During the first nine months of this year, Oikocredit approved a record amount of 53 million euros in financing to the microfinance sector, thus bringing the total Oikocredit committed microfinance portfolio to 135 million euros with 205 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in 47 countries.

An international development cooperative, Oikocredit has 30 years of experience in making credit accessible to the economically poor through investments of churches, individuals and enterprises. Loans have proven to be a powerful instrument to bring about economic self-reliance and thus structural improvements to the livelihood of poor people, as well as lead to enhanced self-esteem of the borrower. Oikocredit financing enables NGOs, cooperative banks and other MFIs to serve hundreds of thousands of economically poor with microloans to create their own jobs and income.

Ben Simmes, Oikocredit's Director Membership and Investments, is responsible for the fostering and maintenance of contacts with investors in Oikocredit.  He has been with Oikocredit for almost 10 years and has been actively involved in the financing of microfinance institutes worldwide.   Ben will introduce Oikocredit, explain their approach and experience with microfinance, and also talk about increasing Oikocredit representation in Asia and opportunities to get involved.   Ben is also available to meet with potential investment partners earlier on 25th November.  If you wish to meet with Ben privately, please contact him direct at bsimmes@oikocredit.org.

This briefing is an excellent opportunity to learn about current best practice in microfinance and to understand the potential of microfinance from an investment perspective.

The briefing will be held at 4:00pm on Friday 25th November and will close at 6:00pm at the latest.  Attendance will be on a first come first serve basis, with priority registration being given to ASrIA members.  Please RSVP by e-mail and let us know if you are able to attend.  Non-ASrIA members who wish to attend will be charged HK$200.

David St. Maur Sheil (dsheil@asria.org)
Director