Search results for "Microfinance"

Economies of diversification in microfinance: Evidence from quantile estimation on panel data

2020

Abstract Prior studies of the diversification-driven cost savings from the joint provision of credit and deposits in microfinance usually ignore the multi-way heterogeneity across MFIs which vary substantially in size, business model, target clientele and operate in diverse environments. Using a quantile panel data model with correlated effects capable of accommodating multiple heterogeneity, we show that the typical measurement of economies of diversification at the mean provides an incomplete and distorted picture of their magnitude and prevalence in the industry. While we find statistically significant estimates, they are modest for most small-size MFIs but are quite substantial for larg…

Should Microfinance Institutions diversify or focus? A global analysis

2018

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of revenue diversification on the financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The long-standing question about whether financial institutions should diversify or focus is a topic of ongoing debate. Using a global sample of MFIs, we investigate which view is appropriate for microfinance institutions. The results show that, diversification across revenue streams improves sustainability and profitability of MFIs. This suggests that revenue diversification is an important strategy for the sustainability of microfinance.

What Explains Governance Structure in Non-Profit and For-Profit Microfinance Institutions?

2009

This paper aims to explain the choice of board and CEO characteristics in microfinance institutions (MFI). Explanations are sought in substitution or complementarity between the characteristics, external governance variables, and financial performance and outreach performance to the poor. The data are from 290 MFIs in 61 countries, and the logit regressions methodology is employed. The board and CEO characteristics are board size, CEO-chairman duality, international directors, and female CEO. We find relationships among these variables, and also that the external governance variables ownership type (shareholder owned) and international initialization induce smaller board, less duality, more…

Myths in microfinance

2008

Microfinance – the provision of financial services to the poor – is high on the public agenda. We discuss and evaluate three myths regarding microfinance based on new data from rated microfinance institutions (MFIs). The first myth is that an efficient MFI needs to be shareholder owned; second that its governance should first and foremost address the potential conflict between owners and managers; and third that MFIs are drifting away from their poorer customers towards serving the wealthier. The data do not support any of these myths. We conclude that microfinance is a viable business model.

Capital structure and CEO tenure in microfinance institutions

2018

Do Powerful CEOs Have an Impact on Microfinance Performance?

2009

In this study we show that Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) with more powerful CEOs have higher performance variability. A powerful CEO is defined as one that also chairs the board of directors. CEO power is reflected in higher performance variability if CEOs have more latitude of action, i.e. managerial discretion. Managerial discretion can be limited by having stakeholder electives on the board. We find that CEO power only has an effect on MFI performance variability when there are no stakeholder electives on the board. Furthermore, we argue that CEOs in non-profit MFIs have more discretion, because their dual mission implies their CEOs are harder to control. We find that CEO power increa…

Exploring Microfinance Clients with Disabilities: A Case Study of an Ecuadorian Microbank

2016

AbstractUsing a unique sample from an Ecuadorian microfinance institution that has focused on increasing its outreach to disabled clients, we present a comparative analysis of the characteristics of disabled versus non-disabled clients. The study shows that disabled clients are more often male, are less likely to be living with a partner, have fewer children, and are older compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Moreover, we observe differences in repayment statistics between clients with and without disabilities, as well as differences within the disability sample. Our findings illustrate the importance of adapting microloans to the special needs of persons with disabilities.

Social Innovation Lessons from Microangels? An Institutional Entrepreneurship Case Study of the CIGALES Movement in France

2012

One way by which microentrepreneurs can increase their ability to take debt is to take equity alongside, thus respecting prudent ratios and reducing stress. But microequity has not developed in most of the developing world. At the same time, since 1983, microequity has been started in France through a socially innovative movement known as CIGALES. Today, there are over a hundred CIGALES clubs. How have these multiplied and why hasn't the movement grown faster and more global? We look at the development of the CIGALES movement from an Institutional lens. Based on fifteen semi-structured interviews, we trace the creation and expansion of the movement and see internal blockages are as importan…

Does Microfinance Cause or Reduce Suicides? Policy Recommendations for Reducing Borrower Stress

2011

At a time when suicides by microfinance borrowers in Andhra Pradesh are extensively discussed, this paper makes an initial tentative exploration into the impact of microfinance on suicides. Does MF reduce or increase suicides? Data limitations imply methodological limitations and provisional conclusions. The literature review, starting with Emile Durkheim, of research on suicides brings out the importance of psychological factors, divorce, and unemployment. We investigate time series data on suicides in India and find a just significantly positive correlation with male suicide rates and slightly negative correlations (not significant) with female suicide rates – but no relation between micr…

The Effect of Cross-Border Language Use on Financial Performance of Microfinance Banks

2019

This empirical study investigates the financial performance effect of cross-border language use in 405 partnerships between microfinance banks and their international partners in 74 countries. Motivated by the literature on language in International Business, we find that microfinance banks that use a global language such as English have better financial performance. Further, the linguistic distance between the microfinance banks and their international partners is negatively related to the financial performance of these banks. This study highlights tangible performance outcomes of cross-border language use and suggests that language use needs to be addressed as a strategic issue in interna…