China Rapid Finance to triple number of users on its consumer lending platform
Fonte: South China Morning Post
Tipo: Article
Autore: N/A
08-gen-17
China Rapid Finance (CRF), the mainland’s largest online consumer lending platform, is looking to triple the number of users this year as it looks to create a business on par with a major commercial bank’s credit card division. Zane Wang Zhengyu, founder and chief executive of CRF, told the South China Morning Post that the company would be impervious to the challenges facing other peer to peer (P2P) operators on the mainland, and would continue to bolster its microcredit businesses in accordance with Beijing’s financial reforms.
RON 4.5 million loan will increase access to finance for small farmers in Romania
Fonte: EFSE
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
23-dic-16
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) has lent RON 4.5 million (EUR 1 million) to Patria Credit IFN SA to finance micro and small agricultural businesses and farmers in rural Romania. EFSE Board Chairman Christoph Tiskens said: “The EFSE’s latest investment in Patria Credit marks a decade of successful partnership and an ongoing joint effort of supporting small farms and businesses to create and sustain jobs in rural Romania.” Patria Credit General Manager Marian Tetici said: “We are very committed to the long term and successful partnership with EFSE and to building further towards financial inclusion, local development and the growth of small companies and individuals in the rural areas of our country.”
EIF and European Commission launch new capacity building initiative for microcredit and social finance providers
Fonte: EU-EIF
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
22-dic-17
The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Commission are announcing a new initiative to help microcredit and social enterprise finance providers develop their businesses under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). The new ‘EaSI Capacity Building Investments Window’ will reinforce the capacity of selected financial intermediaries in the areas of microfinance and social enterprise finance. Through equity investments (such as seed financing, risk capital) mostly, EIF will support the development of these finance providers, for instance by opening a new branch, investing in human resources, developing a new IT tool or financing certain expenses. Ultimately, these investments will help increase the offer and opportunities for micro-borrowers and social enterprises.
Microcredit isn’t dead
Fonte: The Washington Post
Tipo: Article
Autore: Robert Gebelhoff
12-dic-16
Nuance in the data points to hope that microcredit has a place yet in development economics. Paired with other development tools that economists are raving about — such as giving grants directly to impoverished communities — microlending can offer a sustainable investment option for small entrepreneurs, leading to a renewal in its mission to fight extreme poverty.
A microfinance program for women working in sex work: Does it impact women’s experiences of violence?
Fonte: BIO MED Central
Tipo: Blog article
Autore: Laura Cordisco Tsai
10-dic-16
Researchers and practitioners have looked to microfinance programs as one approach to promote economic security and reduce sexual risk behavior of women working in sex work. However, concern exists about the impact of microfinance participation on women’s risk for violence. Some research studies have found that participating in microfinance programs heightens women’s risk for violence, while others have found that microfinance participation protects women from violence. The impact of microfinance participation on women’s experiences of violence appears to vary per the cultural context.
European microfinance sector reached outstanding gross microloan portfolio of EUR 2.5 billion in 2015, serving 747,265 active borrowers.
Fonte: EMN
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
05-dic-16
Data shows that microfinance in Europe is gradually being consolidated as an essential tool of social policy for the promotion of self-employment, microenterprise support and the fight against social and financial exclusion. Going beyond the figures, there are in fact men and women who are willing to take control of their futures with the help of microfinance institutions
NEW Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE)!
Fonte: Linkedin
Tipo: Article
Autore: Monica Rita Salgado Fernandez
01-dic-16
Access to finance in general is not the main challenge for enterprises. In 2016 it’s only a problem for 9%, compared to 16% in 2009 and 10% in 2015. The top 3 most important problems the SMEs are facing are: finding customers (for 25% of them), availability of skilled staff or experienced managers (20%) and competition (13%).
Commission gives boost to start-ups in Europe
Fonte: Linkedin
Tipo: Article
Autore: Monica Rita Salgado Fernandez
24-nov-16
The Commission's Startup and Scaleup Initiative aims to give Europe's many innovative entrepreneurs every opportunity to become world leading companies. It pulls together all the possibilities that the EU already offers and adds a new focus on venture capital investment, insolvency law and taxation.
EFSE DF provides business mentoring for 30 start-ups in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fonte:
Tipo:
Autore:
15-nov-16
The Development Facility of the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE DF) is funding 50 hours of business advice for each of 30 startups in Bosnia and Herzegovina in partnership with the Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency (SERDA), who is providing the mentors.
Can Digital Financial Services Turbocharge Financial Inclusion?
Fonte: CGAP
Tipo: Article
Autore: N/A
04-nov-16
There has been much hype of the ability of digital financial services (DFS) to turbocharge financial inclusion. We all saw an opportunity to significantly reduce the costs of delivering a range of financial services, and an opportunity to finally make the business case for mass market deposit mobilization
Social enterprises gaining ground in Europe
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
25-ott-16
The number of social enterprises in Europe is increasing and they are engaging in new fields. Many countries are introducing new legislation as well as new support schemes to boost the development of social enterprises. Both public and private markets offer new opportunities for social enterprises to start up and grow, reveals a new report published by the European Commission.
