FMO to partner with Srijan 2009 Microfinance Forum

Microfinance Focus, Nov. 26, 2009: The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) will partner with the Srijan 2009 Microfinance Forum and Awards to be held on Dec. 8, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai, said a statement. Lending its support for the second year running, FMO will partner with this national-level platform that recognizes emerging and innovative business initiatives in microfinance and financial inclusion.

Commenting on the Social vs. Commercial theme of the event, Mr. Henk Nijland, Manager Micro & Small Enterprise Finance at FMO says “Currently the social motives of microfinance is being discussed and debated. Srijan both through its panel discussions and awards will question whether social impact is still a key ingredient that drives microfinance in India.”

With panel discussion topics like ‘Microfinance and Subprime: Is the Comparison Real?’ and others that debate the commercial and social motivations of microfinance, Srijan 2009 will witness the finest experts and practitioners including Nick O’Donohoe, Global Head, Equity Research at JP Morgan, Samit Ghosh, CEO, Ujjivan, Prashant Thakker Global Business Head (microfinance), Standard Chartered Bank, Suresh Gurumani, CEO, SKS Microfinance, Prakash Bakshi, Executive Director at NABARD, Vineet Rai, CEO Aavishkaar Venture Management Services & Co-founder Intellecap and PN Vasudevan, Managing Director at Equitas discuss key issues of the sector.

Srijan 2009 will also showcase and recognize India’s most promising microfinance institutions and enterprises in the following award categories- Emerging MFI, Client-centric Product or Service by an MFI, Technology Innovation and MFI Transparency.

On December 9, 2009 FMO and Intellecap, the organizer of Srijan 2009 will launch a capacity building workshop, titled “Equity Raising in Microfinance – Creating Opportunities for the Underserved”, which will focus on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to align their institution’s capital structure in a manner that maximizes its social and financial returns. The workshop is primarily aimed to build the capacity of smaller, emerging MFIs and is open to entrepreneurs, CEOs, CFOs, financial controllers and financial managers.

Srijan 2009 Microfinance Forum and Awards is organized by Intellecap and Standard Chartered in association with FMO, NABARD and, Aavishkaar Goodwell. Outreach Partners: Microfinance Insights, barefootjobs.org, and United Nations Solution Exchange.

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