While conducting fieldwork for a microfinance organization in West Africa in 2006, Zidisha.org founder Julia Kurnia noticed something startling. Loans that were funded at zero interest by well-meaning participants at popular microlending websites were costing the impoverished beneficiaries more than 35% on average in interest and fees. The exorbitant rates were charged by the local ...
Why Kiva should ignore the critics and continue on with the business of revolutionizing microfinance.
News and CommentaryApril 4, 2009 (Kiva Blog) A Microfinance industry-wide Campaign for Client Protection is expected to launch in mid-2009. The Campaign is an ambitious three-year initiative that aims to ensure that providers of financial services to low-income populations take concrete steps to protect their clients from potentially harmful financial products and ensure that they are treated ...
AsidesMFTransparency.com has undertaken to bring more sunshine to microfinance–which is good for borrowers and lenders alike.
News and Commentary