EFSE and Mikrofin expand partnership in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fonte: EFSE
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
24-ott-16
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) said today it will lend EUR 6 million to the microcredit company Mikrofin d.o.o. (Mikrofin) to increase support for agricultural enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mikrofin focuses on agricultural producers and has been an EFSE partner since its inception. In this period Mikrofin placed over EUR 70 million from EFSE credit lines to small entrepreneurs and agro‐producers. With 72 offices, the company is the largest microfinance organisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
First microfinance deal in Belgium under EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation
Fonte: Public Affairs Bruxelles
Tipo: news
Autore: N/A
21-ott-16
This new EaSI guarantee agreement with microStart covers a loan portfolio of €15 million for micro-borrowers in Belgium. microStart will launch a new loan product – mS Scale Up, targeting a large spectrum of micro-loan products for micro-entrepreneurs seeking to further develop their businesses. This new product will offer longer maturities and higher maximum loan amounts.
Evaluating the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation launch of an open consultation
Fonte: European commission
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
20-ott-16
The European Commission has launched a public consultation in the context of the midterm evaluation of the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). The consultation seeks feedback from stakeholders and participants or beneficiaries involved in the EaSI programme during the 2014-2016 period, but citizens and other organisations are also welcome to contribute. This public consultation will not only help to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and the EU added value as well other aspects of the programme, but also to shape the future of the EaSI. It is expected that this open public consultation will provide valuable input to the future development of the EaSI programme
Microfinance: creativity against poverty
Fonte: Financial Times
Tipo: News
Autore: Gill Plimmer
18-ott-16
Yunus was in London a few months ago to promote his business to leading philanthropists. But the city, despite being a hub for international finance, has remained stubbornly resistant to his microfinance movement — even though he says he has met more government officials and finance executives in the UK than in other, more receptive countries, such as France and Germany.
Financing start-ups and social outcomes measurement
Fonte: MFC
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
12-ott-16
In a time of economic slow-down, the idea of financing start-up enterprises in the EU is quite alluring. As such, start-ups (enterprises in early stages of development, generally less than 2 years old) are high on European Commission’s agenda. For this reason, the MFC is taking a deep dive on how microfinance can support start-ups. We will examine existing practices in the marketplace, define good practice and, most importantly, analyse the possible impact of microfinance institutions on start-ups.
EFSE DF, National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia provide guidebooks for informed financial decision making
Fonte: EFSE
Tipo: News
Autore: Eric Culp
11-ott-16
The Development Facility of the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE DF) and the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (NBRM) have developed three educational booklets: "From Denars to dreams!", "What should we know before taking a loan?" and "Do you manage your money or is it your money that manages you?" for the Macedonian market.
A Shanghai Student Perseveres in His Quest to Provide Funding for the Poor
Fonte: Wharton High School
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
06-ott-16
Yeop Lee, 16, is a high school senior at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China. Lee and a few friends decided last year to start a microfinance organization to help alleviate poverty in China. As Lee describes in this KWHS summer essay, the process has not been without its challenges.
The Youth Guarantee and Youth Employment Initiative three years on
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
04-ott-16
The Youth Guarantee has become a reality across the EU. 14 million young people have entered Youth Guarantee schemes since January 2014. Around nine million young people took up an offer, the majority of which were offers of employment. Almost two thirds of young people who left the Youth Guarantee in 2015 took up an offer of employment, education, traineeship or apprenticeship.
IMF Releases the 2016 Financial Access Survey, A Key Tool to Foster Financial Inclusion
Fonte: IMF
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: Bruno Pierre Silvestre
03-ott-16
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released today the results of the seventh annual Financial Access Survey (FAS). The FAS is a key source of data on financial inclusion, providing insights on the availability and use of financial products such as deposit accounts, loans, and insurance policies by individuals and firms across the globe. The information is based on administrative data that is collected from both traditional financial service providers like commercial banks, microfinance institutions, or other deposit-taking institutions, and providers of digital financial services such as mobile money.
What Lies Behind the Persistent Financial Inclusion Gender Gap CGAP
Fonte: CGAP
Tipo: News
Autore: Na
01-ott-16
Despite increasing worldwide financial inclusion rates and a “massive drop” of 20% in the number of unbanked individuals from 2011 to 2014, Global Findex data shows that the gender gap in account ownership has not improved over the same time period. In developing countries, 9% more men than women have bank accounts - a figure that has remained steady even as financial inclusion rates go up.
MicroStart and Taysir launch distance learning for micro-entrepreneurs!
Fonte: Microfinance Centre (MFC)
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
01-ott-16
Three microfinance institutions (MFIs), namely Adie in France, microStart in Belgium and Taysir in Tunisia launch together an online training facility addressed to future micro entrepreneurs
Technology can expand access to finance
Fonte: China Daily
Tipo: News
Autore: Wang Yanfei
05-set-16
Supervision of micro-finance should tighten: China cbank official-Caixin
Fonte: Reuters
Tipo: News
Autore: E. Tham, S. Navaratnam
25-ago-16
China should tighten its supervision of the micro-finance industry to guard against risks to financial stability, Chinese news outlet Caixin reported China central bank vice governor Chen Yulu saying at a Beijing conference on Thursday. Chen's comments come after the country's banking regulator on Wednesday released detailed rules to curb an unruly peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sector, underlining China's commitment to the clamp down on a sector riddled with runaway managers and pyramid schemes. Microfinance has grown quickly in China, driven by demand from cash-starved small- and medium-sized enterprises who are turned away by traditional lending institutions that lean towards risk-free state-owned enterprises. P2P firms are microfinance companies
ADB, CFPA Sign $50 Million to Boost Support for Microfinance in PRC
Fonte: Reuters
Tipo: News
Autore: Una Galani
23-ago-16
Microfinance is making India's big banks look bad. Small lenders that help the poor buy everything from bicycles to sewing machines are back and growing at breakneck speed after the industry nearly collapsed six years ago. The last boom ended badly after a number of borrowers committed suicide. That prompted authorities in Andhra Pradesh to effectively stop micro lenders collecting debts. The state once accounted for up to 40 percent of industry loans. The Reserve Bank of India has since capped usurious lending rates.
