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Microfinance Institutions and Supporting Organisations

The Role of NGOs in Microfinance (pdf 92 kb)

This paper contends that international NGOs have played a substantial role in developing financial services for the poor.

Their influence has been greatest in:
- Pursuing a broader common vision and mission, particularly towards the poorest
- Offering clients a larger range of products and services
- Better engaging with industry regulators, and
- Advocating for and conducting research into microfinance.

The report concludes that whilst the long-term trend is likely to see more formal and regulated financial institutions delivering microfinance, the NGO Networks themselves will retain a crucial role in the sector as a whole.

 

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