MicroCapital
Microfinance Institutions Reach Crucial Agreement with Government in Andhra Pradesh
In a broad reaching agreement, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) operating in Andhra Pradesh, India have reached an agreement with the state government on MFI interest rates, product portfolio, inter-MFI competition, credit disbursement and loan recovery methodologies. An agreement pertaining to a smaller jurisdiction – the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh was earlier reported on MicroCapital.
As per the terms of the agreement, MFIs have agreed to an interest rate ceiling of 15%. They have agreed to desist from providing multiple credit to an existing borrower and recover loans at a pace compatible with the borrower’s income level. MFIs are also to remain strictly within the micro-credit domain, avoiding micro-insurance products.
This marks an important step in the ongoing imbroglio between the state government and MFIs, which has been widely reported, not only in Indian newspapers but also by the international press. The state government had came down heavily on MFIs following reports of farmer suicides due to heavy-handed collection methods,. The state government rapped four MFIs - Spandana, Asmita, Umduma Poddu Pedatha and Share Microfin while credit disbursements, especially those of ICICI bank, which writes most of these loans using these MFIs as disbursement and collection agents, faced potential write-offs worth Rs 500Crore (USD 100 million).
Continue reading "Microfinance Institutions Reach Crucial Agreement with Government in Andhra Pradesh"
As per the terms of the agreement, MFIs have agreed to an interest rate ceiling of 15%. They have agreed to desist from providing multiple credit to an existing borrower and recover loans at a pace compatible with the borrower’s income level. MFIs are also to remain strictly within the micro-credit domain, avoiding micro-insurance products.
This marks an important step in the ongoing imbroglio between the state government and MFIs, which has been widely reported, not only in Indian newspapers but also by the international press. The state government had came down heavily on MFIs following reports of farmer suicides due to heavy-handed collection methods,. The state government rapped four MFIs - Spandana, Asmita, Umduma Poddu Pedatha and Share Microfin while credit disbursements, especially those of ICICI bank, which writes most of these loans using these MFIs as disbursement and collection agents, faced potential write-offs worth Rs 500Crore (USD 100 million).
Continue reading "Microfinance Institutions Reach Crucial Agreement with Government in Andhra Pradesh"
This seems like a mostly reasonable agreement despite concerns it was excessive government interference. One cannot deny the need for regulation, particularly in a largely imperfect market where customers lack information or significant bargaining power. While I'm not sure if a ceiling of 15% is advisable, preventing MFIs from making multiple loans to the same client is essential.
Interestingly, Microfinance & Muhammad Yunus have won the 2006 peace prize. My reservations notwithstanding, a much deserved accolade! Surprise it hasn't made NextBillion yet!