Light After Darkness: Afghanistan's Poorest See Hope for Brighter Future
Fonte: World Bank
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
22-ago-16
Raising livestock provides ultra-poor rural families an opportunity to earn a livelihood and become entrepreneurs. The Targeting the Ultra Poor (TUP) program which is part of the Afghanistan Access to Finance Project implemented through the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan, aims to move participants from safety net programs to income-earning activities, and links them with microfinance programs. The Access to Finance Project is supported by the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank Group’s fund for the poorest countries.
ADB, CFPA Sign $50 Million to Boost Support for Microfinance in PRC
Fonte: ADB - Asian Development Bank
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
22-ago-16
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $50 million loan facility with CFPA Microfinance Management to support approximately 130,000 microentrepreneurs in rural areas of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which will boost income levels and employment. The ADB loan will be used for onlending to sub-borrowers in counties designated by central and local governments as poverty-stricken areas. The long-tenor ADB loan will revolve and is expected to fund subloans amounting to over $200 million. The loan is ADB’s first non-sovereign loan in microfinance in the PRC.
Project “ATM for SMEs” starts in Hungary with the scope of improving access to microfinance for small enterprises in the participating regions
Fonte: New Széchenyi Plan
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
16-ago-16
Within the framework of the INTERREG ATM for SMEs programme the lead partner Fejér Enterprise Agency with the effective cooperation of the Managing Authority for Economic Development Operational Programmes of the Ministry for National Economy and with further project partners has officially opened the programme’s activity plan. On 12-13 May 2016, 30 people have joined the kick-off meeting of an important initiative to foster the access to microfinance.
Freefall: from self-employment to unemployment
Fonte: The Irish Times
Tipo: News
Autore: Patrick Freyne
13-ago-16
There is a vague commitment in the programme for government to changing the status of the self-employed, and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has just announced a survey of 20,000 self-employed people, to see what benefits they feel they need and what pay-related social insurance, or PRSI, payments they might be willing to make.
Erste Bank Expands Micro-Credit Program
Fonte: Erste Bank Österreich
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
11-ago-16
With immediate effect, more micro-loans can be granted to start-ups and small companies in the framework of an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, due to two recently signed guarantee agreements between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Erste Bank. For the first time social entrepreneurs will also benefit from the new EIF program and can obtain an EIF guarantee for their funding. Overall, Erste Bank will be able to extend loans in the amount of EUR 10 m. to persons, initiatives or associations which normally wouldn't have access to financing for lack of collateral.
Microfinance: Startup Seed Funding for Refugees
Fonte: News Deeply
Tipo: News
Autore: Evan Easton-Calabria and Naohiko Omata
09-ago-16
Urban refugees often fall between the cracks of aid organizations, but are ideal candidates for microfinance. But their circumstances need to be carefully vetted, say Evan Easton-Calabria and Naohiko Omata, authors of a global survey on microcredit. Although financial capital is as indispensable as seed funding is to startups, very often refugees do not have access to the loan and saving facilities of formal bank and credit institutions. Many are not inclined to take on refugees as clients since they are perceived as a “high-risk” group that may simply return to their own country without repaying loans. Even if access is not denied, opening a bank account requires a residential address and often a national identity card. Most refugees lack this kind of documentation.
Impact of the microbusiness world explored at forum
Fonte: The Philadelphia Tribune
Tipo: News
Autore: Ayana Jones
02-ago-16
The session comes at a time when the nation’s smallest businesses are facing a $52 billion capital gap, according to the AEO. At the event, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, highlighted the importance of securing access to capital for microbusiness operators. “Microbusinesses could provide the stability that we need in terms of creating jobs in for an economy that is still struggling,” Velázquez said. “As a small business owner, nothing is more important than getting an opportunity to get your first loan and to turn your dreams into reality.).
New welfare scheme offers same-day turnaround for small loans
Fonte: thejournal.ie
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
26-lug-16
A pilot microfinance loan scheme to tackle moneylenders was announced by Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar today. The scheme is designed to allow credit unions provide small affordable loans to individuals and families who would otherwise rely on moneylenders or unlicensed loan sharks. The loans of up to €2000 can be used for things like Christmas presents, or back-to-school expenses.
Change Agent: Mark Edelman
Fonte: Iowa State University faculty
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
22-lug-16
Some would be entrepreneurs with great ideas sometimes struggle to get their enterprises off the ground. Due to the higher risks, some lenders avoid small business start-ups, particularly when there are credit issues, lack of collateral or lack of experience. Some lenders may not finance any small startups, no matter how good the idea, Edelman said. But microfinance, an approach that focuses on providing small loans and coaching to small businesses, can help some ventures get started.
Temporary employment in the EU: springboards or career dead ends?
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: News
Autore: A. Fulvimari
13-lug-16
The share of temporary workers has increased in most EU Member States since 2008. Flexible contractual arrangements have been extensively used since the crisis, their major attraction for employers being their less strict dismissals rules
Israeli start-up Sling acquired by Brazilian micro-credit giant, Avante
Fonte: The Jerusalem Post
Tipo: News
Autore: Ariel Shapira
11-lug-16
Sling enables micro-entrepreneurs (street vendors, therapists, flea market merchants or even home-factories) to unlock a series of financial services directly from their smartphone, with no need for hardware, intricate contracts or upfront cost. Among the various capacities, Sling merchants enjoy digital card payments, frictionless installments, clearance and micro- fleet management capabilities.
