The Microfinance CEO Working Group is a collaborative effort by a number of leading international organizations that promote microfinance around the world. The Microfinance CEO Working Group consists of the leaders of ten international microfinance organizations: Accion, BRAC, Care, FINCA International, Freedom from Hunger, Grameen Foundation USA, Opportunity International, Pro Mujer, VisionFund International, and Women’s World Banking.
In early 2011, an informal group of industry leaders began to meet to discuss the state of the microfinance sector as it matures and encounters new challenges. Participants quickly discovered a shared perspective on the future of the microfinance industry – one rooted in high standards, client orientation, and collective action.
The Working Group seeks to work together to support the positive development of its member organizations and the microfinance industry at large. Its members will advocate in favor of responsible microfinance practices and commit to upholding their organizations to the highest standards.
The Center for Financial Inclusion in Washington, D.C. currently serves as the Secretariat of the Microfinance CEO Working Group.
The members of the Microfinance CEO Working Group are:
 |
Michael Schlein President and CEO, Accion |
 |
Shameran Abed, Director Microfinance |
 |
Lauren Hendricks, Executive Director Access Africa |
 |
Rupert Scofield President and CEO, FINCA Working Group Founding Co-Chair |
 |
Steve Hollingworth President, Freedom from Hunger |
 |
Alex Counts President and CEO, Grameen Foundation |
 |
David Simms Global Chief Development Officer & President, Opportunity International, U.S. |
 |
Rosario Pérez President and CEO, Pro Mujer |
 |
Scott Brown President and CEO, VisionFund |
 |
Mary Ellen Iskenderian President and CEO, Women's World Banking Working Group Founding Co-Chair |
Responsible Microfinance
The Microfinance CEO Working Group believes that a responsible microfinance
institution is one that:
- is client-focused;
- does all in its power to protect clients from harm;
- is transparent about its fees and interest rates; and
- measures its effectiveness in achieving desired client-level outcomes.
The Working Group’s work has focused around support for three industry initiatives that are playing a major role in advancing commitment and capacity to responsible microfinance:
- The Smart Campaign: A global campaign committed to embedding client protection practices into the institutional fabric of the microfinance industry, the Smart Campaign has been endorsed by over 4,300 institutions and individuals since its launch in 2009.
- MFTransparency: MicroFinance Transparency serves as a public forum for microfinance institutions to demonstrate their commitment to pricing transparency and integrity.
- The Social Performance Task Force: The SPTF is an ambitious effort by more than 1,000 stakeholders to develop common tools for measuring and managing social performance. It has developed “Universal Standards for Social Performance Management” that will guide organizations as they work to translate their missions into reality.
For more information please visit:
Microfinance CEO Working Group blog
