Microfinance

Microenterprises and small businesses form the backbone of developing economies. They are key providers of employment in local labor markets. Yet, despite their importance, these businesses rarely have access to the savings, credit, and payment services provided by formal financial institutions.

IFC assists these enterprises by helping commercialize the microfinance industry. Commercialization enables microfinance institutions to leverage their equity more efficiently, serve more clients, and offer a wider range of financial products and services. IFC's initial engagement often encourages commercial investors to increase financing to the sector, either directly or through specialized vehicles.

We implement our microfinance strategy through debt, equity, and quasi-equity investments in financial intermediaries serving micro and small businesses. We also offer intermediaries guarantees, other credit enhancement tools, and risk management and risk sharing products, including swaps and partial guarantees. IFC often undertakes these investments in cooperation with partners.

For further information on the microfinance program, contact:
Syed Aftab Ahmed | T: 202.473.8798
Deepak Khanna | T: 971.4.33.2139
Andre Laude | T: 202.473.0276
Tor Jansson | T: 202.458.5232
Zina Sanyoura | T: 202.473.3437