Using microfinance to lift China's poor to prosperity: an IFC viewpoint
Fonte: The Banker
Tipo: News
Autore: Simon Andrews
01-lug-16
China’s microfinance sector is still developing but has strong potential to reduce poverty and support local SMEs. What are the challenges and opportunities for microfinance institutions in the country? The International Finance Corporation’s country manager for China, South Korea and Mongolia, Simon Andrews, explains.
A New Way to Lend to the Poor
Fonte: Thee Wall Street Journal
Tipo: News
Autore: Tim Dattels
29-giu-16
After years of growing skepticism about microfinance, the industry is making a comeback. New models are proving it is possible to give the poor access to credit in a sustainable manner and still turn a profit.
LienVietPostBank expands accross Vietnam
Fonte: Vietnam Investment Review (VIR)
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
27-giu-16
In getting the central bank's approval to open more branches and transaction offices last week, LienVietPostBank became the first joint stock commercial bank to have a transaction network covering the entire country. Currently, only the State-owned commercial banks of Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) and Bank for Social Policies have a transaction network spanning all 63 cities and provinces. LienVietPostBank said the expansion plan is aimed at better managing the bank's post-transaction offices in cities and provinces and implementing financial and credit policies on rural and agricultural development. The expanded network will also ease the bank's social insurance payment and micro financial service provision.
First Employment and Social Innovation microfinance deal in Albania to benefit 5,000 micro-enterprises
Fonte: Invest in EU
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
24-giu-16
The European Investment Fund (EIF) and FondiBesa (BESA) have signed the first guarantee agreement aimed at supporting micro-enterprises in Albania under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). This new EaSI guarantee agreement with the non-bank microfinance institution BESA, will cover a loan portfolio of ALL 3 billion (c. €22 million) for micro-borrowers, targeting in particular the agribusiness sector and youth entrepreneurial activity.
Academics given major role overseeing EU microfinance
Fonte: University of Salford, Manchester
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
21-giu-16
Professor Karl Dayson, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation in the School of Arts and Media, and Dr Pal Vik, Research Fellow, have been appointed major roles overseeing the funding of small loans to businesses across the European Union. Professor Dayson will sit on the European Commission steering committee, responsible for the Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision and Dr Vik will deputise for Professor Dayso
€10m sought by Minister for Jobs for small business
Fonte: The Irish Examiner
Tipo: News
Autore: Gordon Deegan
15-giu-16
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, is hoping to secure a further €10m of exchequer funding to keep Microfinance Ireland afloat beyond 2017.
State lender keeps 2,000 in work, claims Jobs Minister
Fonte: The Irish Independent
Tipo: News
Autore: Gordon Deegan
15-giu-16
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, has said that the €11.7m lent by Micro Finance Ireland (MFI) has helped sustain 2,000 jobs.
Poverty risks since the crisis: are older people winning at the expense of the young?
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL.
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
15-giu-16
One of the legacies of the crisis is an increased number of people at risk of poverty. These are people with household incomes below 60% of the median income in their country. The share of people at risk of poverty (or the ‘at-risk-of-poverty rate’, AROP) increased from 13.5 per cent in 2007 to 15.9 per cent in 2014 among the working-age population (20-64 years old) – a rise of almost 20% (EU average excluding Croatia and Malta).
Lending money via mobile phone in Kenya
Fonte: Deutsche Welle
Tipo: Video
Autore: Julia Mielke
13-giu-16
For years, Kenya's banks ignored the microcredit sector until mobile phone operators proved its profitability. Launched three years ago, the Mshwari credit service now has some 14 million customers.
Aegon makes first microfinance investments
Fonte: Aegon
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
13-giu-16
Aegon has completed its first 8 million of a potential 100 million euro investment in microfinance. A third fund has already been earmarked for an investment later this year.
Ten actions to help equip people in Europe with better skills
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
10-giu-16
The Commission has adopted today a new and comprehensive Skills Agenda for Europe. The aim is to ensure that people develop a broad set of skills from early on in life and to make the most of Europe’s human capital, which will ultimately boost employability, competitiveness and growth in Europe. (...) Finally, too few people have the entrepreneurial mindset and competences to start their own business and keep adapting to evolving requirements of the labour market.
Global Microfinance Market to Grow at a CAGR of 15.56% During Forecast 2016-2020
Fonte: SBWire
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
07-giu-16
The global microfinance market to grow at a CAGR of 15.56% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global microfinance market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the the total financing of the micro enterprises in the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA
Poverty-Buster or Debt-Builder? Ithaca College Professor Researching Microfinance in Mexico
Fonte: Ithaca College
Tipo: News
Autore: Dan Verderosa
07-giu-16
The microfinance boom is particularly notable in Mexico, where large, for-profit banks have entered the market, especially since Banco Compartamos raised $467 million in its 2007 IPO. Duke says Mexico is an interesting case to study because the interest rates on microloans are among the highest in the world, which allows for-profit banks to make more money on loans. Duke hypothesizes that this for-profit influx has changed the nature of urban micro-lending in the country, and may affect microfinance’s impact on poverty.
Closing China’s Credit Gap
Fonte: NEXT BILLION
Tipo: News
Autore: Timothy Tsang
06-giu-16
China's economy is on the path toward becoming more financially inclusive, but because the centralized Credit Reference Agency falls short, there's still a need for a scalable system for credit evaluation. Alibaba-affiliate Ant Financial is trying to provide an innovative solution.
