Sessions:

Getting "Techy:" Can Technology Innovations Transform Microfinance?

MFIs are increasingly using mobile platforms and many loan officers are becoming comfortable using sophisticated hand held devices to communicate remotely with branches. The demand for robust, yet flexible, MIS solutions are increasing significantly. Furthermore, MFIs are actively seeking ways to employ technology to add value to other part of their business, such as increasing funding sources. This panel will explore some of the benefits and challenges of using new technology, and whether this is simply "one more" additive to MFIs or if we are only seeing the tip of what will be a huge change in operations.

MODERATOR: Preeth Gowdar, Kellogg School of Management

    • Scott Bellow, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Kiva Microfunds
    • George Conard, Executive Director, Technology for Microfinance, Grameen Foundation
    • John McMahon, Salesforce
    • Sarah Rotman, Associate Microfinance Analyst, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor

    Microfinance in the United States: Where are We Now and How Far can We Go?

    A number of microfinance initiatives have flourished in the United States over the years, targeting different segments of the population. Since these initiatives are largely dependent on donor money, how will they cover their long-run costs? Why can’t MFIs in the United States be profitable and what is the future for microfinance in the United States? Will donations continue to fund the local growth in microfinance?

    MODERATOR: Robert Spich, Senior Lecturer, UCLA Anderson School of Management

      • Jonathan Brereton, Chief Executive and Lending Officer, ACCION Chicago
      • James Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer, Progreso Financiero
      • Jodina Hicks, Chief Program Officer, Safer Foundation
      • Lolita Sereleas, Founding Partner, FUND Consulting

      Impact Monitoring and Reporting: Heading Towards an Industry Standard

      Much of the promising news of microfinance being an industry with potential of achieving market returns and “doing good” relies on a number of assumptions that sometimes are not challenged rigorously enough. How reliable is the data on social impact from MFIs and how is it measured? What are some of the best practices in impact reporting and how far are MFIs adopting an industry standard? What is the role of credit agencies in the process?

      MODERATOR: Alicia S. Menendez, Research Associate (Associate Professor), Harris School of Public Policy

        • Charles Belanger, FINCA International
        • Lori Scott, Calvert Foundation
        • Ruth Mbeba, Mennonite Economic Development Associates
        • Nicholas Molodyko, Head of Practice Management, ShoreBank International Ltd.

        Microfinance Goes “Green:” A Path Towards a More Sustainable Future

        Is there a way to support development and reduce world-wide poverty without increasing the carbon footprint of MFI clients? What are some of the projects that lie on the intersection of combating climate change and international development? How can MFIs help accomplish the goal of leapfrogging carbon-intensive technologies and satisfying the technology and energy needs of the planet in a sustainable manner?

        MODERATOR: James Dailey, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, MicroEnergy Credits

        • Kira Costanza, Executive Director, SunPower Afrique
        • Kalyani S. Iyer, Consultant

        Microfinance and Faith: How are Faith-based MFIs different from Mainstream MFIs?

        Muslims, Catholics, Christians and many other religions have embraced microfinance as one of their strategies to implement their faith and principles. Some of these programs have grown into huge organizations reaching hundreds of thousands of clients.  How are they different from mainstream MFIs?  How do they relate to their clients and what do they expect from them?

        MODERATOR: Ryan Calkins, Board of Director, SeaMo

          • Beth Houle, Chief of Staff, Opportunity International
          • Karen Hunt-Ahmed, Assistant Professor, DePaul University
          • Terry Provance, Executive Director, Oikocredit USA

          Microfinance and Wall Street: Will MFIs ever be an Asset Class?

          Much has been said about the low-correlation of microfinance investments to the overall market.  Although some pension funds in Europe seem to be slowly tapping into private equity and debt investments in microfinance, United States-based institutional investors seem not to be interested.  Has the perception of institutional investors changed with the financial crisis?  Can MFIs absorb the resources that would be available if these investors step-up?

          MODERATOR: Larry Reed, Independent Consultant

            • Paul Blyth, Chief Financial Officer, MicroPlace
            • Peter Bremberg, Manager, IFMR Capital
            • Carlos Castello, ACCION International
            • Patrick T. Fisher, Founder and President, Creation Investments Social Ventures Fund
            • Roger Frank, Managing Partner, I3 Advisors LLC