Setting sights on the future of microfinance at the Zell Center Conference

Microfinance Focus, May 21, 2013: Practitioners and academics brought to light a wide range of issues concerning the microfinance sector on The 9th Annual Zell Center Chicago Microfinance Conference on May 3, 2013. The Chicago Booth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management and Harris School of Public Policy have organised the conference, which is based on theme “Evaluating the Past, Creating the Future of Microfinance.”

“Over the years, the conference has evolved from an introduction to microfinance to tracking the pulse of the industry, identifying key trends and challenging the status quo – in line with the University of Chicago culture,” said Nitika Nautiyal Chauhan, a conference organiser and a student of Booth School of Business.
The keynote speakers at the conference were Alex Counts, President and CEO, Grameen Foundation and Asad Mahmood, Managing Director of Global Social Investment Funds, Deutsche Bank. “The conference continues to be a key opportunity for graduate students across the US to meet, network and learn from microfinance professionals,” said Lisa Bosy, a student at Booth School of Business. Over 29 panelists and speakers discussed topics relevant to the microfinance sector such as product development, funding, social impact, public policy in the US and entrepreneurship.

Microfinance Focus has interviewed microfinance industry leaders on the sidelines of the conference.