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Can microfinance be profitable? FAQ
Written by: Microfinance GatewayArticle Overview: Yes it can. Data from the MicroBanking Bulletin reports that 63 of the world's top MFIs had an average rate of return, after adjusting for inflation and after taking out subsidies programs might have received, of about 2.5% of total assets. This compares favorably with returns in the commercial banking sector and gives credence to the hope of many that microfinance can be sufficiently attractive to mainstream into the retail banking sector. Many feel that once microfinance becomes mainstreamed, massive growth in the numbers of clients can be achieved.
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Free Download - What is the role of the financial regulator in supporting the development of microfinance? FAQ By Microfinance Gateway |
Can microfinance be profitable? FAQ
Yes it can. Data from the MicroBanking Bulletin reports that 63 of the world's top MFIs had an average rate of return, after adjusting for inflation and after taking out subsidies programs might have received, of about 2.5% of total assets. This compares favorably with returns in the commercial banking sector and gives credence to the hope of many that microfinance can be sufficiently attractive to mainstream into the retail banking sector. Many feel that once microfinance becomes mainstreamed, massive growth in the numbers of clients can be achieved.
Others worry that an excessive concern about profit in microfinance will lead MFIs up-market, to serve better off clients who can absorb larger loan amounts. This is the “crowding out” effect. This may happen; after all, there are a great number of very poor, poor, and vulnerable non-poor who are not reached by the banking sector.
It is interesting to note that while the programs that reach out to the poorest clients perform less well as a group than those who reach out to a somewhat better-off client segment, their performance is improving rapidly and at the same pace as the programs serving a broad-based client group did some years ago. More and more MFI managers have come to understand that sustainability is a precursor to reaching exponentially greater numbers of clients. Given this, managers of leading MFIs are seeking ways to dramatically increase operational efficiency. In short, we have every reason to expect that programs that reach out to the very poorest microclients can be sustainable once they have matured, and if they commit to that path. The evidence supports this position.
Article Tags: average rate of return, banking sector, commercial banking sector, MFIs, MFIs, MFIs, MicroBanking Bulletin reports, microfinance, microfinance, microfinance, retail banking
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About the Author: Microfinance Gateway RSS for Microfinance's articles - Visit Microfinance's website The Microfinance Gateway (the Gateway) is the most comprehensive source of information for and about the microfinance industry. It includes research and publications, discussion groups, specialized resource centers, organization and consultant profiles, and the latest news, events, and job opportunities in microfinance. Its guiding vision is to enable microfinance industry participants to generate value, innovate and engage in the free flow of ideas by effectively utilizing the Gateway's knowledge assets. Click here to visit Microfinance's website What is the role of the financial regulator in supporting the development of microfinance FAQ When is microfinance NOT an appropiate tool FAQ Can microfinance be profitable FAQ What is a Microfinance Institution MFI Arent the poor too poor to save FAQ |
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