EU ready to provide microfinance support to agricultural sector of Azerbaijan - ABC
Fonte: ABC
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
06-giu-16
At a meeting with the agriculture minister, Mr Heydar Asadov, the EU Ambassador in Baku, Ms Malena Mard has stated that the EU is interested in the development of the agricultural sector, which is defined the priority for all the 28 member countries of the EU. Minister Heydar Asadov claimed about the need to ensure access to funds for small and medium farmers, so we are ready to assist in the allocation of microfinance in this sector
Could 394,000 microfinance projects change the Australian market?
Fonte: In The Black
Tipo: News
Autore: Chris Sheedy
01-giu-16
Research from the Centre for Social Impact, conducted on behalf of NAB, shows that three million adult Australians are fully or severely financially excluded. “More than 394,000 people have accessed our microfinance products so far through a partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance, but my aim is to reach one million people by 2018,” says Proske.
Incofin IM and DWM take a joint 51% stake in JSC Microfinance Organization Crystal, Georgia
Fonte: Incofin
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
31-mag-16
Incofin IM’s agRIF (agRIF) and DWM’s Inclusive Finance Equity Fund II (IFEF) have together subscribed to a 9m GEL capital increase of JSC Microfinance Organization Crystal (Crystal). The investment of both partners will primarily be used to fund Crystal’s geographical expansion and the introduction of new financial services in the rural areas of Georgia.
Microfinance could wind up being the new subprime
Fonte: The Conversation
Tipo: News
Autore: Caroline Schuster
24-mag-16
More inclusive and democratic forms of banking surely bring financial services to people and communities that had been excluded from key markets. But academic research and policy analysts both sound some notes of caution. Economists such as Charlotte Wagnerhave studied the growth of microfinance and found it to be part of the same credit glut experienced in the traditional banking sector in the mid-2000s. It could be susceptible to the same boom and bust cycles.
How large NGO's Are Using Data to Transform Themselves
Fonte: Harvard Business Review
Tipo: News
Autore: Campbell K., Virani S., Lanney J.
18-mag-16
Organizations such as World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and Save the Children are innovating by seeking out data, taking it seriously, and then using it to pivot their approach from serving constituents’ needs to tackling the underlying problems that produce them.
EFSE, Fibabanka to Support Turkish Farming
Fonte: EFSE
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
17-mag-16
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) said today it is expanding its partnership with Istanbul‐based Fibabanka A.Ş. through an additional EUR 20 million senior loan earmarked for financing Turkish agricultural operations and micro‐ and small Turkish enterprises
Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Addresses CGAP Meeting
Fonte: CGAP
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
10-mag-16
Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg addressed the opening of the annual meeting of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), a multi-donor organization that focuses on advancing financial inclusion through research and partnerships. Her Royal Highness said, “The arrival of new actors in the microfinance sector, such as telephone operators that offer mobile phone based services, offers new hope to the poorest populations and removes obstacles that were formerly unsurmountable.” She added, “The question of providing access to credit and microfinance for the thousands of refugees who have fled combat zones and are now sheltering in Europe is a theme that merits reflection."
Georgian Financial Sector Becoming Saturated, Leaving Less Room for Growth
Fonte: The Financial
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
10-mag-16
Over the last ten years the microfinance market of Georgia has developed successfully. However, further growth is becoming limited now due to the small size of the country. The recent trend of the transformation of MFOs into commercial banks is believed will continue in the future. Overall the economic development of Georgia, including exchange rate, became more favourable from February 2016, however the situation in regard to political tensions in the region could still worsen, said Thomas Engelhardt, Chairman at Access Holding Microfinance AG.
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management: New online course in Islamic Microfinance
Fonte: EC - InfoRegio
Tipo: News
Autore: Barbara Barkhausen
05-mag-16
The Islamic Relief Finance and Management are developing an online certification course in the growing area of Islamic Academy together with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW),and Frankfurt School ofMicrofinance. The course will provide participants with sound knowledge of the technical aspects of retail banking as well as the ethics of Islamic finance and the relevant compliance and regulation issues. It is aimed at all development professionals working in the area of Islamic Microfinance. The six month course will be available on Frankfurt School’s LinkEd e-learning platform (www.linked.fs.de) and will be launched in September 2016. www.linked.fs.de
INCEPTION IMPACT ASSESSMENT Towards a new partnership between the EU and the ACP countries after 2020
Fonte: EC - DG DEVCO
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
04-mag-16
This initiative seeks to learn from the partnership in order to best advance today's joint interests. The new relationship needs to be agreed in light of the new political, economic, social and demographic realities in the EU, the ACP countries and at global level. There are new global challenges (e.g. related to climate change, security or migration), new important players (e.g. emerging economies), new economic interests, and there reshaping of the international sustainable development framework under the 2030 Agenda.
China microcredit firms' outstanding loans at $144b by March
Fonte: China Daily
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
26-apr-16
Mr. Ligen Guo, ViceChairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), the highest authority to regulate the Chinese banking sector led a high powered delegation to meet Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. He met Professor Yunus recently to discuss the policy to promote microcredit in China. He explained that Chinese government is giving very high priority to poverty reduction and microcredit to support ntrepreneurship among rural people, particularly women.
Top Chinese banking regulator consults Dr Yunus
Fonte: Yunus Centre
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
23-apr-16
Outstanding loans extended by China's microcredit companies amounted to 938 billion yuan ($144 billion) by the end of March, data from the central bank showed on Monday. The volume was down 3.2 billion yuan from the end of 2015.By the end of March, the number of microcredit companies in China came in at 8,867, the People's Bank of China said in a statement on its website. Microlenders largely target small companies and low income groups in need of capital.
