Since the 1980s when the microfinance revolution began, much has been accomplished, but the field became more refined in the 1990s as a result of shifts in paradigms, strategies, and development practices. This volume addresses the three policy objectives that now occupy those who wish to use credit as a development tool: financial sustainability of microfinance institutions, outreach to the poor, and welfare impact. Inevitable tradeoffs exist among these objectives, and the book advances an analytical framework that assists students of and experts in microfinance to identify the tradeoffs and synergies at the institutional level and in the policy environment. The book features a wealth of empirical data and innovative analytical studies, and critically discusses the role of public support for microfinance institutions (MFIs) in light of the social costs and benefits generated by such financial systems. The book is organized into five parts. The first discusses the demand for and access to financial services by the poor, emphasizing that demand-oriented, pro-poor financial services are crucial in reaching the poor. The second is concerned with two of the criteria used to evaluate MFIs—outreach and financial sustainability. The third features innovative econometric studies seeking to evaluate the impact of MFIs at the household level. The fourth looks at the role of both public- and private-sector institutions in developing sustainable financial systems. And the fifth summarizes implications for policy and research. Given the lack of sound, empirical literature on microfinance, this volume is sure to advance knowledge and research methodology in the field.

This volume examines the tangled relationship between globalization and governance through the lens of India’s domestic politics, structures, institutions and policies. The contributors to this volume draw attention to the interconnectedness of global and domestic processes. In doing so, this volume also captures the evolving dynamics of state-society-market relations. A unique blend of papers, the collection brings out the complex interplay and interconnections between global trends, domestic politics and governance challenges in explaining both the persistence of policy reforms, as well as institutional change. In this light, the volume examines the role of socio-political processes and key actors at the domestic level; how they have negotiated global norms, pressures and opportunities resulting in durable policies and institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has yet again brought the focus back to the significance and interconnectedness of globalization and governance. This volume will contribute to a deeper understanding of these twin processes through thematic discussions on embedded liberalism of the Indian state; transnationalisation of India’s economic elites; exploring the role of global-local linkages in the transparency laws; strategic internationalization and the politics of reform; the global success of micro-credit and its domestic manifestation; and the resilience and durability of the ‘Indian way' of governing globalization. This book was originally published as a special issue of the India Review.

This book examines the determinants of financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Ghana and Uganda, against the backdrop of the public and academic debate over the financial and social implications of microfinance. In the absence of a conceptual model, the study chooses an inductive research approach with the objective of defining and developing a conceptual model with the capacity to explain, quantify, and compare the performance of MFIs. The research is particularly relevant in the African context where microloan interest rates regularly exceed 100% per annum and where the microfinance industry is lacking behind its global peers in regard to financial and social performance. (Series: Contributions to the Africa Research / Beitrage zur Afrikaforschung - Vol. 59) [Subject: Economics, Finance, African Studies]

How to use finance as a tool to build a more equitable and sustainable society. Money defines our present and will shape our future. Every investment decision we make adds a chapter to the story of what our world will look like. Although the idea of mission-based finance has been around for decades, there is a gap between organizations' stated intention to "do good" and meaningful impact. Still, some are succeeding. In Just Money, Katrin Kaufer and Lillian Steponaitis take readers on a global tour of financial institutions that use finance as a force for good.

This training manual provides an overview of the key management principles necessary to optimize the services of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and brings together useful lessons from numerous MFIs worldwide to help managers strengthen the performance of their unit, branch or institution.Either used alone, or as part of a management training course, Making Microfinance Work offers various tools and advice. The markets and marketing of MFIs are examined and looks at the different ways in which managers can communicate the value of their products and services. It introduces effective methods for enhancing efficiency and productivity which minimize the trade-offs MFIs invariably face as they try to provide services over the long term.The topic of managing risks is also covered. This manual offers strategies to prevent risk from occurring and, if it does occur, explains how to rectify the situation. Practical techniques for allocating costs and determining prices are also highlighted, as well as the importance of plans, budgets and reports. Illustrations and case studies are used to assist managers in applying the concepts outlined in the text. An extensive list of additional reading and useful Internet resources is also provided

Developing nations currently utilize various methods and practices used in most entrepreneurial activities. Manipulating these processes to work in a categorically low-income area, however, can be challenging. Micro-Entrepreneurship and Micro-Enterprise Development in Malaysia: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurial promotional programs and applications within global economics. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as emerging economics, organizational development, and gender diversity, this book is ideally designed for entrepreneurs, policymakers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, business professionals, academics, researchers, and students seeking current research on improving the socio-economic condition of low-income households through various entrepreneurial activities.