Microfinance Focus, September 29, 2011: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) partners with the central bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, to train government practitioners to better understand and implement credit reporting and risk-management methodologies that help expand credit for micro and small businesses.

The five-day training program involves more than 90 regulators, lenders’ associations, microfinance institutions (MFIs), credit reporting service providers, and policy makers from around the world. The program trains participants in advanced credit reporting techniques, including knowledge of legal frameworks, new systems and technologies, credit underwriting processes, and non-traditional data utilization. The workshop will also offer training in value-added services such as scoring, modeling, and risk management strategies. A series of hands-on exercises will give participants an opportunity to practice the new techniques.

Launched in 2001, IFC’s Global Credit Bureau Program has become an international leader in credit bureau development by facilitating lending to individuals and businesses in emerging markets. The program has provided credit bureau support in over 60 countries, and has held over 110 events in 70 countries. Multiple donors fund the program, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, Omidyar Network Fund Inc., and Visa International.