SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Challenges in microfinance:
an EY perspective
Introduction
We are pleased to present you with our
microfinance brochure.
In this brochure, we describe the latest trends
in the microfinance industry and present how
EY, as a key provider of services to microfinance
institutions (MFIs) and microfinance investment
vehicles (MIVs), has the knowledge and experience
in handling the challenges you face. We also
describe EY's position in the microfinance industry
— sharing the services and support that we can
provide.
We share your passion for this fascinating industry
and are eager to continue to work with you or to
start a dialogue with you.
To find out more, please call one of our global or
regional contacts whose contact information can
be found at the end of this brochure.
Contents
Contacts
Glossary
The evolving
microfinance
landscape
01
EY and microfinance
03
Eight key challenges
in microfinance: how
can EY help
05
A call for innovation,
adaptability
and agility
11
12
13
1Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
From microcredit to financial inclusion
In the last few decades, we have seen an evolution in the
microfinance landscape. What once started off as microcredit,
a simple service offering micro-loans to the world’s unbanked
populations, has evolved into complex microfinance markets
operated by thousands of MFIs and MIVs. Their products and
service offerings aim to provide low-income people with tools to
meet credit and saving needs as well as manage risk and efficiently
execute transactions. This evolution is often called the financial
inclusion agenda, or simply financial inclusion. Microfinance can be
divided into three broad categories: microcredit, microsavings and
microinsurance.
•	 The promise of microcredit is to provide small loans to micro
entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses, reinvest the returns
and allow them to grow out of poverty. Several recent studies
indicate that while microcredit can be a useful financial tool for
some entrepreneurs, it has not typically generated dramatic
increases in income. Some of the key challenges for microcredit,
therefore, include the questions of how access to microcredit can
better contribute to poverty reduction and what credit product
design choices and screening mechanisms could increase their
effectiveness, as well as their financial viability.
•	 Microsavings products aim to provide accessible and safe
avenues to save, either for future investments or as a precaution
against economic shocks. Microsavings products can include
simple no-frills bank accounts, as well as commitment-based
products that encourage deposits or limit withdrawal in order
to help savers reach their savings goals. Recent research shows
promising effects of access to savings products both on the ability
to smoothen consumption by self-protecting against economic
shocks and to invest more in their microenterprises. A big
challenge is to make such products cost-effective for MFIs.
•	 Microinsurance products are designed to mitigate different types
of risks, such as agricultural or health risks. In emerging markets,
the provision of such insurance is faced with two challenges of
asymmetric information. First, as in established markets, the
challenge for any insurance provider is to monitor that claims are
justified, and to avoid selection of particularly risky customers
into their customer base. Second, in new markets, there is an
additional challenge to establish trust among potential customers
that their insurance will indeed pay out in the event of a future
negative shock. Current research and innovative microinsurance
models explore how to overcome these challenges.
The evolving microfinance
landscape
What once started off as microcredit, a simple service offering micro-loans to the world’s unbanked
populations, has evolved into financial inclusion, offering broader services, such as savings,
insurance and payment products.
2 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
Innovation as the enabler for financial inclusion
Over the last few years, with rapid changes in technology,
microfinance has been evolving, and MFIs and MIVs are expanding
their services in innovative ways. A case in point is the delivery of
microfinance products using mobile phones. MFIs are leveraging
this dramatic penetration of mobile technology and mobile
payments to improve delivery of microfinance services and
products to their clients.
Leading MFIs, as well as some promising start-ups, are driving
evolution in the microfinance business model. The microfinance
product and services design has been benefitting from greater
business awareness and the application of rigorous impact
measurement methodologies. For instance, the offering of
individual microcredit products is increasingly replacing the
traditional group-lending model. Bundle product packages
and commitment devices are tools contributing to tackling
the transaction costs and behavioral obstacles that otherwise
make microsaving unsustainable. MFIs are designing tailored
microinsurance products (e.g., index insurance) and establishing
partnerships with retailers, utilities and mobile operators. This
reduces the cost of providing microinsurance and increases
customer loyalty.
The new microfinance business models are more and more
technology enabled. The now generally accepted principle that
credit alone cannot eradicate financial exclusion has led MFIs to
rely on integrated product and service propositions. The wide
mobile phone reach in developing countries has allowed MFIs
and their partners (mobile operators, retail stores, credit card
companies, etc.) to develop integrated mobile banking platforms
for the delivery of a broad range of products and services. However,
regulators, as well as the industry players that operate in such a
new environment, should address a few open issues. Examples are:
e-money issuance by non-banking players (e.g., mobile operators),
risk-based approaches to know-your-customer controls, feasible
requirements for nonbank retail agents and adequate customer
protection.
More commercialization in microfinance leads to
opportunities as well as threats
Top-tier, regulated and self-sustainable large MFIs are driving a once
development-inspired movement toward a more business-oriented
perspective. Direct (e.g., IPOs) and indirect (e.g., MIVs) access to
financial markets, along with deposit-taking, represent innovative
alternatives to commercial banking credit and donor funding on
which MFIs are increasingly relying to escalate their operations.
We believe that a responsibly executed commercial strategy can
contribute to the achievement of an organization’s goals. For
instance, transforming entities into regulated financial institutions
allows for the expansion of financing sources through deposits,
improved commercial credit and equity investments, thus
enhancing resources to expand the customer value offering and
increasing the financial inclusion reach.
MIVs channel an increasingly significant part of the microfinance
funding. In fact, microfinance has established itself as a leading
asset class in the impact investment landscape.
In an industry where MFIs and MIVs have to balance their financial
inclusion mission with self-sustainability requirements, multiple
issues should be addressed. We have observed the following
challenges that MFIs and MIVs need to address.
•	 External reporting as well as social impact transparency to
investors and other stakeholders imply dealing with ever
changing reporting standards.
•	 Specialized skills are necessary to address tax and financial
accounting issues.
•	 When considering microfinance investments, extensive
knowledge of valuation methodologies and access to reliable
market information are essential.
•	 In cases of major organizational transformations, such as
recapitalization or listing of a microfinance entity, planning and
execution capabilities are key enablers of long-term success.
•	 Likewise, day-to-day operations require sound risk management.
However, in case of relevant business failures, a structured
approach to remediation should be applied.
These issues and possible effects are discussed in greater detail in
the following sections.
3Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
EY and microfinance
The role of business is changing. It is now widely accepted that
business has to do more than make a profit. It also must drive social
and environmental change.
A combination of factors – evolving relationships between
developed and emerging economies, global institutions and
nation states and public and private sectors – has led to a greater
understanding of the connection and interdependency between
business and society. There is an expectation that business
addresses social and environmental issues through its operations,
products and services and its unique expertise.
Our purpose – building a better working world
At EY, we understand that one of the most significant impacts we
can have on society is by supporting global and local economic
stability and growth, which in turn provides opportunities to address
some of the major issues that the world is facing. It’s through our
client work and the influence we can have on the wider business
world by making a commitment to audit independence, financial
transparency and sound governance to build trust in the capital
markets, and by advising our clients to support the successful
growth that we can contribute to building a better working world.
While the microfinance industry plays an important role in
sustainable financial inclusion and economic empowerment, EY
works to build trust and confidence in the capital markets and
economies by delivering market insights and quality services. We
develop high performing teams of experienced professionals who
are in tune with the issues that matter to our clients, and we look
beyond the obvious to identify the real challenges and opportunities
for them.
4 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
How we can support you
EY is involved in microfinance from different perspectives.
We support main MFI and MIV managers with comprehensive
client offerings ranging from assurance to specialized advisory
services. Moreover, we are a service provider to financial services
organizations active in the microfinance industry. Apart from being
a business proposition, providing microfinance services also fits into
our sustainability objectives. We also work with many organizations
on pro bono initiatives in the fields of microfinance.
We understand that the microfinance industry is evolving, and
our clients face global challenges that require an integrated
value proposition. Our recognized competitive advantage lies in
our ability to bring together integrated financial services teams
that work without boundaries between people, disciplines and
geographies. We offer core assurance, tax, transactions and
advisory services as well as strong microfinance expertise. Our
international network allows us to combine widespread local
presence with awareness of global microfinance market trends and
best practices. We are also experienced in setting up cross-national
teams to serve multinational microfinance organizations and
investors in their countries of operations.