Prof. Ohanyan Hopes to Build Bridges for Peace In the Caucasus
Fonte: The Armenian Mirror - Spectator
Tipo: News
Autore: Alin K. Gregorian
21-apr-16
Prof. Anna Ohanyan’s first book, titled ‘NGOs, IGOs, and the Network Mechanisms of Post-conflict Global Governance in Microfinance’, was on the post-conflict era Bosnia Herzegovina as well as Afghanistan. It was focused on the use of microfinance in postconflict societies in order to revive them. “Microfinance policies are quite remarkable. Donors have to figure out how to bring in people or to offer training,” she explained. Her new book, which came out earlier this month, Networked Regionalism as Conflict Management, is about a region much closer to her heart. “It explores this narrative of whether or not it is possible to utilize regional ties in all kinds” of situations to help bring peace to the region. For example, she said training firefighters or teachers are things that need to happen throughout the Caucasus.
Civil power antidote to income gap
Fonte: The Korea Herald
Tipo: News
Autore: Suthichai Yoon
15-apr-16
Using the example of his personal journey in microcredit — “Everything a conventional bank did, we started doing the opposite in Grameen Bank” — Yunus said human problems could be solved “if we design it as a The longstanding belief that the task of problem-solving should be left to governments and charities alone is, to this highly respected social entrepreneur, now outdated.
Microlux: Microfinance in Luxembourg and the Greater Region
Fonte: ADA
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
14-apr-16
Microlux, which will be launched in June 2016, is the first MFI in Luxembourg and will provide: coaching, mentoring and training provided by volunteers; Microcredits of a maximum amount of 15,000 EURO; a loan called “micro +” for activities which have already begun (of a maximum amount of 20,000 EURO); a social entrepreneurship loan (of a maximum amount of 25,000 EURO).
Microfinance: Al Amana leader d’un marché en croissance
Fonte: L'économiste
Tipo: News
Autore: Badra BERRISSOULE
11-apr-16
L’offre mondiale de la microfinance continue à se développer avec un montant de 105, 9 milliards de dollars de prêts octroyés. La valeur du portefeuille mondial est davantage concentrée en Asie et en Amérique latine alors que la région Mena reste encore timide bien qu’elle ait enregistré une progression. Leader dans la micronance au Maroc, Al Amana compte bien le rester malgré la concurrence.
Microfinance: lending small, thinking big
Fonte: EURONEWS
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
04-apr-16
This week, Real Economy is looking at the world of microfinance in a European market that tends to be dominated by traditional banks. We take a look at the world of microcredit in Romania and see how small loans and a little financial training can make a difference. We’ll see how the model is adapting with technology to the needs of people and businesses in western Europe who can no longer tap into traditional credit from banks. Then we’ll check in with the European Investment Fund (EIF) about how best to use microfinance in our search for sustainable employment and growth.
Improving access to finance for Romanian SMEs: EU adopts investment package worth €100 million
Fonte: EC - InfoRegio
Tipo: News
Autore: European Commission
29-mar-16
The European Commission has adopted today 2014-2020 the "SME Initiative" Operational Programme worth €100 million for Romanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worth €100 million. The value of the investment provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the form of guarantees is expected to quadruple to €400 million, thanks to the leverage effect of private investment in SME loans.
Muhammad Yunus on How to Change the World: Do the Reverse
Fonte: Huffington Post
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
21-mar-16
Yunus wants Bangladesh to be the “starting point” of a global wave of such actions. “We may aim at creating a world of three zeros : zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. A world of diamond-shaped wealth dis tribution — very few at the top, very few at the bottom, with the bulk of people in the middle — instead of a wealth pyramid. A world of equality, harmony, peace and happiness. It can happen only if we citizens take action.”
First EU social finance deal in Europe, to support €33m for social enterprises in France
Fonte: European Commission DG EMPL.
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
17-mar-16
The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Société financière de la NEF (la NEF) have signed the first Social Entrepreneurship guarantee agreement aimed at supporting more than 300 social enterprises in France under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI).
Luxembourg duchess seeks return to Cuba to develop microfinance
Fonte: Afp Luxembourg
Tipo: News
Autore: The Daily Star
08-mar-16
She fled Cuba with her bourgeois family as revolution brewed, and later married into one of Europe's royal dynasties.Today, as the Communist-ruled island emerges from long economic isolation, Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Maria Teresa says she hopes to return home to pitch the cause of micro-credit to help the country's poor.
Microcredito, “la nuova legge costringe gli operatori a lavorare in perdita”. Così l’albo degli intermediari resta vuoto
Fonte: Il Fatto Quotidiano
Tipo: News
Autore: Brusini C.
06-mar-16
Secondo la prima società italiana del settore, i paletti su tassi di interesse e servizi ausiliari previsti dal decreto dell'ottobre 2014 possono essere rispettati solo da chi non punta alla sostenibilità economica e sta in piedi grazie a lavoro volontario e fondi messi a disposizione da enti locali o istituti di credito.
Selfemployed and entrepreneurship: breaking the barriers to job creation
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL.
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
17-feb-16
About 16% of the EU's working population were self-employed in 2014; and micro-enterprises, i.e. companies employing 10 persons or fewer, provided almost one third of the jobs in the EU's for-profit private sector. Yet, only a minority of self-employed – on average less than one third – actually employ other people, and only about one quarter of these employers are women.
