Is Social Impact/Value Creation Key to Microfinance’s Commercial Success?

Microfinance was a social activity that discovered commercial value as the sector evolved. The debate has been that Indian microfinance has started acquiring commercial tones. The accusation of being too commercial has stuck with Indian microfinance even though we have yet to see an exit. What has been very interesting, a pointer that was noticed in CGAP and Intellecap sponsored risk conference was that the pace of growth, the consequent scale and profitability is also making investors nervous some of who have starting looking at social as the real long term commercial value that microfinance embodies. The panel would discuss if on the ground the balance has started shifting and if so, why or what needs to be done to keep the equilibrium going? The panel shall bring forth divergent views on the social and commercial aspects of microfinance and if it is possible to bring the right social impact along with commercialization.

Moderator:

Wim van der Beek (Aavishkaar Goodwell)

 

Panelists:

Philip Vassiliou (Legatum)

Xavier Reille (CGAP)

Harinder Sawhney (JM Financial)

PN Vasudevan (Equitas)