CGAP Review of Bankers Realm MFO, v. 1 (Craft Silicon)

The following review was conducted in 2003. CGAP is currently performing a new set of software reviews.

SUMMARY

Bankers Realm is a newly designed banking application, based on the vendor’s previous experience
serving the microfinance market. Comprehensive, integrated modules cover loan, savings, accounting,
and client information. It handles both individual and group lending; supports multiple currencies, and is
offered in several languages. Bankers Realm can manage substantial transaction volumes in real time.
Most existing users have decentralized branch networks that operate independently; some clients are
moving towards a centralized configuration. Bankers Realm has a consistent, well-designed user interface
and a good suite of reports, although lack of technical documentation makes it hard to customize reports.
Users in the East African region, where the vendor is based, have praised the vendor’s response to
problems outside normal working hours, but are less satisfied with upgrades and timeliness of
customization. The software has been redesigned to exploit features of enterprise level databases using a
client-centric approach. This is a nicely priced option that includes training and consulting, with no
hidden extras during initial installation. NGOs that do not need or cannot afford all the features can
request the bundled microfinance options which are available at lower cost (called the MFO option).
 

To read the complete 2003 CGAP software review for this product, click here.