Best Practices in Microfinance: evidences from the International Award. Turin I September 19th 2013

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Edward Atkins
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1 Best Practices in Microfinance: evidences from the International Award Turin I September 19th

2 About us An endowed foundation constituted under the Italian law in July 1977 but operating since 1967 (FINAFRICA). Fondazione CARIPLO and Fondazione CRT are respectively founder and co-founder. Since 2006 the Foundation focuses its activities on the microfinance and financial inclusion sector, not as financial provider but as service provider to Italian actors working in Italy or abroad. Since 2008 it is member of the Italian Microfinance Network - RITMI, of the European Microfinance Network, and the European Microfinance Platform. Since 2012 the Foundation is the Operative Secretary of the Italian Microfinance Network. 2

Since 2006 the Foundation focuses its activities on the microfinance and financial inclusion sector, not as financial provider but as service provider to

Mission and vision Mission To activate and catalyze the skills and resources of Italian Actors in order to develop projects and methods of intervention in the microfinance sector, both in

3 Mission and vision Mission To activate and catalyze the skills and resources of Italian Actors in order to develop projects and methods of intervention in the microfinance sector, both in industrialized and developing countries, in compliancy with consolidated best practices and able to contribute significantly to the development and innovation of the microfinance sector. Vision To become the structure of reference in Italy for all the actors that want to access to information, ideas, trend and to get support for the development of their activities within the microfinance sector. The central idea of the new strategic positioning of the foundation is to become a supporting platform for the design and implementation of microfinance projects in the North and South of the world in line with the best practices of the sector, facilitating the exchange and the cooperation among different actors of the sector. 3

Vision To become the structure of reference in Italy for all the actors that want to access to information, ideas, trend and to get support for the development of their activities within the

authorities and Public institutions (Ministries, Public authorities, etc.

4 Target The Foundations activities address a wide range of Italian microfinance actors, among which: Bank foundations and other foundations; NGOs and associations; Banks and financial institutions; Local authorities and Public institutions (Ministries, Public authorities, etc.); Networks; Italian microfinance institutions; Services providers (consultancy, training, etc.); Universities and research centres. 4

5 Main lines of activity Giordano Dell Amore Microfinance Award Workshops Projects Training Support to Networks Building Other 5

The Awards Since 2009 The Award has 3 main purposes: to increase the understanding of the importance of microfinance among the public as a tool to favour the economic initiatives of people excluded

6 The Awards Since 2009 The Award has 3 main purposes: to increase the understanding of the importance of microfinance among the public as a tool to favour the economic initiatives of people excluded from the traditional financial system; to promote moments of reflection, in-depth examination and exchange of experiences favouring a way for growth and professionalization; to spread the best practices able to conciliate innovation and sustainability in order to allow the replicability. Europe Award International Award 6

of reflection, in-depth examination and exchange of experiences favouring a way for growth and professionalization; to spread the

7 The International Award Open to any institution or organization from any developing or transition country outside Europe involved in the delivery of microfinance and related services. Organized every two years and focuses on central topics for the development of the microfinance sector. The selection of the 5 finalist institutions as well as the winner, which receives , is realized by the Award Committee composed by international experts accordingly 4 criteria: innovation, sustainability, 57 impact and replicability. During the last two editions the Foundation received a total of 97 candidatures from 60 countries Latin America and Caribbean Africa Asia TOTAL 7

The selection of the 5 finalist institutions as well as the winner, which receives 50.

8 Best practices in microfinance To evidence different aspects considered as best practices based on the analysis of the experiences of the 10 of the International Award. The main characteristics of the ten experiences are: MFIs are actives since 90s. Most of MFIs offer financial services (microloans but also microsavings, microinsurance and fund transfer) and no financial services including groups organization, animation and training as well as business development services or other social services. MFIs are small or medium-size. The average portfolio (excluding minimum and maximum value) is less than with around clients. The average loan size ranges from 100 to with a majority of less than 500 showing the commitment to serving the really poor segments of the population located especially in rural area. 8

Most of MFIs offer financial services (microloans but also microsavings, microinsurance and fund transfer) and no financial services including groups organization, animation and training as well as

9 Best practices in microfinance INNOVATION Main innovative elements emerged: Clients characteristics. Social Performance Management. Innovative financial systems. SUSTAINABILITY Main strategies to achieve it: Decentralization model. ƒuse of technologies. Design of products able to quick reach scale. 9

Best practices in microfinance IMPACT MFIs are deeply concerned about it. Usage of different monitoring systems. Main focuses for assessments: Client s economic and noeconomic situation.

10 Best practices in microfinance IMPACT MFIs are deeply concerned about it. Usage of different monitoring systems. Main focuses for assessments: Client s economic and noeconomic situation. Institution as a whole. Environment. Society. REPLICATION Need time, determination and resources to ensure proper understanding and thus successful execution. Sometimes the same MFI provides Technical Assistance. 10

Main focuses for assessments: Client s economic and noeconomic situation. Institution as a whole.

This role can be improved adapting the methodologies and systems to the

11 Best practices in microfinance CONCLUSION Microfinance represents a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. This role can be improved adapting the methodologies and systems to the clients needs as well as assessing the impact of microfinance on the lives of the microentrepreneurs. 11

org non disinteressarsi di creare nuove basi alla comunità dei

12 Maria Cristina Negro Fondazione Giordano Dell Amore Via Andegari 18, Milano non disinteressarsi di creare nuove basi alla comunità dei popoli, assise sui principi della solidarietà umana Giordano Dell'Amore. 12

Immigrants/ethnic minorities

Immigrants/ethnic minorities Microcredit Foundation Horizonti Innovative approaches for providing sustainable financial services to the Roma community - Republic of Macedonia Objective: provide sustainable