Social Finance Vibe 2025: Registration Opens Soon

📅 Save the date: November 5-6, 2025

Our flagship virtual learning event, Social Finance Vibe 2025, returns with the theme “The Great Rebalancing“.

This two-day online event will bring together leading voices from microfinance, social economy, development finance and policy to explore how our sector can adapt and lead during times of uncertainty and geopolitical tension.

The agenda will spotlight:

Social Finance Vibe has been described by our partners as a benchmark in the online event space — and this year’s edition promises more critical insights, peer learning, and cross-sector collaboration.

🎥 Watch the 2024 session recordings


📅 Stay tuned — agenda and registration details will be available soon!

LEARN MORE

Join Our 27 August Info Meeting and Partner with Us in Autumn Campaigns: Borrow Wisely & Senior Entrepreneurship

The Microfinance Centre invites all microfinance institutions − especially MFC members − to take part in our upcoming autumn campaigns promoting responsible finance and inclusive entrepreneurship.

Borrow Wisely Campaign October 2025

Now in its 11th year, the Borrow Wisely Campaign continues to promote responsible borrowing practices among micro-entrepreneurs across Europe and Central Asia.

By participating, MFIs can highlight their commitment to customer protection and responsible lending, strengthening both their reputation and the broader microfinance sector.

Senior Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment Campaign 2025

In response to demographic trends across the EU and OECD, and building on findings from the Missing Entrepreneurs report, MFC and its partners will launch a campaign highlighting the role of microfinance in supporting senior entrepreneurs (aged 50–64).

The online campaign will feature data insights and real-life success stories, showing how microfinance can empower older adults to remain economically active through self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Previous campaigns − Microfinance for Female Entrepreneurship and Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurship − have demonstrated the strong visibility and impact this initiative can deliver.

To learn how your organization can get involved, join our information meeting on August 27th (Wednesday) at 11:00 AM (Warsaw time) on Zoom platform.

JOIN MEETING

Microfinance for Senior Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Microfinance for Senior Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Join Microfinance for Senior Entrepreneurship Campaign

Despite a growing population of healthy older adults with the skills, time and financial means to stay economically active, relatively few are creating new businesses. In fact, according to The Missing Entrepreneurs, the share of “missing” senior entrepreneurs (aged 50–64) in 2022 was 145% of the number of actual early-stage senior entrepreneurs in the EU, and 103% in the OECD. If older adults were as active in business creation as men aged 30–49, there would be 5.5 million more senior entrepreneurs in the EU and 21.2 million more in the OECD.

While many seniors are engaged in self-employment and the share increases with age — the transition into new business creation remains limited. This under-representation makes older adults a critical, yet often overlooked, demographic in entrepreneurship support.

Join us in changing that

Following two successful campaigns on female and young entrepreneurs, the Microfinance Centre is now turning the spotlight on senior entrepreneurship. Building on our research and insights from The Missing Entrepreneurs, we explore the challenges older adults face in starting businesses and how microfinance can play a transformative role.

This campaign highlights how microfinance institutions across Europe are already supporting senior entrepreneurs and what more can be done to unlock their potential. Through increased visibility, knowledge sharing and policy engagement, we aim to strengthen the role of microfinance in fostering inclusive, age-diverse entrepreneurship.

Together with our partners, we’re working to ensure that no entrepreneur is “missing”


Join the campaign and help raise awareness about the power of microfinance in supporting seniors who are ready to start—and grow—their own businesses.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Check out the Campaigns on Microfinance for Female and Youth Entrepreneurship

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Microfinance for Female and Youth Entrepreneurship Campaigns Results

In 2023 and 2024, the MFC spearheaded campaigns promoting the role of the microfinance sector in supporting female and youth entrepreneurs, in addition to sharing success stories from our partners. We partnered with 19 organizations from 8 European markets (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Greece, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia). Collectively, these partners reached more than 3 361 000 individuals through online and offline channels.

Campaign 2023 and 2024 Partners

Campaign Timeline 2025

We invite you to become a Partner of the Microfinance for Senior Entrepreneurship Campaign!

We call for long-standing partners to implement this campaign with us this year, as well as encourage new organizations to join it. 

Please contact Joanna Sosnowska-Orynska at joanna.sosnowska@mfc.org.pl to learn more and become a partner.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

In October we will be also running Borrow Wisely Campaign. Join us!​

FIND OUT MORE

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

27th MFC Annual Conference Through Highlight Video, Remarkable Images and Media Coverage

The 27th MFC Annual Conference took place in the historic city of Tbilisi, Georgia, from 27 to 29 May 2025. With the support of the Georgian Association of Microfinance Institutions, the event convened 445 professionals representing microfinance institutions, investors, regulators, development partners, and technology providers from more than 40 countries.

