Archive for the ‘Debate’ Category

By Naagesh Naaraayana | Microfinance Focus | Bangalore The Indian government is likely to introduce a revised version of the much-awaited Micro-Finance Regulation Bill, 2009 in the winter session of parliament. While the passage of it will take few months, it is bound to trigger debate and discussions. Essentially, the passage of the Bill would result in the regulation of micro-finance organizations not being regulated by any ... Full story

By Jerome Peloquin , Microfinance Focus | Washington D.C. Recently I participated in an online conference on Social Investment under the auspices of the SEEP Network.  It proved to be quite interesting, as I did not identify myself as being affiliated with this magazine, but as a small NGO with whom I consult.  I learned some interesting things and discovered a few issues with which ... Full story

By Jerome Peloquin | Managing Editor -US | Microfinance Focus --- The real question is; Can Microfinance afford NOT to be green?  Good environmental practice is good business in general.  Green business provides opportunity for all. Full story

Jerome Peloquin | Managing Editor-US |Microfinance Focus | I believe the answer is, "NO," not as it is presently structured. Present day MF has only one lending methodology, the installment loan. Although some are trying to find new models, basically the tried and true method of lending money at significant rates and collecting every week is the method of choice for many MFI's. Although the concept of Microfinance has been around for centuries, for most of us the Grameen 1 model of group lending tied to weekly loan payments is the first we heard about it. When Dr. Yunus went into the street took the first step on his way to the Nobel prize several decades later. Since then MF has gone trough quite a few changes. It has moved from a small group of social mission driven NGO's who could not find the funds and resources to keep their doors open, to a global financial sector with billions in assets and major Banks seeking bragging rights as "social investors." Full story