This document discusses governance and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India. It analyzes how governance mechanisms influence various performance and risk measures using data from 60 MFIs. Governance is important for MFIs to achieve their dual goals of reaching poor clients and achieving financial sustainability. The document differentiates between financial performance metrics like return on assets and operational costs, and outreach metrics like number of active borrowers. It explores how board characteristics, ownership type, regulation, and lending innovations may impact these outcomes.