MicroFinance Transparency (MFTransparency), a US-based NGO, is bringing its “Transparent Pricing Initiative” to Morocco. The initiative is being sponsored in Morocco by the Netherlands Platform for Microfinance, a network of 16 organizations in the Netherlands that provide microfinance funding and consulting. The project will be delivered in partnership with France-based credit rating agency Planet Rating and Centre Mohammed VI de Soutien a la Microfinance Solidaire (CMS), a Moroccan government agency that provides training and business services to microfinance institutions and entrepreneurs. The initiative includes the following activities:
1. Training for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other microfinance stakeholders on how to calculate comparable microloan prices;
2. Collection, standardization and dissemination of microfinance product pricing;
3. Provision of educational materials to clients and other microfinance stakeholders; and
4. Policy recommendations to regulators on microfinance pricing disclosure.
The launch of the Transparent Pricing Initiative in Morocco marks MFTransparency’s first initiative in North Africa. MFTransparency has previously conducted similar efforts in approximately 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia.
By Brian LeBlanc, Research Associate
About MicroFInance Transparency (MFTransparency)
MFTransparency is a US-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) that was launched in July 2008 to provide information on microcredit products and their prices. MFTransparency collects data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loan products in order to calculate and publicize the effective interest rates charged on those loans. According to its website, 1341 industry stakeholders have endorsed its efforts as of 2013. As of March 31, 2012, MFTransparency reported total assets of USD 538,489. As of January 2013, MFTransparency has collected data from 30 countries on four continents, including 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
About Netherlands Platform for Microfinance (NPM)
Established in 2003, Netherlands Platform for Microfinance (NPM) is a network of Dutch organizations that provide equity, financing, technical assistance and capacity building for microfinance institutions. As of 2013, there are 16 members of NPM.
About Planet Rating
Planet Rating is a microfinance rating agency and member of the France-based PlaNet Finance Group. It originated the GIRAFFE methodology, which it uses to evaluate the performance and institutional risk of MFIs. This includes a 14-page report explaining the rating, a financial and operational analysis, regional and international benchmarking and a categorical rating.
About Centre Mohammed VI de Soutien a la Microfinance Solidaire (CMS)
Established in 2008, the Centre Mohammed VI de Soutien a la Microfinance Solidaire (CMS) is Moroccan government agency that conducts training, marketing support and research services for microfinance institutions and microentrepreneurs. As of December 2011, CMS has provided training services to approximately 14,400 beneficiaries in Morocco.
Sources and Additional Resources:
MFTransparency press release, April 9, 2013 MicroCapital article, January 22, 2013, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MicroFinance Transparency, Pakistan Microfinance Network Partner to Collect, Publish Microloan Pricing Data,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-transparency-pakistan-microfinance-network-partner-to-collect-publish-microloan-pricing-data/
MicroCapital article, August 15, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Partners with Planet Rating, Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) of India to Improve Pricing Transparency,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-partners-with-planet-rating-microfinance-institutions-network-mfin-of-india-to-improve-pricing-transparency/
MicroCapital article, February 7, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microfinance Pricing Data for Mozambique,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microfinance-pricing-data-for-mozambique/
MicroCapital article, January 27, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Data for Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-data-for-ghana-zambia-tanzania/
MicroCapital article, January 19, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Report on Ethiopia’s Microfinance Industry,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-report-on-ethiopias-microfinance-industry/
MicroCapital Universe Profile: MicroFinance Transparency (MFTransparency)
MicroCapital Universe Profile: Planet Rating
MicroCapital Universe Profile: Centre Mohammed VI de Soutien a la Microfinance Solidaire (CMS)
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