Archive for the ‘Guest Posts’ Category

Ms. Vardhani Ratnala, knowledge manager, Leonard Cheshire International --- It is a well-known fact in South Asia that Microfinance is an effective way to reach out to the poorest. Even formal financial institutions like banks are competing with each other to cater to the needs of the poorest, who they have realized, are bankable. However, a look at the clientele of these microfinance service providers (MSPs) shows ... Full story

Editor’s Note: Garrett Wyse co-authored a feature story in the December issue of Microfinance Focus Magazine titled:  Microfinance & Philanthropy, the New Realities.  The author’s (Garrett Wyse and Jerome Peloquin) predicted that, as a result of the financial crisis, an investment in a developing country would be more secure and more profitable than a traditional “blue chip,” stock.  In this follow up piece, “Blue Orchard Beats Blue Chips” Mr. Wyse demonstrates proof positive of his predictions.  The report for the fund’s performance dropped into my mail box on Jan 13th.  With all the news in the media about various funds performance, the meltdown of various financial instruments markets and the imminent recession in most of the world, I was far from confident about my portfolios performance. Full story