India a positive trend?
Housing Microfinance: Designing a Product for the Rural Poor (2007)
Can MFIs provide housing finance services to poor clients?
How Do Women in Mature SHGs Save and Invest Their Money? Evidence from Self-Help Groups in India (2007)
This paper examines credit behavior of SHG members.
CGAP 2007 Annual Report (2007)
Review of CGAP’s role and activities in microfinance in 2007.
Changing Social Institutions to Improve the Status of Women in Developing Countries (2005)
This paper explains the role of social institutions in empowering women.
How to Measure Social Performance? The Challenge of the Double Bottom Line in Nepal (2008)
Why is social performance management important for Nepalese MFIs?
Business Development Services for Female Microfinance Clients in Peru: A Randomised Impact Evaluation (2005)
This paper outlines the objectives and design of a business development services intervention in Peru.
Innovations in Nepal's Microfinance Sector and Benefits for Asia – A Case Study of Four Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies Operating in the Hills of Nepal (2004)
Impact assessment of Nepal’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies
Innovations in Nepal's Microfinance Sector and Benefits for Asia - A Review of the Lessons Learned from the Small Farmer Cooperatives Ltd. System (2004)
This paper derives lessons for microfinance from the farmer cooperatives in Nepal.
A Rapid Review of the Initial Impact of the Post Election Crisis in Kenya on the Microfinance Industry in Kenya and Some Potential Reponses (2008)
Impact of Kenya’s political crisis on its microfinance sector
Managing Growth of MFIs: ASA Bangladesh - Single-minded Growth (2008)
This paper describes ASA’s growth strategy.
Framing the Debate: Use of Family Remittances for Housing Finance (2007)
This paper addresses the potential of family remittances for housing.
Framing the Debate: Use of Guarantees for Housing Finance (2007)
This paper examines how guarantees can be used to finance housing for the poor.
The Microfinance Revolution: An Overview (2008)
Growth and development of microcredit and microfinance.
Performance Indicators for Microinsurance: A Handbook for Microinsurance Practitioners (2008)
This paper discusses principles and indicators for measuring microinsurance performance.
AMK, Cambodia: SPM in Practice (2008)
This study presents Cambodian MFI AMK’s framework to manage social performance.
CRECER, Bolivia: SPM in Practice (2008)
This paper describes the progress made by CRECER in managing social performance.
Fonkoze, Haiti: SPM in Practice (2008)
Key elements of Fonkoze’s social performance management system.
NWTF, Philippines: SPM in Practice (2008)
This study describes the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation’s (NWTF) experience in social performance management.
The Role of Staff Incentive Schemes in Balancing Social and Financial Goals: Evidence From Four MFIs (2008)
This paper examines staff incentive schemes of four MFIs: PRIZMA, BRAC, BancoSol and Equity Bank.
Designing Staff Incentive Schemes to Balance Social and Financial Goals (2006)
Role of effective staff incentive systems in helping organizations balance social and financial goals.
The Early Experience with Branchless Banking (CGAP Focus Note No. 46) (2008)
A review of key observations on branchless banking and analysis of future trends
Being Able to Make (Small) Deposits and Payments, Anywhere (CGAP Focus Note No. 45) (2008)
This paper proposes a new version of branchless banking.
MicroSave News, Views and Reviews (2008)
Periodic newsletter highlighting MicroSave India’s initiatives.
Value Chain Governance and Access to Finance: Maize, Sugar Cane and Sunflower Oil in Uganda (microNOTE #37) (2007)
Analysis of the influence of governance structures on value chain financing in Uganda.
The MicroSave-India Market-led Financial Services Programme (MicroSave India Focus Note 1) (2008)
An overview of MicroSave India’s program for Indian financial institutions.
Microfinance - Meeting The Challenges to Realise the Potential (MicroSave India Focus Note 2) (2008)
Growth potential of the Indian microfinance sector.
Morgan Stanley’s Approach to Assessing Credit Risks in the Microfinance Industry (2008)
This paper describes Morgan Stanley’s credit risk analysis process for MFIs.
