for transparency in microfinance
MFTransparency is a global initiative for fair and transparent pricing in the Microfinance industry. Our desire is to be the venue for the Microfinance industry to publicly demonstrate its commitment to pricing transparency, integrity and poverty alleviation. Our vision is a Microfinance industry operating with healthy free market conditions where consumers and other stakeholders can make informed decisions. (Homepage).
News; Press release;
Sample Country;
Endorsement; MFT brochure;
Calculation of APR, based on Loan Conditions and Pricing (with Excel);
Why We Need Transparent Pricing;
Address: MicroFinance Transparency, 325 N West End Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA;
Contact (scroll down): Phone: (USA) +1 717-475-6733; Fax: (USA) +1 866-285-8363; e-mail.
Commentary: Microfinance has grown from $100,000 in 1989 to $30 million this year in « Sample Country ». One of the the largest factors influencing interest rates is inflation of 24%. This means that an interest rate of 35% is equivalent to a rate of 14% in a country where inflation is only 3% per year. Additionally 68% of the population lives in rural areas, making it more expensive to serve than neighboring Countries Y and Z.
Source X estimates that the microfinance industry will grow from $30 million this year to $90 million in 2010. It is projected that existing institutions will expand their client base by 60% in the next 5 years and that the number of MicroFinance Institutions will grow by 35%. (find this down of Sample Country).