We produce blogs to discuss new research findings, ongoing projects, and even personal reflections on the research process. Our blogs are written for a variety of audiences, including other researchers, policymakers, practitioners, financial service providers, grassroots organizations, impact investors and the public. The format is simple and easy to grasp. The language is straightforward, and the tone is non-academic. Our blogs can be of varying lengths. We choose to write a blog when we don’t want to do a full- fledged study or follow a rigorous research process. Blogs may contain opinions and they can also be based on experiences. Some of our blogs may just share some observations, learnings, or challenges.
Last week a group of microfinance practitioners and investors gathered in New York City at the 2nd Microfinance Summit to discuss recent developments within the microfinance industry, as well as opportunities in providing healthcare, clean water, and renewable energy to low-income populations.
Last week I attended a conference titled “Microfinance: Translating Research into Practice”, hosted by the Centre for Microfinance in partnership with the College of Agricultural Banking (CAB) in Pune.
The South Asian Economics Students Meet (SAESM) that concluded recently in Dhaka had Kshama Fernandes from IFMR Capital interacting with the students over a dinner talk on “Access to Finance for All”
In March 2009, IFMR Capital (presently known as Northern Arc Capital) and Equitas Micro Finance concluded the first securitisation of micro-loans in India. Following that landmark transaction, on October 27th 2009 the associated PTCs (pass-through-certificates or securities) received a ratings upgrade from CRISIL. The senior tranche of PTCs was upgraded from AA (so) to AAA (so) — CRISIL’s highest long term safety rating. The junior tranche was upgraded from BBB (so) to A (so).
Mobile phones, unlike any other technology, have penetrated and affected the lives of ordinary Indians in a very short time.
The miracle that microfinance is thought to be was subjected to a randomized evaluation in a study which was a result of a research partnership between MIT and the Centre for Microfinance at IFMR.
In all our research efforts, we strive to maintain an independent voice that speaks for the low-income household and household enterprises. Our ability to perform this function is significantly enhanced by our commitment to disseminate as a pure public good, all the intellectual capital that we create.