Prizma, Bosnia: SPM in Practice (2008)
Prizma’s approach to social performance management.
Pro Mujer, Bolivia: SPM in Practice (2008)
This paper describes Pro Mujer’s approach to social performance management.
The Small Enterprise Foundation, South Africa: SPM in Practice (2008)
How are MFIs defining their strategies to achieve their social mission?
A Billion to Gain? The Next Phase - A Study on Global Financial Institutions and Microfinance (2008)
Increasing involvement of global banks in microfinance.
Pakistan Microfinance Review 2006: Shades of Growth (2007)
Tracing the growth of Pakistan’s microfinance sector.
Electronic Banking: The Next Revolution in Financial Access? (MicroSave India Focus Note 4) (2008)
Reasons for failures in e-banking initiatives in India and solutions for success
Microfinance is Not an Easy Business! (MicroSave India Focus Note 5) (2008)
This note recommends a growth trajectory for Indian microfinance.
Savings Services for the Poor - An Old Need and A New Opportunity for MFIs in India (MicroSave India Focus Note 6) (2008)
This note focuses on the business correspondent model of savings.
Information Systems: Implementation Guidelines - A Practical Guide to the Development Life Cycle of Microfinance Information Systems (2008)
This document presents guidelines to assist microfinance organizations in implementing information systems.
Ratio Analysis of Community-Managed Microfinance Programs (2008)
This paper emphasizes the need to develop a special set of ratios for community-managed microfinance programs.
Information Systems: Technology Dictionary (2008)
A dictionary of technical terms related to information systems in microfinance organization.
Are Loan Utilisation Checks Really Necessary? (MicroSave India Focus Note 7) (2008)
This paper suggests Indian MFIs to question the feasibility of their loan utilization checks.
What Does Competition Mean for Indian MFIs? (MicroSave India Focus Note 8) (2008)
This note derives lessons for Indian MFIs coping with a competitive environment.
Information Systems: Frequently Asked Questions (2008)
This document answers frequently asked questions on microfinance information systems.
The Urgent Need for Financial Reform to Mobilise Savings in Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
This paper recommends steps to mobilize savings effectively in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Capacity Building - Needs and Challenges in India (MicroSave India Focus Note 11) (2008)
This paper highlights the new challenges that Indian MFIs need to address.
Are There Lessons for India from Bangladesh? (MicroSave India Focus Note 12) (2008)
This paper suggests Indian microfinance to make strategic choices and learn from Bangladesh’s experience.
Credit Unions: Regulations Matrix (2008)
This paper outlines the characteristics of regulatory requirements for credit unions across different countries.
Republic of South Africa: Co-operative Banks Act 2007 (2008)
This Act presents regulations governing the formation and operation of cooperative banks in South Africa.
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Microfinance in Syria (2008)
This paper suggests factors that could help Syria make progress in microfinance.
Institutional Credit through Cooperatives in Maharashtra: A Region-wise Analysis (2008)
This paper recommends ways to rejuvenate the rural credit delivery system in Maharashtra in India.
Does Participation in Productive Associations Signal Trust and Creditworthiness? Evidence for Nicaragua (2008)
Benefits of membership of productive associations in Nicaragua
From Revolution to Evolution: Charting the Main Features of Microfinance 2.0 (2008)
This paper highlights the importance of innovation in public and private spheres for the future growth of the microfinance industry.
Promoting Institutional Innovations in Microfinance: Replicating Theories is Not Enough (2008)
This paper suggests institutional innovation is the key to providing useful services to the poor.
2005 State of Microfinance Industry in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) (2006)
This report assesses the performance of microfinance sector in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2005.
Empowering Women Via Microfinance in Fragile States (2008)
This paper examines the bias that microfinance programs show towards women borrowers.
Corporate Governance in Microfinance: Credit Unions (2008)
This paper suggests mechanisms to help credit unions improve governance.
From Exclusion to Inclusion through Microfinance - Critical Issues (2008)
This report suggests how microfinance can help overcome financial and social exclusion in the European Union.