The longterm unemployed: the people that the economic recovery forgot?
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
28-gen-16
The long-term unemployed (LTU) are those who have been out of work and searching for a job for 12 months or longer. The number of long-term unemployed doubled between 2007 and 2014, reaching 12.4 million people or 5% of the active EU population. This equals to around half of the total number of unemployed. What is particularly worrying is that six out of ten of the LTU have been out of work for more than two years and their share remains at historically high levels.
Efforts to Improve Financial Infrastructure
Fonte: The Korea Herald
Tipo: News
Autore: Kim Yoo-Mi
26-gen-16
Finance is often said to be the blood vessels of an economy, and credit rating systems perform a vital role in deciding the flow and direction of money within the vessels. The World Bank acknowledges credit rating systems as crucial to financial infrastructure and believes that credit rating systems play a critical role in stable economic growth.
World Cannot be Sustainable with Poverty Around Us
Fonte: Deutsche Welle
Tipo: News
Autore: Manuela Kasper-Claridge
21-gen-16
Interview to Mr Yunus. Quote: "We have to become aware of the fact that we are in the middle of another process, which is the accumulation of all the wealth in the world in very few hands. We are not aware of that, unless somebody tells us something like that 62 people now own [as much wealth as the poorer half] of the world. Last year it was 80 people and 10 years back it was 380 people. What will be next year? If you go on, soon we'll have a situation where one person owns the whole world. "
Green Microfinance: A tool for Sustainable Business an Climate Action
Fonte: Huffington Post
Tipo: News
Autore: Boomgarden D., Loza A.
15-gen-16
The interest in green microfinance is clearly growing. It is frequently discussed at international conferences like Foromic in Latin America or African Microfinance Week, it is featured in special issues of academic journals like Enterprise Development and Microfinance, and was a topic at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP20, in December 2014. Green microfinance has undeniably become a very trendy field where terminology, definitions, and indicators are in the process of being developed and tested. There are many different views on what it is and what it can accomplish, and there is a risk of overestimating themiracle of microfinance—in this case, of green microfinance—so efforts to assess its performance are necessary, such as one recently conducted by MIX.
Why Microfinance is Becoming a Bad Word All Over Again
Fonte: The Wire
Tipo: News
Autore: Chander Suta Dogra
15-gen-16
Inadequate regulation, coupled with the increasing tendency for women to borrow money for consumption rather than income generation is leading to mounting indebtedness in eastern UP and Bihar, and even suicides
Microfinance: an overrated solution
Fonte: The Express Tribune
Tipo: News
Autore: Syed M. Ali
14-gen-16
The provision of small loans or other financial services to the poor will never work until we address the background conditions that produce poverty in the first place. The list of needed measures to create an enabling environment for poor people to improve their lives is long. There is need, for example, for a fairer distribution of productive assets such as land or putting in place pro-poor labour legislation at the national level, and a rethink of unfair trade policies and aid conditionalities at the international level, which continue to disempower poor people in developing countries around the world.
Good practices under EaSI funded projects 3rd Commission report
Fonte: DG EMPL
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
11-gen-16
The European Commission published its third monitoring report in which it gathers good practices of projects across Europe dealing with working conditions, employment, social affairs and inclusion. This monitoring is part of the EU'sProgramme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). These good practice examples can form a basis for policy recommendations, which may be useful to the policy-maker designing or implementing policy interventions in this area.
Measuring the Impact of Microfinance: Looking to the Future
Fonte: Grameen Foundation
Tipo: News
Autore: Odell Kathleen E.
11-gen-16
There is evidence from a numberof studies (using a variety of methodologies acrossdifferent settings) suggesting that microfinance isgood for microbusinesses. This result is observedacross different microfinance services, including mi-crocredit and microsavings instruments. Based onthe studies in this survey, the overall effect on theincomes and poverty rates of microfinance clients isless clear, as are the effects of microfinance on mea-sures of social well-being, such as education, health,and women’s empowerment. Hopefully, the nextwave of research will provide further insights intothese critical questions.
The Crises of Microcredit, edited by Isabelle Guérin, Marc Labie and Jean-Michel Servet
Fonte: Financial Times
Tipo: News
Autore: Amy Kazmin
08-gen-16
A collection of essays explodes some of the myths of the microfinance industry. Review by Amy Kazmin. This is a book that should be read by anyone with an interest in the sector. Despite the bleak picture they paint, the editors do not write off the idea of microfinance — or, rather, financial services more broadly defined — as a tool to help the poor. But in their conclusion they call for a new “commons-driven” approach, less reliant on market mechanisms, to provide such services.
Investment Plan: €225 million for microbusinesses in the Netherlands
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
07-gen-16
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed a €100 million loan facility with micro-financing company Qredits, while the European Investment Fund has also signed an agreement with Qredits to cover part of the credit risk of new loans worth €25 million for small businesses and SMEs. Both operations are backed by the guarantee of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Commission’sInvestment Plan for Europe. The agreements have been signed in Amsterdam in the presence of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.
Investment Plan for Europe: EIB Group supports micro-financing in the Netherlands with Qredits
Fonte: EIB, EIF, European Commission, Qredit
Tipo: Press Release
Autore: N/A
07-gen-16
The European Investment Bank Group (EIB and EIF) will support Dutch micro-finance institution Qredits in giving very small businesses in the Netherlands access to finance. The European Investment Bank has agreed a EUR 100 million loan facility with Qredits, while the European Investment Fund has also signed an agreement with Qredits to cover part of the credit risk of new loans worth EUR 25 million for microbusinesses and SMEs. Both operations are backed by the guarantee of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Juncker Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe.