In addition to our extensive local presence and service offerings, we
have a network of microfinance expert teams based in some of the
key microfinance hubs. Such a structure allows us to globally serve
top financial inclusion players.
We assist a broad range of MFIs, NGOs and non-banking financial
institutions in their transition to regulated full-services banks. We
work with top MFIs that are leading the industry, driving innovation
and growth. Through our MFI engagements, we contribute to
enhancing financial inclusion for the approximately 20 million
microfinance customers served by our main MFI clients.
The presence of EY microfinance specialists in the key MIV hubs,
such as Luxemburg and the Netherlands, as well as a global
network of microfinance and impact investment specialists, allows
us to deliver our services to the largest microfinance investors. Our
client MIVs and other impact funds manage approximately USD4
billion in assets. Moreover, our clients include prominent DFIs and
other leading microfinance funders.
5Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
Eight key challenges in
microfinance: how can EY help
External reporting frameworks
Like other entities that are subject to financial reporting
requirements, MFIs and MIVs need to comply with external
reporting rules such as IFRS, US GAAP or Dutch GAAP. These
reporting frameworks can be complex and are also evolving over
time. Within these frameworks, there are specific requirements for
investment funds and microfinance-like products that require deep
industry knowledge and experience.
How we can help
Owing to our significant footprint in the industry, we can share best
practices in meeting those requirements.
In particular, our specialists know how to apply complex standards,
such as IFRS 7, 10, 12 and 13; ASC 820; ASU 2011-4, that are
significant to the industry; and RJ 290. Our offices have developed
significant hands-on expertise in applying International Private
Equity and Venture Capital Valuation (IPEVCA) Guidelines, which
are commonly used in the valuation of investments owned by MIVs.
Increased transparency needs for external
assurance
We note that in the microfinance industry, as in the rest of the
financial services industry, investors and other stakeholders expect
MVIs and MFIs to produce audited financial statements. We have
also experienced an increase in requests for specific assurance
services to external stakeholders.
How we can help
We audit all types of MFI (e.g., NGOs, cooperatives, listed MFIs) and
MIV structures (e.g., direct funds, fund of funds and master-feeder
structures) globally. Our audit approach is fully customized to the
needs and operational concerns of the industry. We also audit asset
and fund management companies and private equity (PE) related
special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
Our Global Audit Methodology (GAM) forms the guiding principles
of our approach. However, what matters most to our clients is not
our methodology, but how we apply it to the services we deliver
and where we add value. We also have an edge over others due to
our methodology; worldwide, audits are completed under our GAM
and documented on a software tool that facilitates easy sharing of
information and practice across teams at all locations.
Our professionals would be happy to discuss your assurance needs
and how we may help you.
Financial reporting requirements are ever-changing1.
6 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
Investment valuation is a key capability for an MIV or an MFI. Due
to the nature of the markets in which MFIs and MIVs operate, which
are usually developing markets with limited market activity, gaining
recent market data for valuation purposes is very challenging.
Without proper, diligent, consistent and reliable valuation
procedures, management does not have the level of quality
information that they need to be able to steer the entity or make
investment decisions. Low quality of information may lead to losing
business, and high quality levels may lead to additional business.
How we can help
When investigating or executing an investment proposition, you
may want to use EY as an independent third party to provide a view
on the valuation of a (potential) investment, or gain our thoughts
on the way to the best deal structure. In addition, when analyzing
the viability of setting up a local MFI, you may want to consult with
EY microfinance professionals to gain insights into the local market
opportunity and threats.
•	 Transaction valuation services
The transactions for which we can provide services include:
related-party transactions, synergistic mergers, transactions
involving competing offers, leveraged transactions, stock
redemption and financings. Our transaction-related valuation
services include, but are not limited to:
•	 Fair opinions (i.e., professional evaluation by a third party as to
whether the terms of a merger, acquisition, buyback, spin-off,
or going-private are fair)
•	 Portfolio valuations and fund-to-fund transfer opinions
•	 Valuation of individual targets and investee companies for
transaction purposes
•	 Track record assurance, valuation update based on due
diligence findings, collateral valuations for financing, and
evaluation of the financial impact of alternative transaction
structures
•	 Valuation services for financial reporting purposes
To comply with financial reporting purposes, MIVs and MFIs often
need to determine the fair value of their investments as per
applied regulatory framework (e.g. IFRS, US GAAP, Dutch GAAP).
Our valuation services for financial reporting include, but are not
limited to:
•	 Independent opinion on the fair market value of investments
•	 Review of third-party valuations
•	 Purchase price allocation (PPA)
•	 Impairment testing
•	 Other valuation services
Other valuation services consist of:
•	 Tax valuation services supporting financial restructuring and
tax optimization, contributions in kind, transfer pricing and
transfer of intellectual property
•	 Dispute resolution services, related to litigation cases and
buyout or squeeze out procedures of minority shareholders
•	 Business modeling services
We are a market leading model build and review service provider,
boasting of a highly respected and globally recognized brand
reputation. Our model build service provides our clients with
robust, flexible and bespoke financial models that allow them to
make informed decisions, such as:
•	 Bid models, which provide a thorough understanding of the
key value drivers and risk profile of investment opportunities
and support structured sensitivity and scenario analysis
•	 Dynamic fund flow models, which improve the efficiency of
complex financial close processes
•	 Models that support post-transaction monitoring of investment
performance and periodic financial reporting valuations
•	 Models that support the short- or long-term cash flow
forecasting process of portfolio companies
Our model review service provides our clients with assurance on
their models, helping to safeguard investor returns and augment
their financial due diligence or internal control processes. Typical
scope items include a review of:
•	 Model’s logical integrity and arithmetic
•	 Correct application of corporate finance principles
•	 Model’s consistency with project documentation
•	 Tax and accounting assumptions
•	 Tax sensitivities
We also prepare schedules for the transfer of secondary investment
management to facilitate the move from one entity to another, and
verify waterfall models and carried interest calculations.
Whether it is to enter a new market, evaluate performance and
investment opportunities, or exit an investment, our professionals
would be more than happy to assist you by offering a full range of
valuation and business modeling services and by providing relevant
microfinance industry insights.
Valuation of investments in the microfinance industry is challenging2.
7Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
Listing a microfinance entity is a transformative process3.
As microfinance entities grow, their growth needs lead to
capitalization and funding challenges. One of the options to
accelerate growth of an MFI is doing an initial public offering (IPO).
Leading a fast-growth company through an IPO can be an intense
and emotional ride, but the need for hard work doesn’t end there.
Life is very different for newly listed companies.
In our view, there are three key challenges that companies typically
face in the post-IPO period. They are:
•	 Working with a larger and more diverse body of investors
•	 Delivering on your promises
•	 Maintaining the pace of growth
An IPO is a transformative process for a business, and it can change
the lives of the executives involved. Throughout the IPO journey,
senior management’s focus should be not only on going public
but also on being public. Being properly prepared can lead to a
successful IPO outcome, even the best financial engineering will not
create business prosperity. Only proper planning and adherence
to strong operational executing will forge the path to long-term
success.
How we can help
Our colleagues from the EY Global IPO Center of Excellence will
be glad to discuss your ambitions further. You can also visit the
ey.com/ipocenter.
A profound analysis of the setup of an MIV or an MFI from a tax
perspective may provide investors with tax efficiency, which
ultimately may have its effect on the performance of the entity and
its attractiveness to investors. This analysis includes prevention
of tax risks that might arise during the life cycle of the MFI or MIV,
both for the entity and its investors. It is equally important to avoid
reputation risk as a result of ethical profiling.
Often, MIVs have investments in jurisdictions with differing tax
regimes and treaties. Withholding tax and transfer pricing are
common challenges faced by MFIs and MIVs. The ”tax” profile of
an entity depends on, among others, the type of investors, the
investors’ country of residence, the service that the management
wants to deliver to its investors, and the type of investments that
the MIV or the MFI focuses on.
