Micro Success Story? Transformation of Nongovernment Organizations Into Regulated Financial Institutions

The study examines the ownership structure, expectations, and achievements of microfinance institutions that have been established by transforming nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Although the number of such institutions is low, they have had a catalytic effect and major influence on the microfinance industry.

The purposes of the study are to :

• inform and improve understanding by microfinance stakeholders of the nature of transforming NGOs into regulated financial institutions.
• enrich and encourage discussions on the issues relating to transformations among stakeholders and potential investors.
• help transformed institutions improve their operations to serve larger segments of the poor more effectively.
• enable NGOs considering transformation into regulated financial institutions to make more informed decisions.