MFN has actively contributed to the development of microfinance industry via publications and other forms.

Social Performance Management

MFN members are dedicated to both financial and social goals, and are ready to take up the leadership in providing social performance information as they have done with financial performance information. MFN has actively participated in the Social Performance Task Forse in order to contribute to the industry development in the area of social performance management.

Pro-Consumer Policies

MFN has been working to increase awareness about the importance of consumer protection. MFN members adopted a pro-consumer pledge in 2004 and consumer protection now is a part of the MFN's Core Principles. MFN is now part of the Steering Committee of the Beyond Codes project, conducted by the Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International.

"MFN Pro-Consumer Pledge" (November 2004) English / Spanish / French

Transforming NGOs to Regulated Institutions and Banks

Since its foundation, MFN has promoted transforming NGOs to regulated microfinance institutions. Most of our publications are related to key issues around transformation, such as supervision and regulations, governance, and internal control.

In September 2006, MFN, together with the World Bank, published the book, "Transforming Microfinance Institutions: Providing Full Financial Services to the Poor." The book presents a practical "how-to" manual for MFIs to develop the capacity to become licensed and regulated to mobilize deposits from the public. The book outlines how to manage the transformation process and address major strategic issues including competitive positioning, business planning, accessing capital and shareholders, and changing legal form, as well as operational issues including "transforming" the MFI's human resources, financial management, MIS, internal controls, and branch operations. The book was one of the best-sellers of the year in 2006 among the World Bank publications. Click here to order this publication.

Financial Transparency

MFN has promoted financial disclosure of MFIs in collaboration with the Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX). Transparency in microfinance provides a way to improve an MFI's performance and to increase access to capital. MFIs must demonstrate that the information they provide is current and credible. MFN members have consistently been the leaders in providing transparent, reliable and updated information. Click here to visit members' profile at the MIX Market.