How we can help
Our Tax Advisory team has extensive experience in setting up and
structuring MFIs and MIVs, as well as in identifying and mitigating
tax risks of acquisitions. In addition, we offer a wide range of sell
side services.
Our Tax Advisory Services typically include:
•	 Identifying and validating appropriate investment vehicles and
the need for feeder vehicles catering to specific investors
•	 Ensuring tax efficiency of cash repatriation, e.g., minimizing
withholding taxes, if any
•	 Optimizing the financing structure, possibly by preparing tax-
affected cash flow models, in order to illustrate the potential tax
impact of proposed structures available
•	 Providing flexibility to future exit and preventing tax liability on
future exit
•	 Providing tax due diligence services to review and analyze the
potential tax liabilities, exposures, receivables and attributes of a
target company
•	 Securing tax rulings to neutralize potential tax risks identified in
the due diligence process
•	 Assisting in the review of tax-relevant parts of the transaction
documentation, as well as commenting on whether tax advice
agreed by the client and the counterparty is adequately reflected
in the documents
•	 Providing transaction cost analyses on the corporate income
tax and value-added tax (VAT) treatment of costs incurred in
connection with a target company’s acquisition
•	 Providing tax attribute calculations to quantify or estimate
specific tax attributes, such as net operating losses (NOLs),
earnings and profits, stock and asset basis, which will impact the
amount of tax payable upon disposition, and/or the application of
any rules limiting the use or benefit of such attributes
•	 Providing ongoing tax compliance for SPVs
•	 Providing sell side review of the tax position of a company
undertaken in advance of an exit
•	 Advising on structuring the exit in a tax-efficient way
Our professionals look forward to discussing with you the
opportunities for tax structuring of your organization and/or funds.
Scrutiny of the tax regimes applied by MFIs and MIVs has increased4.
8 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
Management of an MFI or an MIV needs to focus on what they do
best: managing a microfinance portfolio, seeking opportunities
to increase its financial inclusion footprint, adding value to its
investors, as well as increasing the performance of the entity and
ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Financial accounting, reporting or remediation may not be a core
competence or area of primary importance to a manager. It may
even be an area the manager wants to outsource to a third party.
How we can help
Our Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) professionals
advise on transaction-related accounting and financial reporting
and provides accounting, regulatory and controls support and
assistance. In sum, we provide a full range of advisory services to
assist investment managers in accounting and financial reporting.
Our scope of services includes:
•	 Transaction accounting and financial reporting advice
•	 Compiling third-party and regulatory reporting in compliance with
laws and regulations
•	 Accounting and regulatory support with financial communication,
special matters and new standards (e.g., IFRS) as well as advising
on regulatory requirements and debt covenants
•	 Accounting processes and controls support
•	 Accounting compliance and reporting assistance
•	 Financial governance and controls
•	 Other remediation services
Our FAAS professionals are available to discuss your needs and how
we can help.
Financial accounting is not the core business of an MFI or an MIV5.
Like any other industry, microfinance is faced with financial,
operational, compliance and strategic risks. Given the nature of
the markets in which MFIs and MIVs operate, there are some risks,
such as the risk of over-indebtedness, that are more prevalent and
inherent to microfinance. In addition, due to the increasing use of
mobile technology, the industry is faced with data security issues
and risks related to cyber crime.
Investors and other stakeholders will want to feel confident that
the management of an MFI or MIV understands the risks it faces
and can manage and monitor them efficiently. They will want proof
that risks are being properly mitigated and assurance that the
internal control structure is sound. Therefore, the entity needs to
strike the right balance between keeping risks within acceptable
limits and pursuing opportunities. Successful entities do not
invest in improving risk management simply to keep their external
stakeholders happy. If executed correctly, a risk management
program can be a driver of growth and business performance,
enabling an entity to take better recognized risks and achieve its
objectives of financial inclusion.
How we can help
As a global market leader in risk advisory services, we help entities
gain confidence that they have identified and understood their
main risks and that these risks are managed effectively. We work
with companies to help them get past the hype that very often
surrounds risk management. Our focus is on helping the business
manage and control its risks. That way, management can focus on
the core priorities that will move the business forward.
We can help:
•	 Develop a risk management framework
•	 Assess the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing
or co-sourcing the functions needed to support the risk
management plan
•	 Establish and execute an internal audit function
•	 Enhance your internal control environment
•	 Align risk, control and compliance functions
•	 Help you prepare a risk management program
Please get in touch with us if you would like us to help your business
address any of these challenges.
Increased growth requires robust risk management6.
9Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
Over the last few years, the microfinance sector has suffered
relevant cases of microfinance products mis-selling that have often
threatened the confidence in the sector. The anti-money laundering
and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements
could also represent a critical factor when facing current challenges,
such as branchless client on-boarding. In the case of regulated
MFIs, these and similar issues often result in the intervention of
the regulator, including severe government supervision measures.
Along with managing regulatory involvement, MFIs facing a
business crisis have to address customer and related complaints as
well as general public opinion criticism.
How we can help
Crisis management requires a significant amount of human
resources as well as a sound and structured approach to
remediation. Having delivered large scale and varied remediation
projects in the past decade, our Financial Services Remediation
team offers MFIs unrivalled experience and support on the
following issues:
•	 Redress of product mis-selling, i.e., supporting MFIs facing client
over-indebtedness or similar issues and consequent regulator
intervention
•	 Compliance remediation: address anti-money laundering and
combating financing of terrorism failings balancing regulatory
requirements with financial inclusion mission as well as innovative
distribution models
•	 Customer remediation: development of customer recourse
channels, redress of complaints handling issues, non-disclosures,
volume of advice and service complaints impacting ability to
maintain operation
•	 Operational redesign: post-crisis review of business and finance
processes and models
Turnaround management needs a structured approach7.
10 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
The objectives of microfinance are to empower societies from an
economic and social perspective by providing access to financial
services, such as credit, savings and insurance facilities. Impact
investments are investments made in companies, organizations
and funds with the intention to generate measurable social and
environmental impact alongside a financial return. Do microfinance
and impact investment reach their desired goals and objectives at
one given time? Following the criticism in the microfinance industry
in recent years, stakeholders require more transparency about
the impact of microfinance and impact investments. Measuring
impact is a complex and tedious process, and the results are often
incomparable between comparable MFIs and MIVs. Despite these
challenges, management is expected to develop tools and methods
to measure and report the impact of its activities.
How we can help
We provide the following services, depending on the level of
maturity of the respective entity when it comes to impact
measurement and reporting.
•	 Orientation
•	 Workshop (for boards, corporate responsibility (CR)
departments, portfolio managers, etc.)
•	 Gap or quick-scan analyses (compared to frameworks)
•	 Peer benchmarking (including “closing the gap advice”)
•	 Environmental, social and governance (ESG) cost/benefit and
performance improvement analyses
•	 Tax assessment
•	 Design
•	 Stakeholder dialogue and setting the materiality
•	 KPI determination
•	 Key risk indicators (KRIs) and key opportunity assessment
•	 Impact assessment and measurement metrics
•	 ESG strategy bridging (own strategy versus strategy of the
portfolio)
•	 Implementation
•	 ESG process integration (also in ISAE 3402, GIPS, etc.)
•	 Process (and IT) redesign
•	 Reporting support and (pre) assessments
•	 Impact measurement
•	 Link ESG and impact measurement to integrated reporting
•	 Report and accountability
•	 ESG/impact report compilation support
•	 “Audit readiness check” on the report
•	 ESG report assurance engagement (COS 3000 for ESG/SRI
reports, different levels of assurance possible)
Stakeholders require transparency regarding the impact of microfinance and
impact investing
8.
11Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
A call for innovation, adaptability
and agility
The microfinance industry is increasingly being regarded as
an investment opportunity and target by social entrepreneurs
and institutional investors. Innovation through technology,
improved business operating models and impact measurement
methodologies are widening financial inclusion reach. New, focused
asset classes are providing a source of financial sustainability
to microfinance institutions as well as stable and attractive
investments to the financial markets.