The Crises of Microcredit
Fonte: The University of Chicago Press
Tipo: Book
Autore: Guérin I., Labie M., Sevet J-M.
24-dic-15
Drawing on extensive empirical research, this important volume examines the whole chain of microcredit—from investors and donors to clients— in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of its impact. In doing so, the essays collected here shed light on the many causes of the current microcredit crisis, including microcredit organizations that have been unprepared for massive growth and greedy investors and shareholders attracted by profits. The result is a timely and necessary look at what has become one of the most contentious topics within global economic development.
Bringing candidate countries closer to the EU with cross-border cooperation
Fonte: EC Press Release Database
Tipo: Press release
Autore: N/A
16-dic-15
The European Commission adopted the new cross-border cooperation programme for Italy, Montenegro and Albania, worth nearly €93 million, with almost €79 million coming from the European Regional Development Fund and the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). This is the last cross-border cooperation programme to be adopted in 2015.
Kiva Sets New Rules for US borrowers to get crowdfunded loans
Fonte: The Wall Street Journal
Tipo: News
Autore: Ruth Simon
16-dic-15
If business can get the backing from their social networks, they can access the newer Kiva Zip platform to crowdfund loans of up to $10,000, that carry 0% interest, no fees and terms of up to three years. Borrowers must meet their fundraising goal to receive any of the money.
€78 million of EU funds to boost innovation in the Italian-Slovenian border
Fonte: EC - InfoRegio
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
15-dic-15
€105 million of EU funds to increase economic competitiveness in the Greek–Italian border region - Regional Policy - European Commission
Fonte: EC - InfoRegio
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
15-dic-15
The Commission adopts the first cross-border cooperation programme between Italy and Croatia - Regional Policy - European Commission
Fonte: EC - InfoRegio
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
15-dic-15
EAPN urges the EU to put people first or Europe will wither without strong social dimension | #2015EAPN Annual Conference
Fonte: EAPN
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
11-dic-15
Dai-ichi Bank invests in first microfinance bonds issued by the EBRD for institutional investor
Fonte: EBRD
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
09-dic-15
Microloans Don’t Solve Poverty. But research might reveal what will
Fonte: Five Thirsty Eight
Tipo: Press release
Autore: Ben Casselman
08-dic-15
New pathways for the long-term unemployed
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL.
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
07-dic-15
Microcredito e inclusione sociale. Oggi un convegno
Fonte: Messaggero Veneto
Tipo: Press release
Autore: N/A
01-dic-15
Draft Joint Employment Report from the Commission and the Council
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: Report
Autore: N/A
26-nov-15
Italia Lavoro: nuove realtà imprenditoriali e di autoimpiego di giovani stranieri
Fonte: FASI
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
16-nov-15
Microloans: helping people out of unemployment and poverty
Fonte: European Parliament
Tipo: Report
Autore: Sven Schulze
09-nov-15
Fewer than 1 in 10 microcredit applications successful
Fonte: The Portugal News
Tipo: News
Autore: TPN / Lusa
06-nov-15
Digital Highways for MFI's
Fonte: The Financial Express
Tipo: News
Autore: P. Satish
02-nov-15
France's Total, babyloan to set up crowdfunding platform for energy
Fonte: Renewables
Tipo: News
Autore: Mariyana Yaneva
02-nov-15
Moving Beyond Microcredit
Fonte: The New Yorker
Tipo: News
Autore: Matt Mossman
02-nov-15
On Including information in State Register of Microfinance Organisations
Fonte: The Central Bank of the Russian Federation
Tipo: Press release
Autore: N/A
31-ott-15
On refusal to include information in State Register of Microfinance Organisations
Fonte: The Central Bank of the Russian Federation
Tipo: Press release
Autore: N/A
31-ott-15
EaSIMicPro Microcredit Providers active in the European Union
Fonte: European Commission
Tipo: Launch of web page
Autore: N/A
22-ott-15
Over €283 million of EU funds for inclusive growth in Italy - Regional Policy - European Commission
Fonte: EC - DG Regio
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
21-ott-15
Over €283 million of EU funds for inclusive growth in Italy - Regional Policy - European Commission
Fonte: EC InfoRegio Newsroom
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
21-ott-15
EU invests nearly €100 million to boost transnational cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian region - Regional Policy - European Commission
Fonte: EC - DG Regio
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
20-ott-15
La Commissione europea e il Fondo europeo per gli investimenti mobilitano 237 milioni di euro in crediti a sostegno di 20 000 microimprese europee
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL
Tipo: Press release
Autore: N/A
20-ott-15
Commission and European Investment Fund mobilise €237 million in loans to support 20,000 European micro-enterprises -
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
19-ott-15
Dlgs 185-2000 - da gennaio domande per incentivi autoimprenditorialita' giovani e donne - FASI
Fonte: FASI
Tipo: News
Autore: Angela Lamboglia
13-ott-15
EAPN urges the EU to put people first or Europe will wither without strong social dimension - EAPN
Fonte: EAPN
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
12-ott-15
Who survives in self-employment - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission
Fonte: EC - DG EMPL
Tipo: News
Autore: N/A
07-ott-15
Interview with David Woods - The UC Observer
Fonte: The UC Observer
Tipo: News
Autore: Erica Lenti
01-ott-15
Japanese savings banks seek niche in Korea
Fonte: The Korea Times
Tipo: News
Autore: Choi Kyong-ae
01-ott-15