Thursday, March 5, 2009

SKS MICROFINANCE INKED DEAL WITH ICICI BANK VIA SECURITISATION ROUTE

SKS MICROFINANCE, LEADING MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATION IN INDIA HAD CLOSED THE DEAL WITH ICICI BANK OF 200 CRORES THROGH SECURITISATION ROUTE.


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Microfinance firms set to overtake IT as VC favourite

Clearly the article published in Financial Chronicle reiterates that Microfinance is the hot favorite of Venture Capitalist. The IT sector is facing the heat of Slowdown and financing in future.




Thursday, January 29, 2009

MFIs in India- A comparative study

With a combined client base of 1,40,68645 & total outstanding of Rs 61,241,156,410 (Upto 31st March 2008) MFIs in India have really entered into a transition phase, wherein they are running their shoulders with the best in industry round the globe. This has been proved in MIX and Forbes study of "Best MFIs" ranking which were based on different parameters ranging from transparency to operational efficiency. This transition however needs a focused study to fully acknowledge the form,outreach and the very impact it has on the microfinance sector and the possibilities that lies ahead. Starting with the form of these institutes which is of interest not only to the promoters or the incubators of such microfinance institutes but also to the funders and the regulators alike. The study provides a deeper insight on as to how the transition for MFIs from a nascent pahse to their existing forms has shaped their agenda and resources. According to a market study NBFCs accounts for 59.7% ,Society 18.8%, Sec. 25 companies 11.6%, Trust 6.8% and others 3.1% of the total microfinance market based on total loan portfolio.
(Source: Microfinance Sector Report 2008)

The growth story of MFIs in India not only contradicts the so called BPL sticked image of microfinance but also questions the very viability of the very principle, as to whether it reaches those who needs it the most. The growth of microfinance industry states a story of success in the southern region, which is often referred to as the "Cradle of Microfinance industry in India" while it sings a contrary tune when it comes to the BIMARU states of our country having high BPL population and a poor growth rate. Southern region lies way ahead with 66% of the total MFIs client base and 75% of the total loan portfolio followed by Eastern region with 21% & 15%,Western region 9% & 4% and Northern region with a meagre share of 4% & 6% of the total pie (Source: Microfinance Sector Report 2008)

A detailed state wise study will throw a better light on the true picture of the cracks hidden behind the stupendous growth of MFIs in India and asks questions which needs answers as early as possible. So that those who have been a part of this transition could relish the fruits of their effort and wherein all the tantrums being backed by sound logic and a true feeling of accomplishment round across the country gives this transition a push to transform into a much needed revolution for our country.

Important points-

- 80% of the MFIs clients were women.
->75% of the MFIs clients have received less than Rs 10000.
-10% of the total no. of MFIs (Which were the largest) accounted for 76% of all clients.

- 82% of the MFIs clients and the total outstanding is accounted by six states only i.e AP, Karnatka,Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Maharashtra & W. Bengal(SA -DHAN study of 223 MFIs).


- Out of 47 MFIs present in more than 1 state
6 MFIs- Presence in more than 5 states
19 MFIs- Presence in 3-5 states
22 MFIs- Presence in 2 states


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Microfinance Forum 2009 to Take Place in Vienna


NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Vienna, Austria, 01/07/2009 - Uniglobal Research today announced that this year's Microfinance Forum will take place in Hotel Intercontinental Vienna on 19-20 March. Following the huge success of last year's forum in Budapest the event promises to be the major industry meeting point.

Banks have started to consider a closer link between their micro-finance-oriented products and their "normal" business. There is increasing commitment to microfinance, greater variety in microfinance products and a closer focus on the market.

The upcoming premier World Private Banking conference in Vienna organized by Uniglobal Research will bring together top representatives of the microfinance and banking environment as well as microfinance networks from all around the world. This is the place to learn from and share strategies with other professionals as well as to extend your network.

Last years event allowed for a unique networking opportunity with leading experts from financial institutions across the globe discussing key strategies.

Key issues to be addressed:


• How global trends & imbalances are affecting Microfinance;
• Successful business models in low income markets;
• Including the world's poor as investors, producers, sellers and buyers;
• Common standards for the Microfinance industry?;
• Mobile Banking for the Poor;
• Retail Microfinance;
• Micro (life) insurance.

The forum will include contributions from leading institutions such as:


• Deutsche Bank, Germany
• Finca International, Ukraine
• Habitat for Humanity, Slovakia
• IFC (International Finance Corporation), Turkey
• IPC (Internationale Projekt Consult GmbH), China
• International Labour Organization, Switzerland
• KfW (Kreditananstalt fuer Wiederaufbau), Germany
• MFC (Microfinance Center for CEE and CIS), Poland
• Microdevelopment Fund, Serbia
• Planet Guarantee, France
• Planis, France
• Turkish Grameen Microcredit Project, Turkey
• Zurich Insurance, Switzerland

Who should attend:
• MFI's

• NGO's
• Commercial Banks
• Educational and Research Institutions
• Public Sector Leaders
• Donor Agency Executives
• Civil Society Organization Representatives
• Development Agencies
• Microfinance Technology Providers
• Charities

Your takeaway:


• Learn about the current activities and future plans of international commercial banks with regard to microfinance;
• Capture lessons from relevant project experience;
• Gain a unique perspective on how to align social issues with corporate strategy.

About Uniglobal Research


Prague-based Business Intelligence Provider Uniglobal Reseach is at the forefront of linking business with information. All its events are research driven and highly targeted towards senior level professionals, designed to help you make informed decisions and remain at the cutting edge of business information. Uniglobal Resarch events focus on knowledge expansion, networking but most importantly maximizing deal-making opportunities for all our executive clients.