The increased complexity of a once development-inspired
movement requires a more strategic approach, execution capability
and the right set of specialized skills, which are necessary to
identify opportunities in the evolving microfinance industry as well
as to manage related threats. We believe that the MFIs and MIVs
that will differentiate themselves from the competition and achieve
the best combination of social and financial returns are those that
are innovative, adaptable and agile.
12 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective
Bochra Fourti
+ 44 20 795 10718
bfourti@uk.ey.com
Zaina Ahmed-Karim
+ 31 88 40 71051
zaina.karim@nl.ey.com
Justina Alders-Sheya
+ 31 88 40 71623
justina.sheya@nl.ey.com
Giacomo Folino
+ 44 20 795 18783
gfolino@uk.ey.com
EY microfinance contacts
Global contacts
Regional contacts
Africa
Kwadwo Mpeani Brantuo
Ghana
Tel: + 233 302 779868
kwadwo.mpeani-brantuo@gh.ey.com
Freda Britz
South Africa
Tel: + 27 11 772 3229
freda.britz@za.ey.com
Daryl Csizmadia
Mauritius
Tel: + 230 403 4707
daryl.csizmadia@mu.ey.com
Kayode Famutimi
Nigeria
Tel: + 234 1 463 0479 80
kayode.famutimi@ng.ey.com
Gitahi Gachahi
Kenya
Tel: + 254 20 2715300
gitahi.gachahi@ke.ey.com
Allan Gichuhi
Rwanda
Tel: + 254 20 2715300
allan.gichuhi@rw.ey.com
Henry C. Nondo
Zambia
Tel: + 26 211 236 120/121
henry.c.nondo@zm.ey.com
Joseph Sheffu
Tanzania
Tel: + 255 22 2666853
joseph.sheffu@tz.ey.com
Muhammed Ssempijja
Uganda
Tel: + 256 41 230637
muhammed.ssempijja@ug.ey.com
Asia Pacific and Middle East
Maria Cristina M. Calimbas
Cambodia
Tel: + 84 83 824 5252
cristina.calimbas@vn.ey.com
Omer Chughtai
Pakistan & Afghanistan
Tel: + 92 21 35674581
omer.chughtai@pk.ey.com
Jenny Lyn L Gulinao
Philipines
Tel: + 63 2 891 0307 7353
jenny.lyn.l.gulinao@ph.ey.com
Amit Kabra
India
Tel: + 91 992 006 0367
amit.kabra@in.ey.com
Ruben R Khadiullin
Russia
Tel: + 7 495 662 9369
ruben.khadiullin@ru.ey.com
Francisco Roque A. Lumbres
Philipines
Tel: +63 2 8910307	
francisco.roque.a.lumbres@ph.ey.com
Samar Obaid
Jordan
Tel: + 962 6 5800777
samar.obaid@jo.ey.com
Bhaswar Sarkar
India
Tel: + 91 33 6615 3450
bhaswar.sarkar@in.ey.com
Buwanesh Wijesuriya
Sri Lanka
Tel: + 94 011 5578633
buwanesh.wijesuriya@lk.ey.com
Europe
Laurent Capolaghi
Luxemburg
Tel: + 352 42 124 8855
laurent.capolaghi@lu.ey.com
Franck Chevalier
France
Tel: + 331 4693 7076
franck.chevalier@fr.ey.com
Latin America
Carlos Ruiz Hillpha
Peru
Tel: +51 1 411 4402
carlos.ruiz@pe.ey.com
Javier Iriarte Jauregui
Bolivia
Tel: + 591 2 2434313
javier.iriarte@bo.ey.com
Juliane Montag
Peru
Tel: + 51 411 4444
juliane.montag@pe.ey.com
13Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective |
ASC
Accounting standards codification
ASU
Accounting standards update
CR
Corporate responsibility
DFI
Development finance institutions
DUTCH GAAP
Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
ESG
Environmental social and governance
GAM
Global audit methodology
GIPS
Global Investment Performance Standards
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
IPEVCA
International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation
IPO
Initial public offering
ISAE
International Standard on Assurance Engagements
KPI
Key performance indicator
Glossary
KRI
Key risk indicator
MFI
Microfinance institution
MIV
Microfinance investment vehicle
NGO
Non-governmental organization
NOL
Net operating loss
PE
Private equity
PPA
Purchase price allocation
SMS
Short message service
SPV
Special purpose vehicle
SRI
Socially responsible investing
US GAAP
United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
USD
United States dollar
EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory
services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and
confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We
develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all
of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better
working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the
member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate
legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by
guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about
our organization, please visit ey.com.
© 2014 EYGM Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
EYG no. EK0314
ED 0115
This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be
relied upon as accounting, tax, or other professional advice. Please refer to your advisors for specific
advice.
ey.com

More Related Content

PPT
The credit policy
PPTX
Credit appraisal an overview
PPTX
Camels Modeling
PPTX
Finance company
DOCX
Microfinance in Philippines
PDF
Customer service in banking
PPT
Importance Of Banks In An Economy
The credit policy
Credit appraisal an overview
Camels Modeling
Finance company
Microfinance in Philippines
Customer service in banking
Importance Of Banks In An Economy

What's hot (20)

PPTX
Basel iii capital adequacy accord
PDF
Customer relationship management in banking sector
PDF
Credit monitoring
PPTX
Microfinance Policy in the Philippines
PPTX
Financial Structure and Monetary Policy in the Philippines
PPT
Microfinance
PPTX
Project report on financial inclusion
PPT
Chapter 07 credit process in banks
DOCX
Sources and bases of credit by miranda
PPTX
Delinquency management in MFIs
PPT
Financial Planning and Forecasting
PDF
Microfinance An Introduction
PPTX
Non Performing Asset (NPA)
PPT
Chapter 08 risk management in banks
DOC
Report on HDFC bank by Ayushi Jain
PPTX
Financial statements of bank
PPT
Non Performing Assets (NPA)
PPTX
Retail banking ppt
PPTX
Cost of capital
PPT
Presentation on Microfinance
Basel iii capital adequacy accord
Customer relationship management in banking sector
Credit monitoring
Microfinance Policy in the Philippines
Financial Structure and Monetary Policy in the Philippines
Microfinance
Project report on financial inclusion
Chapter 07 credit process in banks
Sources and bases of credit by miranda
Delinquency management in MFIs
Financial Planning and Forecasting
Microfinance An Introduction
Non Performing Asset (NPA)
Chapter 08 risk management in banks
Report on HDFC bank by Ayushi Jain
Financial statements of bank
Non Performing Assets (NPA)
Retail banking ppt
Cost of capital
Presentation on Microfinance
Ad

Similar to Challenges in microfinance (20)

PDF
Microfinance Market Global Industry Trends and Forecast (2023-2032)
PDF
Challenges And Solutions
PDF
Accenture-Banking-WithinReach
PPTX
Micro finance
PDF
Effects of micro- finance institutions' services on sustainability of small e...
PDF
Our global capabilities: financial services
PPSX
Solving Financial Constraints with Innovative Funding Solution
PDF
Bridging the Small Business Credit Gap Through Innovative Lending by Accion V...
DOCX
Theary
DOCX
The future of microfinance in india
PDF
H256271
PDF
ROLE OF MICRO FINANCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE
PDF
Unsgsa radio netherlands worldwide
PDF
A veritable product diversification option for micro finance institutions in ...
PPTX
MICROFINANCE PRACTICES.pptx
PDF
How Investment Banking Powers the Global Economy_.pdf
PDF
Risk capital and msm es in india for finance, subsidy & project related sup...
PDF
Microfinancing: The Catalyst for Scaling Up Economy
DOC
Micro finace.....by prince bright akinola
PDF
The Responsive Bank. Feature article in Q factor Oct 2014
Microfinance Market Global Industry Trends and Forecast (2023-2032)
Challenges And Solutions
Accenture-Banking-WithinReach
Micro finance
Effects of micro- finance institutions' services on sustainability of small e...
