Events & Presentations

August 11, 11AM – 12PM EDT, Online

Based on decades of founding member experience in microfinance risk management, the Risk management Initiative in Microfinance (RIM) has embarked on the development of a pathways-based risk management framework called the Risk Management Graduation Model. The goal of this model – currently being developed in pilot testing – is to provide the microfinance industry with scalable risk management standards for MFIs at varying levels of institutional development. The webinar, presented by RIM Technical Committee Chairperson Ligia Maria Castro Monge and RIM Director Kevin Fryatt, will address questions including what is RIM, what are the philosophies and motivations behind the risk model, and what role does the risk model play within the current microfinance landscape. For the presentation slides of the webinar, click here.

July 18, 2014, Turin, Italy

The Board Fellows Program Steering Committee is comprised of eleven members with almost half hailing from Africa. Steering Committee members have a variety of backgrounds and experiences including expertise in African MFIs, governance, risk, executive trainings, etc. The Steering Committee will be instrumental in designing and launching this governance program, helping to both identify and overcome challenges and obstacles. The Steering Committee’s first in-person meeting will take place in Turin, Italy. Deborah Drake, Danielle Piskadlo, and Elisabeth Rhyne will attend this meeting.

July 7-25, 2014, Turin, Italy

This year Boulder Institute will be holding its 20th Anniversary Boulder Microfinance Training (MFT) in English and French in Turin, Italy, July 7-25 at the International Training Centre of the ILO. As part of this milestone year, a special program tailored to institutions and their professionals working in microfinance will be offered, with an emphasis on policymaking, sustainable development, and MFI management. More than 60 courses will be offered, as well as the daily “Morning Seminar,” which are all designed to meet the professional needs and challenges that the microfinance industry faces today. Networking activities will also be provided. During a plenary session, CFI's Deborah Drake will present the 2014 Microfinance Banana Skins report. For more information on the program, click here, or cliquez ici.

May 20, 2014, Virtual

The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI)’s Governance Working Group and the Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) are pleased to host Tamar Lebanidze, Chair of Bank Constanta’s Board, for a presentation and discussion, Governing Through Challenges: Lessons Learned. Recent Publications, Failures in Microfinance: Lessons Learned, Weathering the Storm: Lessons in Microfinance Crisis Survival, examining MFI crises and concluded that the quality of governance was the differentiating factor between institutions that survived and those that did not. These reports highlight the importance of strong boards and CEOs with the ability to effectively lead, sustain, and guide their institutions through difficult times of transformation and growth. A blog post by Bob Bragar, Principal, Strategies for Impact Investors highlights the journey of Constanta Bank, and the governance challenges that this presentation will cover: growth, transformation, the key role of the board chair, and transitioning from management to the board. This event is only open to Governance Working Group and SPTF members.

May 12-13, 2014, New York City, USA

Hosted by WWB Asset Management at the Credit Suisse office, the main theme of this Financial Inclusion Equity Council meeting is “Market Transparency,” which will more specifically delve into the areas of market infrastructure, valuation, and industry influencers. This meeting includes a panel lunch to create a platform for exchange between Council members, Credit Suisse employees and clients, and the Microfinance CEO Working Group. This discussion will focus on deepening the level of understanding about the important role equity investments play within the impact investment sector. The spring Council meeting will also continue our conversation with the Microfinance CEO Working Group (MCWG) on how best to advance our shared agenda.