Posts Tagged ‘South asia’

Microfinance Focus, Nov. 13, 2009: Strengthening legal frameworks governing microfinance is needed to address weaknesses in the financial sector, said a report by the Asian Development Bank on Thursday. The study,"Intra-regional Trade and Investment in South Asia," examines the progress of economic integration in the South Asian region which includes India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. The report argues that financial sector reform in ... Full story

By Naagesh Naaraayana Microfinance Focus, Oct. 1, 2009: With the negative media coverage in recent months, there is a collective need for transparency in microfinance sector. While some reports pointed out the high interest rates and the use of confusing product pricing, others have gone a step ahead to depict the microfinance institutions (MFIs) as no less than moneylenders. Essentially, a regulatory framework to enforce transparent loan ... Full story

Microfinance Focus, Aug. 17, 2009: Acumen Fund, a nonprofit venture capital firm focusing on poverty in South Asia and East Africa, announced on Monday the list of new fellows selected for 2010. The program received 370 applications from 49 countries, a statement said. The program will have an eight-week training course followed by a nine-month assignment with one of Acumen's portfolio companies in health care, housing, water and energy. The Fund's 2010 Fellows are: Full story