Our global capabilities: financial services
Solving Financial Constraints with Innovative Funding Solution
Bridging the Small Business Credit Gap Through Innovative Lending by Accion V...
Theary
The future of microfinance in india
H256271
ROLE OF MICRO FINANCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE
Unsgsa radio netherlands worldwide
A veritable product diversification option for micro finance institutions in ...
MICROFINANCE PRACTICES.pptx
How Investment Banking Powers the Global Economy_.pdf
Risk capital and msm es in india for finance, subsidy & project related sup...
Microfinancing: The Catalyst for Scaling Up Economy
Micro finace.....by prince bright akinola
The Responsive Bank. Feature article in Q factor Oct 2014
Ad

More from PT Datacomm Diangraha (20)

PPTX
Openshift Workshop
PPTX
Start Your Cloud Native Journey with Containerization
PPTX
Disaster Recovery Cook Book
PPTX
Converting Your Existing SAP Server Infrastructure to a Modern Cloud-Based Ar...
PPTX
Sutedjo - open banking may 27, 2021
PPTX
Darwin - PT IMI
PPTX
Sutedjo - Introduction to Cloud
PPTX
Aditya - Connecting Future
PPTX
Sutedjo - Digital Transformation for SAP
PPTX
Nam Khong - SAP on Cloud for Your Intelligent Enterprise
PPTX
Micro services container - Nam Khong
PPTX
Kubernetes Benefits - Sutedjo Tjahjadi
PPTX
OCP Datacomm RedHat - Kubernetes Launch
PPTX
Cloud computing for making indonesia 4.0
PPTX
Cloud technology for hospitality
PPTX
Why build sap on cloud
PPTX
Sap migration to cloud
PPTX
Disaster Recovery: Understanding Trend, Methodology, Solution, and Standard
PPTX
Hot Disaster Recovery Using Zerto
Openshift Workshop
Start Your Cloud Native Journey with Containerization
Disaster Recovery Cook Book
Converting Your Existing SAP Server Infrastructure to a Modern Cloud-Based Ar...
Sutedjo - open banking may 27, 2021
Darwin - PT IMI
Sutedjo - Introduction to Cloud
Aditya - Connecting Future
Sutedjo - Digital Transformation for SAP
Nam Khong - SAP on Cloud for Your Intelligent Enterprise
Micro services container - Nam Khong
Kubernetes Benefits - Sutedjo Tjahjadi
OCP Datacomm RedHat - Kubernetes Launch
Cloud computing for making indonesia 4.0
Cloud technology for hospitality
Why build sap on cloud
Sap migration to cloud
Disaster Recovery: Understanding Trend, Methodology, Solution, and Standard
Hot Disaster Recovery Using Zerto

Recently uploaded (20)

PDF
ECONOMICS AND ENTREPRENEURS LESSONSS AND
PPTX
Who’s winning the race to be the world’s first trillionaire.pptx
PDF
caregiving tools.pdf...........................
PDF
6a Transition Through Old Age in a Dynamic Retirement Distribution Model JFP ...
PPTX
OAT_ORI_Fed Independence_August 2025.pptx
PDF
Corporate Finance Fundamentals - Course Presentation.pdf
PPTX
Introduction to Managemeng Chapter 1..pptx
PDF
5a An Age-Based, Three-Dimensional Distribution Model Incorporating Sequence ...
PDF
Mathematical Economics 23lec03slides.pdf
PPTX
Introduction to Customs (June 2025) v1.pptx
PPTX
The discussion on the Economic in transportation .pptx
PPTX
Antihypertensive_Drugs_Presentation_Poonam_Painkra.pptx
PDF
Copia de Minimal 3D Technology Consulting Presentation.pdf
PDF
How to join illuminati agent in Uganda Kampala call 0782561496/0756664682
PDF
Chapter 9 IFRS Ed-Ed4_2020 Intermediate Accounting
PDF
Buy Verified Stripe Accounts for Sale - Secure and.pdf
PDF
Spending, Allocation Choices, and Aging THROUGH Retirement. Are all of these ...
PPTX
Session 3. Time Value of Money.pptx_finance
PDF
Q2 2025 :Lundin Gold Conference Call Presentation_Final.pdf
PDF
financing insitute rbi nabard adb imf world bank insurance and credit gurantee
ECONOMICS AND ENTREPRENEURS LESSONSS AND
Who’s winning the race to be the world’s first trillionaire.pptx
caregiving tools.pdf...........................
6a Transition Through Old Age in a Dynamic Retirement Distribution Model JFP ...
OAT_ORI_Fed Independence_August 2025.pptx
Corporate Finance Fundamentals - Course Presentation.pdf
Introduction to Managemeng Chapter 1..pptx
5a An Age-Based, Three-Dimensional Distribution Model Incorporating Sequence ...
Mathematical Economics 23lec03slides.pdf
Introduction to Customs (June 2025) v1.pptx
The discussion on the Economic in transportation .pptx
Antihypertensive_Drugs_Presentation_Poonam_Painkra.pptx
Copia de Minimal 3D Technology Consulting Presentation.pdf
How to join illuminati agent in Uganda Kampala call 0782561496/0756664682
Chapter 9 IFRS Ed-Ed4_2020 Intermediate Accounting
Buy Verified Stripe Accounts for Sale - Secure and.pdf
Spending, Allocation Choices, and Aging THROUGH Retirement. Are all of these ...
Session 3. Time Value of Money.pptx_finance
Q2 2025 :Lundin Gold Conference Call Presentation_Final.pdf
financing insitute rbi nabard adb imf world bank insurance and credit gurantee

Challenges in microfinance

  • 2. Introduction We are pleased to present you with our microfinance brochure. In this brochure, we describe the latest trends in the microfinance industry and present how EY, as a key provider of services to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs), has the knowledge and experience in handling the challenges you face. We also describe EY's position in the microfinance industry — sharing the services and support that we can provide. We share your passion for this fascinating industry and are eager to continue to work with you or to start a dialogue with you. To find out more, please call one of our global or regional contacts whose contact information can be found at the end of this brochure. Contents Contacts Glossary The evolving microfinance landscape 01 EY and microfinance 03 Eight key challenges in microfinance: how can EY help 05 A call for innovation, adaptability and agility 11 12 13
  • 3. 1Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | From microcredit to financial inclusion In the last few decades, we have seen an evolution in the microfinance landscape. What once started off as microcredit, a simple service offering micro-loans to the world’s unbanked populations, has evolved into complex microfinance markets operated by thousands of MFIs and MIVs. Their products and service offerings aim to provide low-income people with tools to meet credit and saving needs as well as manage risk and efficiently execute transactions. This evolution is often called the financial inclusion agenda, or simply financial inclusion. Microfinance can be divided into three broad categories: microcredit, microsavings and microinsurance. • The promise of microcredit is to provide small loans to micro entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses, reinvest the returns and allow them to grow out of poverty. Several recent studies indicate that while microcredit can be a useful financial tool for some entrepreneurs, it has not typically generated dramatic increases in income. Some of the key challenges for microcredit, therefore, include the questions of how access to microcredit can better contribute to poverty reduction and what credit product design choices and screening mechanisms could increase their effectiveness, as well as their financial viability. • Microsavings products aim to provide accessible and safe avenues to save, either for future investments or as a precaution against economic shocks. Microsavings products can include simple no-frills bank accounts, as well as commitment-based products that encourage deposits or limit withdrawal in order to help savers reach their savings goals. Recent research shows promising effects of access to savings products both on the ability to smoothen consumption by self-protecting against economic shocks and to invest more in their microenterprises. A big challenge is to make such products cost-effective for MFIs. • Microinsurance products are designed to mitigate different types of risks, such as agricultural or health risks. In emerging markets, the provision of such insurance is faced with two challenges of asymmetric information. First, as in established markets, the challenge for any insurance provider is to monitor that claims are justified, and to avoid selection of particularly risky customers into their customer base. Second, in new markets, there is an additional challenge to establish trust among potential customers that their insurance will indeed pay out in the event of a future negative shock. Current research and innovative microinsurance models explore how to overcome these challenges. The evolving microfinance landscape What once started off as microcredit, a simple service offering micro-loans to the world’s unbanked populations, has evolved into financial inclusion, offering broader services, such as savings, insurance and payment products.
