Definition of microfinance institution (MFI) | ADA (2024)

Body

Definition ofmicrofinance institution (MFI) | ADA (1)


Like a bank, amicrofinance institution is aprovider ofcredit. However, the size of the loans are smaller than those granted by traditional banks. These small loans are known as microcredit. The clients of an MFI are often microentrepreneurs in need of economic support to launch their business. This type of client is considered too risky by traditional banks because they cannot provide real collateral and because they tend to work in the informal sector of the economy.

Before granting the loan, MFIsanalysethe clients' willingness and ability to pay. MFIs usually carry out a field surveyto gather as much information as possible, not only from the future entrepreneur, but also from people who know them.

Depending on the amount of credit requested, the criteria are relatively simple. For larger amounts, it is common to wait until the client has a proven track record and has already made repayments on small loans. Financial education and payment culture are important.

The success of a microfinance project, and of an entrepreneur, often depends on the direct or indirect involvement offamily and close friendsin the business activity.

How to work in an MFI

As with any sector of activity, there are several possible jobs andentry points for working in an MFI. The most common jobs areloan officer, financial analyst, branch manager, riskmanager, controller, financial educator andbranch accountmanager.

Required qualifications for working in an MFI

In addition to interpersonal skillswhich are required for the proper functioning of theMFI and for managing client relationships, a microfinance professional must have a certainexpertise and skills, such as:

  • an awareness oflegal aspects, laws and regulations of the country, including those related tobanking and the (micro)financial sector
  • a solid understanding of the MFI'sfinancial and non-financial products and services for clients.

In addition, a microfinance professional must be able to:

  • explain the operating principles of the MFI's financial and non-financial products and servicesclearly andin layman's terms to clients who aresometimes new to banking
  • apply procedures for granting credit
  • assess risks
  • collect savings and manage cash
  • contain operating costs
  • use an MIS (computerised management information system)
  • detect fraud.
Definition of microfinance institution (MFI) | ADA (2024)

FAQs

Definition of microfinance institution (MFI) | ADA? ›

Like a bank, a microfinance institution is a provider of credit. However, the size of the loans are smaller than those granted by traditional banks. These small loans are known as microcredit

microcredit
Microcredit is the extension of very small loans (microloans) to impoverished borrowers who typically lack collateral, steady employment, and a verifiable credit history. It is designed to support entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Microcredit
. The clients of an MFI are often microentrepreneurs in need of economic support to launch their business.

What is MFI in microfinance? ›

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are financial companies that provide small loans to people who do not have any access to banking facilities. The definition of "small loans" varies between countries. In India, all loans that are below Rs.1 lakh can be considered as microloans.

What is the definition of microfinance? ›

Microfinance refers to the financial services provided to low-income individuals or groups who are typically excluded from traditional banking. Most microfinance institutions focus on offering credit in the form of small working capital loans, sometimes called microloans or microcredit.

What are micro financial institutions Quizlet? ›

Microfinance refers to the provision of small loans and other facilities like savings, insurance, and transfer services to poor, low-income households and microenterprises. Informal MFI's. These types of institutions are still modernizing.

What does it mean for microfinance institutions (mfi) to be financially sustainable? ›

The financial sustainability (FSS) indicates the ability of MFI to cover all of its operating costs and costs of capital without depending on subsidies.

What does MFI mean? ›

Basically, this means 'Made for IOS'. So, when you see that box on the product that says “Made for iPhone” for example, you know it has been verified and certified by Apple for use on its products.

What is the role of a microfinance institution? ›

In most nations, microfinance institutions offer both financial and non-financial services. The financial service includes small business loans to low-income clients, savings, insurance, mortgages, and retirement plans for those denied such services by traditional banking and financial institutions.

What is the lately definition of microfinance? ›

Microfinance is a form of banking service provided to low-income individuals or groups who otherwise wouldn't have access to financial services.

What is an example of microfinance? ›

Microfinance in the form of microloans can take many forms. For example, Peter, a maize farmer in Kenya, borrowed USD$125 through Kiva, facilitated by Kiva's Field Partner Apollo Agriculture, which helps small farmers maximize their profits.

What is microfinance and why does it matter? ›

Unembellished, microfinance involves providing financial services, including credit, savings, insurance, and more, to individuals who lack access to traditional banking systems. What makes microfinance unique is its focus on serving the unbanked or underbanked population, typically in developing countries.

What is the definition of financial institutions? ›

A financial institution (FI) is a company engaged in the business of dealing with financial and monetary transactions such as deposits, loans, investments, and currency exchange. Financial institutions are vital to a functioning capitalist economy in matching people seeking funds with those who can lend or invest it.

What are micro finance activities? ›

Microfinance includes microcredit, the provision of small loans to poor clients; savings and checking accounts; microinsurance; and payment systems, among other services.

What is the difference between small finance bank and micro finance institution? ›

A small finance bank, as the name suggests, is essentially a bank, implying its ability to raise deposits. A Microfinance institution is generally a non-banking finance company, and is not allowed to raise deposits.

What is the meaning of MFI in banking? ›

Monetary Financial Institutions (MFIs), as in a definition provided by the European Central Bank, are defined as central banks, resident credit institutions as defined in Community Law, and other resident financial institutions whose business is to take deposits or close substitutes for deposits from entities other ...

What are the goals of MFI? ›

Microfinance institutions have a specific focus: they aim to offer banking services to low-income individuals and groups, and they receive funding from established financial institutions to support the underprivileged.

What is the most common risks in an MFIs and how it affects all microfinance institutions? ›

Most MFIs focus on financial risks, in- cluding credit, li- quidity, interest rate, currency, and investment risks. Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital due to bor- rowers' late and non-payment of loan obligations. Transaction risk refers to the risk within individual loans.

What is the difference between a bank and a MFI? ›

Like a bank, a microfinance institution is a provider of credit. However, the size of the loans are smaller than those granted by traditional banks. These small loans are known as microcredit. The clients of an MFI are often microentrepreneurs in need of economic support to launch their business.

Who is eligible for MFI loan? ›

Eligibility & Documents Required

The age of the applicant must be between 18 and 58 years, and they need to be from the low-income segment. The minimum annual household income should be less than 3 Lakhs. The business must be involved in an income-generating activity.

Who regulates the MFI? ›

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shall regulate the micro finance sector; it may set an upper limit on the lending rate and margins of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

What is difference between MFI and NBFC? ›

However, Non-Banking Financial Company cannot issue checks drawn on itself. Whereas, MFI stands for microfinance institutions which operate at a smaller level than NBFC and provide small loans to the underprivileged sections of the society. Read Also: Service Offered by Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) .

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 6618

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.