Exploring Investment Opportunities and Risks in Microfinance: ‘MCCM’ 2010 Begins

MCCM Opening Plenary

Microfinance Focus , June 23, 2010 ( New Delhi) : ‘Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets, South Asia 2010’, The conference on Microfinance Investments kicked start today at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, India. Gathering over 300 industry experts, investors and microfinance institutions the two day conference begins with the theme of exploring the opportunities and the risks of Capital Market investments in South Asian Microfinance. The backdrop to the conference is the unprecedented surge in the commercial capital investments which the industry has witnessed in the recent past.

Organized by ACCION International in collaboration with EDA Rural Systems and Citi Foundation, the conference comes in response to the rising capital requirements of a bullish microfinance sector and an equally growing interest of mainstream investors in this social industry. The event has thrown open an investment marketplace for the stakeholders who have flocked from across the globe to evaluate different funding options and their associated risks. Giving them a timely opportunity of information sharing and networking, the conference aims to enhance the sector’s attractiveness and boost investments.

Victoria White, Vice President & Director, India Programs, ACCION International delivered the theme address, saying, “We are thrilled to organize this event. There is no question that MF is being considered as a good quality asset class by investors worldwide. MCCM will reflect the changing landscape and we are here to discuss the future the industry holds”

Addressing the conference, Mr. Sanjay Sinha, Managing Director M-CRIL and co-founder of EDA Rural Systems said, “The microfinance industry has done extremely well but growth brings with it challenges. There needs to be innovation at the client level. Some of the bad press that we have been getting will improve. MCCM will also promote financial inclusion and we will be talking about responsible finance as well as fundraising potential”.

Reviewing the current investment scene, Robert Annibale, Global Head of Microfinance, Citi Foundation said, “Microfinance sees itself continue to growth but we see a very varied experience. Capital will always be a challenge for growing MFIs and that’s why they became NBFC. How to achieve growth with more security in balance sheet is one of the concerns and we look to address it”.

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