  • 4. 2 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective Innovation as the enabler for financial inclusion Over the last few years, with rapid changes in technology, microfinance has been evolving, and MFIs and MIVs are expanding their services in innovative ways. A case in point is the delivery of microfinance products using mobile phones. MFIs are leveraging this dramatic penetration of mobile technology and mobile payments to improve delivery of microfinance services and products to their clients. Leading MFIs, as well as some promising start-ups, are driving evolution in the microfinance business model. The microfinance product and services design has been benefitting from greater business awareness and the application of rigorous impact measurement methodologies. For instance, the offering of individual microcredit products is increasingly replacing the traditional group-lending model. Bundle product packages and commitment devices are tools contributing to tackling the transaction costs and behavioral obstacles that otherwise make microsaving unsustainable. MFIs are designing tailored microinsurance products (e.g., index insurance) and establishing partnerships with retailers, utilities and mobile operators. This reduces the cost of providing microinsurance and increases customer loyalty. The new microfinance business models are more and more technology enabled. The now generally accepted principle that credit alone cannot eradicate financial exclusion has led MFIs to rely on integrated product and service propositions. The wide mobile phone reach in developing countries has allowed MFIs and their partners (mobile operators, retail stores, credit card companies, etc.) to develop integrated mobile banking platforms for the delivery of a broad range of products and services. However, regulators, as well as the industry players that operate in such a new environment, should address a few open issues. Examples are: e-money issuance by non-banking players (e.g., mobile operators), risk-based approaches to know-your-customer controls, feasible requirements for nonbank retail agents and adequate customer protection. More commercialization in microfinance leads to opportunities as well as threats Top-tier, regulated and self-sustainable large MFIs are driving a once development-inspired movement toward a more business-oriented perspective. Direct (e.g., IPOs) and indirect (e.g., MIVs) access to financial markets, along with deposit-taking, represent innovative alternatives to commercial banking credit and donor funding on which MFIs are increasingly relying to escalate their operations. We believe that a responsibly executed commercial strategy can contribute to the achievement of an organization’s goals. For instance, transforming entities into regulated financial institutions allows for the expansion of financing sources through deposits, improved commercial credit and equity investments, thus enhancing resources to expand the customer value offering and increasing the financial inclusion reach. MIVs channel an increasingly significant part of the microfinance funding. In fact, microfinance has established itself as a leading asset class in the impact investment landscape. In an industry where MFIs and MIVs have to balance their financial inclusion mission with self-sustainability requirements, multiple issues should be addressed. We have observed the following challenges that MFIs and MIVs need to address. • External reporting as well as social impact transparency to investors and other stakeholders imply dealing with ever changing reporting standards. • Specialized skills are necessary to address tax and financial accounting issues. • When considering microfinance investments, extensive knowledge of valuation methodologies and access to reliable market information are essential. • In cases of major organizational transformations, such as recapitalization or listing of a microfinance entity, planning and execution capabilities are key enablers of long-term success. • Likewise, day-to-day operations require sound risk management. However, in case of relevant business failures, a structured approach to remediation should be applied. These issues and possible effects are discussed in greater detail in the following sections.
  • 5. 3Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | EY and microfinance The role of business is changing. It is now widely accepted that business has to do more than make a profit. It also must drive social and environmental change. A combination of factors – evolving relationships between developed and emerging economies, global institutions and nation states and public and private sectors – has led to a greater understanding of the connection and interdependency between business and society. There is an expectation that business addresses social and environmental issues through its operations, products and services and its unique expertise. Our purpose – building a better working world At EY, we understand that one of the most significant impacts we can have on society is by supporting global and local economic stability and growth, which in turn provides opportunities to address some of the major issues that the world is facing. It’s through our client work and the influence we can have on the wider business world by making a commitment to audit independence, financial transparency and sound governance to build trust in the capital markets, and by advising our clients to support the successful growth that we can contribute to building a better working world. While the microfinance industry plays an important role in sustainable financial inclusion and economic empowerment, EY works to build trust and confidence in the capital markets and economies by delivering market insights and quality services. We develop high performing teams of experienced professionals who are in tune with the issues that matter to our clients, and we look beyond the obvious to identify the real challenges and opportunities for them.
  • 6. 4 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective How we can support you EY is involved in microfinance from different perspectives. We support main MFI and MIV managers with comprehensive client offerings ranging from assurance to specialized advisory services. Moreover, we are a service provider to financial services organizations active in the microfinance industry. Apart from being a business proposition, providing microfinance services also fits into our sustainability objectives. We also work with many organizations on pro bono initiatives in the fields of microfinance. We understand that the microfinance industry is evolving, and our clients face global challenges that require an integrated value proposition. Our recognized competitive advantage lies in our ability to bring together integrated financial services teams that work without boundaries between people, disciplines and geographies. We offer core assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services as well as strong microfinance expertise. Our international network allows us to combine widespread local presence with awareness of global microfinance market trends and best practices. We are also experienced in setting up cross-national teams to serve multinational microfinance organizations and investors in their countries of operations. In addition to our extensive local presence and service offerings, we have a network of microfinance expert teams based in some of the key microfinance hubs. Such a structure allows us to globally serve top financial inclusion players. We assist a broad range of MFIs, NGOs and non-banking financial institutions in their transition to regulated full-services banks. We work with top MFIs that are leading the industry, driving innovation and growth. Through our MFI engagements, we contribute to enhancing financial inclusion for the approximately 20 million microfinance customers served by our main MFI clients. The presence of EY microfinance specialists in the key MIV hubs, such as Luxemburg and the Netherlands, as well as a global network of microfinance and impact investment specialists, allows us to deliver our services to the largest microfinance investors. Our client MIVs and other impact funds manage approximately USD4 billion in assets. Moreover, our clients include prominent DFIs and other leading microfinance funders.
  • 7. 5Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | Eight key challenges in microfinance: how can EY help External reporting frameworks Like other entities that are subject to financial reporting requirements, MFIs and MIVs need to comply with external reporting rules such as IFRS, US GAAP or Dutch GAAP. These reporting frameworks can be complex and are also evolving over time. Within these frameworks, there are specific requirements for investment funds and microfinance-like products that require deep industry knowledge and experience. How we can help Owing to our significant footprint in the industry, we can share best practices in meeting those requirements. In particular, our specialists know how to apply complex standards, such as IFRS 7, 10, 12 and 13; ASC 820; ASU 2011-4, that are significant to the industry; and RJ 290. Our offices have developed significant hands-on expertise in applying International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation (IPEVCA) Guidelines, which are commonly used in the valuation of investments owned by MIVs. Increased transparency needs for external assurance We note that in the microfinance industry, as in the rest of the financial services industry, investors and other stakeholders expect MVIs and MFIs to produce audited financial statements. We have also experienced an increase in requests for specific assurance services to external stakeholders. How we can help We audit all types of MFI (e.g., NGOs, cooperatives, listed MFIs) and MIV structures (e.g., direct funds, fund of funds and master-feeder structures) globally. Our audit approach is fully customized to the needs and operational concerns of the industry. We also audit asset and fund management companies and private equity (PE) related special purpose vehicles (SPVs). Our Global Audit Methodology (GAM) forms the guiding principles of our approach. However, what matters most to our clients is not our methodology, but how we apply it to the services we deliver and where we add value. We also have an edge over others due to our methodology; worldwide, audits are completed under our GAM and documented on a software tool that facilitates easy sharing of information and practice across teams at all locations. Our professionals would be happy to discuss your assurance needs and how we may help you. Financial reporting requirements are ever-changing1.