From Exclusion to Inclusion through Microfinance (Policy Brief) (2007)
This paper recommends ways for European governments to develop inclusive financial systems.
Results of the Staff Incentive Survey Carried Out Within the Central Europe and Central Asia Region (2007)
This paper suggests that staff incentive systems in MFIs should be linked to organizational performance.
Microfinance Development in Uzbekistan (2005)
This report analyzes the current condition of microfinance in Uzbekistan and suggests that developing microfinance would be beneficial to the country.
Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals (2005)
This report presents an operational framework to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
2006: The State of Microfinance Industry in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (2007)
This report assesses the performance of the microfinance sector in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, following the regions’ transition to a market economy.
Housing Finance Development in Uzbekistan (Technical Note) (2007)
This paper provides an overview of housing finance in Uzbekistan.
Banking Sector Reforms and Co-operative Credit Institutions in India (2008)
The study discusses the problems of the rural cooperative credit delivery system in Maharashtra in India.
Foreign Capital Investment in Microfinance: Balancing Social and Financial Returns (CGAP Focus Note No. 44) (2008)
This focus note describes how private investors with a social and financial focus can benefit microfinance.
Model Regulations for Credit Unions (2008)
This paper presents model regulations for credit unions activities.
Reaching Remote Areas - A Case for North East India (MicroSave India Focus Note 9) (2008)
This note makes recommendations for MFIs in North-East India to increase their outreach.
Microfinance - Challenges and Response (MicroSave India Focus Note 10) (2008)
This note discusses stakeholders’ concerns about MFIs and suggests solutions.
Poor Peoples' Savings: Q&As with Experts (2006)
Compilation of experts’ views on savings demand, products, delivery models and policy issues.
CGAP MENA Initiative Update - September- December 2007 (2008)
This paper describes the activities and achievements of CGAP partners in the Middle East and North Africa.
Habitat for Humanity Vietnam Partnering with MFIs to Improve Housing for the Poor (microNOTE #35) (2007)
This study explores strategic considerations for MFIs and NGOs entering the housing finance market in Vietnam.
Impact Assessment of the Growth Oriented Micro-Enterprise Development Program (GMED) India (2008)
This paper describes a microenterprise development program in India and its intended impact assessment.
Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods: Lessons from Five Case Studies (2006)
This report documents local examples of successful livelihood promotions, from India.
Measuring the Performance and Achievement of Social Objectives of Development Finance Institutions (2008)
This paper proposes a new methodology for evaluating the performance of development finance institutions.
From NGOs to FFIs in Microfinance Services: Conversion Road Map and Its Challenges - Comparative Study of Nine Eastern European MFIs (2004)
This paper examines the motivation for the conversion of non-governmental organizations into regulated financial institutions.
Banking on Social Entrepreneurship: The Commercialization of Microfinance (2004)
This paper explains the convergence of social entrepreneurship and sustainable microfinance.
The Future of Housing Microfinance in the United States (2004)
This paper examines the prospects of housing microfinance in the United States.
The Ethics of Microfinance and Cooperation (2007)
This paper contrasts the ethical principles of the microfinance movement with those of cooperatives
Targeting Efficiency: How Well Can We Identify the Poor? (2007)
This paper argues that effective identification of the target population is crucial to the success of aid programs.
Bounds on Repayment Behavior: Evidence for the Consumer Credit Market (2007)
This study investigates the effect of judicial enforcement and of informal credit on repayment of household loans.
Credit Union Transactions Cross Borders (Note from the Field) (2008)
This note profiles a shared network that connects credit union members in the United States and Ecuador.
Development of a BDS Market in Rural Himalayas (microREPORT#85) (2007)
This report examines the impact of business development services for micro dairy farmers in Uttarakhand, India.
Commercial Banks in Microfinance: Best Practices and Guidelines for Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (2007)
This paper highlights the importance of following best practices for successfully serving the microfinance sector
Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment in Latin America 2007 (2007)
This study presents highlights of the microfinance business environment in 15 Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Evaluation of Africap Microfinance Fund (microREPORT #84)