Under the theme Shifts, Shocks and Solutions: Microfinance in the Shadow of Geopolitics, the conference provided a platform to reflect on how global disruptions – ranging from armed conflict and economic instability to climate change and digital transformation – are reshaping the future of inclusive finance. Discussions focused on the implications of these challenges for low-income populations, micro and small enterprises, and the institutions that serve them.

The opening sessions set the tone for honest reflection on the fragility of cross-border financing and the urgent need for institutional resilience. The CEO Forum, held in a closed setting, enabled leaders to engage in frank dialogue around strategic priorities and emerging risks, particularly in volatile regions.

Climate change emerged as one of the most urgent concerns. Panels explored climate-smart finance, sustainable agriculture, and the role of MFIs in building environmental resilience. There was consensus that microfinance institutions need to evolve into agents of climate adaptation, especially for rural and underserved populations. Advances in data analytics and agri-tech were also presented as promising tools for more sustainable and inclusive farming.

Digital transformation was another key theme. Conference participants examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in credit scoring, the implementation of mobile-first service models, and innovations in core banking infrastructure. While technology offers powerful opportunities to scale inclusion, several sessions highlighted the importance of ensuring that digital tools are accessible and equitable, particularly for digitally excluded communities. The role of public digital infrastructure in enabling true financial inclusion was a recurring point of emphasis.

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda was also featured prominently. Panelists discussed how MFIs can embed ESG principles into daily operations – from risk management and impact reporting to governance and transparency. Participants agreed that ESG considerations are no longer optional but must be treated as core to mission-aligned finance.

Inclusive finance remained at the heart of the discussions, with sessions dedicated to gender-lens investing, youth entrepreneurship, and community-driven innovation. Presentations from institutions across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region illustrated the potential of localized solutions to achieve systemic impact.

One of the conference highlights was a high-level regulatory roundtable hosted by MFC. This session brought together representatives from the National Bank of Georgia, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside microfinance associations from across the ECA region. The group exchanged insights on recent developments, including Azerbaijan’s newly adopted Strategic Framework for Microfinance, Georgia’s forthcoming microfinance legislation (expected in 2025), and green finance and gender-focused initiatives underway in Kyrgyzstan. The discussion concluded with a commitment to deeper collaboration and continued policy dialogue to advance a supportive regulatory environment across the region.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference fostered meaningful connections through networking meetups, an investor and fintech market fair, a cocktail reception, and a gala dinner. Attendees left with new partnerships, shared insights, and renewed motivation to drive positive change.

According to the post-event survey, 90% of participants rated the speakers as highly professional, 77% found the content directly relevant to their work, and 95% felt they had sufficient opportunities for networking and peer exchange.

In summary, the 27th MFC Annual Conference was more than a convening – it was a call to action. As the microfinance sector continues to navigate an increasingly complex global context, the discussions in Tbilisi underscored the need for innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusive growth. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with strategic foresight and collective leadership, the microfinance community is well positioned to adapt and lead.

The event was made possible through the generous support of JSC MFO Crystal, Fimple, Finance Ltd, MFX Solutions, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Q-Lana (CEFINI), Agents for Impact, EFSE, Global Gender-Smart Fund, Mastercard, Aspekt, responsAbility Investments AG, Kyia.ai, zypl.ai, Credo Bank, and MicroEurope.

See more remarkable images from the 27th Annual Conference

Thank you for being part of the 27th MFC Annual Conference!

Thank you for joining us in Tbilisi for the 27th MFC Annual Conference – Shifts, Shocks and Solutions: Microfinance in the Shadow of Geopolitics, held on 27–29 May 2025.

We’re really grateful you decided to spend these few days with us — sharing your ideas, experiences, and helping create an atmosphere that was open, engaging and full of energy.

Conferences are never just about the sessions — they’re about the people who make them special. This year, your participation helped create important conversations, connections and insights that made the event better for everyone. We hope you’re leaving with new relationships, useful takeaways, and a stronger sense of purpose.

27th MFC Annual Conference Highlights:

We Value Your Feedback

To help us continue improving, we’d greatly appreciate your input. Please take a few minutes to complete our post-event survey — your feedback is essential to shaping the future of MFC events.

COMPLETE POST-EVENT SURVEY

We’ll be sharing presentations, recordings, and photos soon — keep an eye on your inbox and the MFC website.

Big thank you to all partners

We are grateful for the support of the conference sponsors and partners.