  • 8. 6 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective Investment valuation is a key capability for an MIV or an MFI. Due to the nature of the markets in which MFIs and MIVs operate, which are usually developing markets with limited market activity, gaining recent market data for valuation purposes is very challenging. Without proper, diligent, consistent and reliable valuation procedures, management does not have the level of quality information that they need to be able to steer the entity or make investment decisions. Low quality of information may lead to losing business, and high quality levels may lead to additional business. How we can help When investigating or executing an investment proposition, you may want to use EY as an independent third party to provide a view on the valuation of a (potential) investment, or gain our thoughts on the way to the best deal structure. In addition, when analyzing the viability of setting up a local MFI, you may want to consult with EY microfinance professionals to gain insights into the local market opportunity and threats. • Transaction valuation services The transactions for which we can provide services include: related-party transactions, synergistic mergers, transactions involving competing offers, leveraged transactions, stock redemption and financings. Our transaction-related valuation services include, but are not limited to: • Fair opinions (i.e., professional evaluation by a third party as to whether the terms of a merger, acquisition, buyback, spin-off, or going-private are fair) • Portfolio valuations and fund-to-fund transfer opinions • Valuation of individual targets and investee companies for transaction purposes • Track record assurance, valuation update based on due diligence findings, collateral valuations for financing, and evaluation of the financial impact of alternative transaction structures • Valuation services for financial reporting purposes To comply with financial reporting purposes, MIVs and MFIs often need to determine the fair value of their investments as per applied regulatory framework (e.g. IFRS, US GAAP, Dutch GAAP). Our valuation services for financial reporting include, but are not limited to: • Independent opinion on the fair market value of investments • Review of third-party valuations • Purchase price allocation (PPA) • Impairment testing • Other valuation services Other valuation services consist of: • Tax valuation services supporting financial restructuring and tax optimization, contributions in kind, transfer pricing and transfer of intellectual property • Dispute resolution services, related to litigation cases and buyout or squeeze out procedures of minority shareholders • Business modeling services We are a market leading model build and review service provider, boasting of a highly respected and globally recognized brand reputation. Our model build service provides our clients with robust, flexible and bespoke financial models that allow them to make informed decisions, such as: • Bid models, which provide a thorough understanding of the key value drivers and risk profile of investment opportunities and support structured sensitivity and scenario analysis • Dynamic fund flow models, which improve the efficiency of complex financial close processes • Models that support post-transaction monitoring of investment performance and periodic financial reporting valuations • Models that support the short- or long-term cash flow forecasting process of portfolio companies Our model review service provides our clients with assurance on their models, helping to safeguard investor returns and augment their financial due diligence or internal control processes. Typical scope items include a review of: • Model’s logical integrity and arithmetic • Correct application of corporate finance principles • Model’s consistency with project documentation • Tax and accounting assumptions • Tax sensitivities We also prepare schedules for the transfer of secondary investment management to facilitate the move from one entity to another, and verify waterfall models and carried interest calculations. Whether it is to enter a new market, evaluate performance and investment opportunities, or exit an investment, our professionals would be more than happy to assist you by offering a full range of valuation and business modeling services and by providing relevant microfinance industry insights. Valuation of investments in the microfinance industry is challenging2.
  • 9. 7Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | Listing a microfinance entity is a transformative process3. As microfinance entities grow, their growth needs lead to capitalization and funding challenges. One of the options to accelerate growth of an MFI is doing an initial public offering (IPO). Leading a fast-growth company through an IPO can be an intense and emotional ride, but the need for hard work doesn’t end there. Life is very different for newly listed companies. In our view, there are three key challenges that companies typically face in the post-IPO period. They are: • Working with a larger and more diverse body of investors • Delivering on your promises • Maintaining the pace of growth An IPO is a transformative process for a business, and it can change the lives of the executives involved. Throughout the IPO journey, senior management’s focus should be not only on going public but also on being public. Being properly prepared can lead to a successful IPO outcome, even the best financial engineering will not create business prosperity. Only proper planning and adherence to strong operational executing will forge the path to long-term success. How we can help Our colleagues from the EY Global IPO Center of Excellence will be glad to discuss your ambitions further. You can also visit the ey.com/ipocenter. A profound analysis of the setup of an MIV or an MFI from a tax perspective may provide investors with tax efficiency, which ultimately may have its effect on the performance of the entity and its attractiveness to investors. This analysis includes prevention of tax risks that might arise during the life cycle of the MFI or MIV, both for the entity and its investors. It is equally important to avoid reputation risk as a result of ethical profiling. Often, MIVs have investments in jurisdictions with differing tax regimes and treaties. Withholding tax and transfer pricing are common challenges faced by MFIs and MIVs. The ”tax” profile of an entity depends on, among others, the type of investors, the investors’ country of residence, the service that the management wants to deliver to its investors, and the type of investments that the MIV or the MFI focuses on. How we can help Our Tax Advisory team has extensive experience in setting up and structuring MFIs and MIVs, as well as in identifying and mitigating tax risks of acquisitions. In addition, we offer a wide range of sell side services. Our Tax Advisory Services typically include: • Identifying and validating appropriate investment vehicles and the need for feeder vehicles catering to specific investors • Ensuring tax efficiency of cash repatriation, e.g., minimizing withholding taxes, if any • Optimizing the financing structure, possibly by preparing tax- affected cash flow models, in order to illustrate the potential tax impact of proposed structures available • Providing flexibility to future exit and preventing tax liability on future exit • Providing tax due diligence services to review and analyze the potential tax liabilities, exposures, receivables and attributes of a target company • Securing tax rulings to neutralize potential tax risks identified in the due diligence process • Assisting in the review of tax-relevant parts of the transaction documentation, as well as commenting on whether tax advice agreed by the client and the counterparty is adequately reflected in the documents • Providing transaction cost analyses on the corporate income tax and value-added tax (VAT) treatment of costs incurred in connection with a target company’s acquisition • Providing tax attribute calculations to quantify or estimate specific tax attributes, such as net operating losses (NOLs), earnings and profits, stock and asset basis, which will impact the amount of tax payable upon disposition, and/or the application of any rules limiting the use or benefit of such attributes • Providing ongoing tax compliance for SPVs • Providing sell side review of the tax position of a company undertaken in advance of an exit • Advising on structuring the exit in a tax-efficient way Our professionals look forward to discussing with you the opportunities for tax structuring of your organization and/or funds. Scrutiny of the tax regimes applied by MFIs and MIVs has increased4.
  • 10. 8 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective Management of an MFI or an MIV needs to focus on what they do best: managing a microfinance portfolio, seeking opportunities to increase its financial inclusion footprint, adding value to its investors, as well as increasing the performance of the entity and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Financial accounting, reporting or remediation may not be a core competence or area of primary importance to a manager. It may even be an area the manager wants to outsource to a third party. How we can help Our Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) professionals advise on transaction-related accounting and financial reporting and provides accounting, regulatory and controls support and assistance. In sum, we provide a full range of advisory services to assist investment managers in accounting and financial reporting. Our scope of services includes: • Transaction accounting and financial reporting advice • Compiling third-party and regulatory reporting in compliance with laws and regulations • Accounting and regulatory support with financial communication, special matters and new standards (e.g., IFRS) as well as advising on regulatory requirements and debt covenants • Accounting processes and controls support • Accounting compliance and reporting assistance • Financial governance and controls • Other remediation services Our FAAS professionals are available to discuss your needs and how we can help. Financial accounting is not the core business of an MFI or an MIV5. Like any other industry, microfinance is faced with financial, operational, compliance and strategic risks. Given the nature of the markets in which MFIs and MIVs operate, there are some risks, such as the risk of over-indebtedness, that are more prevalent and inherent to microfinance. In addition, due to the increasing use of mobile technology, the industry is faced with data security issues and risks related to cyber crime. Investors and other stakeholders will want to feel confident that the management of an MFI or MIV understands the risks it faces and can manage and monitor them efficiently. They will want proof that risks are being properly mitigated and assurance that the internal control structure is sound. Therefore, the entity needs to strike the right balance between keeping risks within acceptable limits and pursuing opportunities. Successful entities do not invest in improving risk management simply to keep their external stakeholders happy. If executed correctly, a risk management program can be a driver of growth and business performance, enabling an entity to take better recognized risks and achieve its objectives of financial inclusion. How we can help As a global market leader in risk advisory services, we help entities gain confidence that they have identified and understood their main risks and that these risks are managed effectively. We work with companies to help them get past the hype that very often surrounds risk management. Our focus is on helping the business manage and control its risks. That way, management can focus on the core priorities that will move the business forward. We can help: • Develop a risk management framework • Assess the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing or co-sourcing the functions needed to support the risk management plan • Establish and execute an internal audit function • Enhance your internal control environment • Align risk, control and compliance functions • Help you prepare a risk management program Please get in touch with us if you would like us to help your business address any of these challenges. Increased growth requires robust risk management6.
