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January 28, 2013
Microfinance in Philippines growing on the back of mobile phones
Official data shows that there is a rise in use of microfinance through mobile banking. This rise of 58 per cent highlights the potential and need for microfinance in Philippines. Read more here.
January 28, 2013
Global microfinance portfolio on the decline
According to a study conducted by the research wing of Deutsche Bank AG, the portfolio quality of MFIs is deteriorating. According to this report, “the rise in delinquencies went along with a decline in MFI profits and a sharp fall in asset growth rates”. Read more here.
January 28, 2013
Nigerian microfinance banks to get new rules
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to launch a new set of rules, and all MFIs and microfinance banks are to operate under this new set of rules. The “Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Micro-Finance Banks (MFBs)” aims to streamline the process of leveraging microfinance, through MFBs, […]
January 28, 2013
Microfinance in India – will mobile micropayments work?
Microfinance exists to cushion poorer families against the risks of daily uneven cashflows. The challenge of minimising the cost of providing this cushion, is then the core problem in delivering services at a cheaper rate. This post evaluates whether India is in a position to leverage technology in cutting costs […]
January 28, 2013
Microfinance and its Discontents – A mini review
This is yet another book that counters the pro-microfinance campaign, that microfinance only acts as a silver bullet that gets rid of poverty. Read more here.
January 28, 2013
Microfinance in India: ‘Road to Redemption’
Despite the public failure of SKS Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh in 2010, the microfinance industry is starting to gain the confidence of investors and banks, according to this Economist post. The industry is starting to revive, with the central role played by regulators this time. Microlenders are attracting capital, and […]
January 28, 2013
Philippines: Microfinance Development Programme
This report by the ADB is an evaluation of the Microfinance Development Programme for the Philippines that it approved in 2005. This programme, concluded as of 2007 is rated successful. Read the details here, and read the evaluation report here.
January 28, 2013
India: NIC to launch INR 50 billion VC fund for innovation
According to Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister on public information infrastructure and innovation, the National Innovation Council will be launching a new venture capital fund to the tune of INR 50 billion, by this March. This fund’s seed capital consists of government backed finances, but it will be […]
January 28, 2013
India: Lok Capital buys minority stake in social enterprise Drishti
Lok Capital, one of the known impact investment funds in India, and one which has the support of the Rockefeller Foundation, has recently bought a minority stake in Drishti. Drishti is a social enterprise which excels in providing low cost quality eye care to the underserved and poor population of […]
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GST 2.0 and Tax Cuts: Can They Make Growth Fairer and Greener?
India's latest GST reform, being termed as GST 2.0, is more than just slashing rates. By simplifying the tax structure, cutting levies on essentials, and supporting renewable infrastructure, it's open..
Reimagining Sports in CSR: From Tokenism to a Vehicle for Multiplying Impact
In 2023–24, Indian companies spent about ₹1,396 crore of their CSR budgets on sports — just 4% of the total ₹34,909 crore Indian corporates spent on CSR that year. Most of the rest went to edu..
Interactive SHG Map of India: 7.5 million Women Self Help Groups are spread across 27 States and 6 UTs in India
Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), India has 7.5 million Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) spread across 27 states and 6 Union Territories. Each of these small, self-governed, and peer-co..