  • 11. 9Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | Over the last few years, the microfinance sector has suffered relevant cases of microfinance products mis-selling that have often threatened the confidence in the sector. The anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements could also represent a critical factor when facing current challenges, such as branchless client on-boarding. In the case of regulated MFIs, these and similar issues often result in the intervention of the regulator, including severe government supervision measures. Along with managing regulatory involvement, MFIs facing a business crisis have to address customer and related complaints as well as general public opinion criticism. How we can help Crisis management requires a significant amount of human resources as well as a sound and structured approach to remediation. Having delivered large scale and varied remediation projects in the past decade, our Financial Services Remediation team offers MFIs unrivalled experience and support on the following issues: • Redress of product mis-selling, i.e., supporting MFIs facing client over-indebtedness or similar issues and consequent regulator intervention • Compliance remediation: address anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism failings balancing regulatory requirements with financial inclusion mission as well as innovative distribution models • Customer remediation: development of customer recourse channels, redress of complaints handling issues, non-disclosures, volume of advice and service complaints impacting ability to maintain operation • Operational redesign: post-crisis review of business and finance processes and models Turnaround management needs a structured approach7.
  • 12. 10 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective The objectives of microfinance are to empower societies from an economic and social perspective by providing access to financial services, such as credit, savings and insurance facilities. Impact investments are investments made in companies, organizations and funds with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Do microfinance and impact investment reach their desired goals and objectives at one given time? Following the criticism in the microfinance industry in recent years, stakeholders require more transparency about the impact of microfinance and impact investments. Measuring impact is a complex and tedious process, and the results are often incomparable between comparable MFIs and MIVs. Despite these challenges, management is expected to develop tools and methods to measure and report the impact of its activities. How we can help We provide the following services, depending on the level of maturity of the respective entity when it comes to impact measurement and reporting. • Orientation • Workshop (for boards, corporate responsibility (CR) departments, portfolio managers, etc.) • Gap or quick-scan analyses (compared to frameworks) • Peer benchmarking (including “closing the gap advice”) • Environmental, social and governance (ESG) cost/benefit and performance improvement analyses • Tax assessment • Design • Stakeholder dialogue and setting the materiality • KPI determination • Key risk indicators (KRIs) and key opportunity assessment • Impact assessment and measurement metrics • ESG strategy bridging (own strategy versus strategy of the portfolio) • Implementation • ESG process integration (also in ISAE 3402, GIPS, etc.) • Process (and IT) redesign • Reporting support and (pre) assessments • Impact measurement • Link ESG and impact measurement to integrated reporting • Report and accountability • ESG/impact report compilation support • “Audit readiness check” on the report • ESG report assurance engagement (COS 3000 for ESG/SRI reports, different levels of assurance possible) Stakeholders require transparency regarding the impact of microfinance and impact investing 8.
  • 13. 11Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | A call for innovation, adaptability and agility The microfinance industry is increasingly being regarded as an investment opportunity and target by social entrepreneurs and institutional investors. Innovation through technology, improved business operating models and impact measurement methodologies are widening financial inclusion reach. New, focused asset classes are providing a source of financial sustainability to microfinance institutions as well as stable and attractive investments to the financial markets. The increased complexity of a once development-inspired movement requires a more strategic approach, execution capability and the right set of specialized skills, which are necessary to identify opportunities in the evolving microfinance industry as well as to manage related threats. We believe that the MFIs and MIVs that will differentiate themselves from the competition and achieve the best combination of social and financial returns are those that are innovative, adaptable and agile.
  • 14. 12 | Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective Bochra Fourti + 44 20 795 10718 bfourti@uk.ey.com Zaina Ahmed-Karim + 31 88 40 71051 zaina.karim@nl.ey.com Justina Alders-Sheya + 31 88 40 71623 justina.sheya@nl.ey.com Giacomo Folino + 44 20 795 18783 gfolino@uk.ey.com EY microfinance contacts Global contacts Regional contacts Africa Kwadwo Mpeani Brantuo Ghana Tel: + 233 302 779868 kwadwo.mpeani-brantuo@gh.ey.com Freda Britz South Africa Tel: + 27 11 772 3229 freda.britz@za.ey.com Daryl Csizmadia Mauritius Tel: + 230 403 4707 daryl.csizmadia@mu.ey.com Kayode Famutimi Nigeria Tel: + 234 1 463 0479 80 kayode.famutimi@ng.ey.com Gitahi Gachahi Kenya Tel: + 254 20 2715300 gitahi.gachahi@ke.ey.com Allan Gichuhi Rwanda Tel: + 254 20 2715300 allan.gichuhi@rw.ey.com Henry C. Nondo Zambia Tel: + 26 211 236 120/121 henry.c.nondo@zm.ey.com Joseph Sheffu Tanzania Tel: + 255 22 2666853 joseph.sheffu@tz.ey.com Muhammed Ssempijja Uganda Tel: + 256 41 230637 muhammed.ssempijja@ug.ey.com Asia Pacific and Middle East Maria Cristina M. Calimbas Cambodia Tel: + 84 83 824 5252 cristina.calimbas@vn.ey.com Omer Chughtai Pakistan & Afghanistan Tel: + 92 21 35674581 omer.chughtai@pk.ey.com Jenny Lyn L Gulinao Philipines Tel: + 63 2 891 0307 7353 jenny.lyn.l.gulinao@ph.ey.com Amit Kabra India Tel: + 91 992 006 0367 amit.kabra@in.ey.com Ruben R Khadiullin Russia Tel: + 7 495 662 9369 ruben.khadiullin@ru.ey.com Francisco Roque A. Lumbres Philipines Tel: +63 2 8910307 francisco.roque.a.lumbres@ph.ey.com Samar Obaid Jordan Tel: + 962 6 5800777 samar.obaid@jo.ey.com Bhaswar Sarkar India Tel: + 91 33 6615 3450 bhaswar.sarkar@in.ey.com Buwanesh Wijesuriya Sri Lanka Tel: + 94 011 5578633 buwanesh.wijesuriya@lk.ey.com Europe Laurent Capolaghi Luxemburg Tel: + 352 42 124 8855 laurent.capolaghi@lu.ey.com Franck Chevalier France Tel: + 331 4693 7076 franck.chevalier@fr.ey.com Latin America Carlos Ruiz Hillpha Peru Tel: +51 1 411 4402 carlos.ruiz@pe.ey.com Javier Iriarte Jauregui Bolivia Tel: + 591 2 2434313 javier.iriarte@bo.ey.com Juliane Montag Peru Tel: + 51 411 4444 juliane.montag@pe.ey.com
  • 15. 13Challenges in microfinance: an EY perspective | ASC Accounting standards codification ASU Accounting standards update CR Corporate responsibility DFI Development finance institutions DUTCH GAAP Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ESG Environmental social and governance GAM Global audit methodology GIPS Global Investment Performance Standards IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards IPEVCA International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation IPO Initial public offering ISAE International Standard on Assurance Engagements KPI Key performance indicator Glossary KRI Key risk indicator MFI Microfinance institution MIV Microfinance investment vehicle NGO Non-governmental organization NOL Net operating loss PE Private equity PPA Purchase price allocation SMS Short message service SPV Special purpose vehicle SRI Socially responsible investing US GAAP United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles USD United States dollar
  • 16. EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. © 2014 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. EYG no. EK0314 ED 0115 This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, tax, or other professional advice. Please refer to your advisors for specific advice. ey.com