Honorary Patronage:
🌟 National Bank of Georgia

Silver Partners:
🌟 BlueOrchard Finance Ltd
🌟 responsAbility Investments AG
🌟 Bank CRYSTAL

Bronze Partners:
🌟Finance in Motion
🌟 European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE)
🌟 Kiya.ai
🌟 MFX Currency Risk Solutions Solutions

Cocktail Reception Partner:
🌟 კრედო ბანკი / Credo Bank

Networking Lunch Presenter:
🌟 Mastercard

Tech Partner:
🌟Fimple

Impact Management Partner:
🌟 Agents for Impact

Other Partners:

🌟 Georgian Microfinance Association
🌟 Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
🌟 Q-Lana Inc
🌟 Aspekt
🌟 Triple Jump
🌟 Global Gender-Smart Fund (GGSF)
🌟 MicroEurope
🌟 zypl.ai

Media Partner:
🌟 FinDev Gateway

To learn more about our sponsors, partners, and esteemed speakers, visit: https://2025.mfc.org.pl/partners/

Summary: Borrow Wisely and Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurs Campaigns 2024

In 2024, the Microfinance Centre conducted two key campaigns: Borrow Wisely and Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurs.

Borrow Wisely, held from October 1-31, promoted global client protection standards. Led by Microfinance Centre and its members, the campaign educated microentrepreneurs, farmers and their families on wise borrowing and avoiding excessive debt.

Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurship, running from November 1 to December 5, highlighted the microfinance sector’s role in empowering young entrepreneurs, aiming at building the visibility of the sector at the national and regional level. It featured insights from the “Missing Entrepreneurs 2023“ report (approved by the OECD’s Co-operative Action Programme on Local Employment and Economic Development Directing Committee and by the OECD’s Committee for SMEs and Entrepreneurship by written procedure on 6 November 202), which examined government policies to unlock entrepreneurial potential in under-represented groups such as women, youth, seniors, the unemployed, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

Success stories from clients of various microfinance institutions were also shared.

In 2024, we partnered with 19 organizations from 7 European markets.

Collectively, these partners reached more than 1 518 109 individuals through online and offline channels.

Partners 2024

  •  3Bank, Serbia
  • Prima Finantare, Moldova
  • Microinvest, Moldova
  • Vitas30, Romania
  • Partner, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Fondi Besa, Albania
  • Microsmart, Greece
  • Horizonti, Macedonia
  • Mi-Bospo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • AMFI, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • FedInvest, Albania
  • EKI, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • IUTE, Albania
  • NOA, Albania
  • BCR Social Finance IFN, Romania
  • Agro and Social Fund, Albania
  • Moznosti, Macedonia
  • AMA, Albania
  • Kredo, Albania

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Discover the Key Social Finance Trends of 2024

We share the Key Trends in  Microfinance and Social Finance Sector of 2024! Our concise yet comprehensive report covers:

We’ve meticulously tracked and analyzed the novelties, practices, and discussions from practitioners, national sectors, and at the EU level. Don’t miss out on the best practices and new solutions that are defining this year’s crucial content.

LEARN MORE

Let’s make 2025 more innovative, diverse, and greener!

@Kelly Sikkema

2024: What a Year!

As 2025 is already underway, we take a moment to reflect on MFC’s incredible journey in 2024 and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and friends for empowering communities across Europe and Central Asia through sustainable finance.

We wish you resilience and success in the face of challenges this year. Together, let’s make 2025 more innovative, diverse, and greener!

Here are some standout highlights from MFC’s 2024:

2025: Let’s take small steps toward meaningful change, together!

#Microfinance #SocialEconomy #InclusiveFinance #SustainableDevelopment #MFC2024Highlights #BestMFCMoments #SIFTA

Happy Holiday Season

Wishing you light, love, and moments of relaxation during this holiday season. May the New Year bring a more inclusive, greener, and fairer world for all.

We look forward to achieving even greater milestones together in the coming year.


Happy Holidays and an Innovative New Year from all of us at the Microfinance Centre!

Thank you for Social Finance Vibe 2024

We’ve wrapped up an incredible 2 days of Social Finance Vibe filled with insights, inspiration and collaboration. From speakers and sponsors to attendees, we extend our gratitude for your invaluable support and active participation.

Social Finance Vibe 2024 Highlights:

Recordings of all sessions will be available on our website soon.

Thank you for helping make Social Finance Vibe 2024 special. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect and strengthen the visibility of the social economy and microfinance sectors with you.

We look forward to seeing you at future events.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurship Campaign 2024

The Microfinance Centre (MFC) is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for young people to start their own businesses and is launching the Microfinance for Youth Entrepreneurship Campaign 2024. Together with its partners, MFC aims to spotlight the essential role of the microfinance sector in empowering young entrepreneurs. This campaign will share key insights from the recent publication Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 and highlight success stories from various microfinance institutions across Europe.

Through this initiative, MFC will expand its reach to engage microfinance stakeholders and underscore the sector’s critical role in supporting youth entrepreneurship. According to Missing Entrepreneurs 2023, around 40% of young people in the EU, aged 15 to 30, aspire to be self-employed. However, barriers such as limited entrepreneurial skills, constrained networking opportunities, and restricted access to finance continue to hinder young people’s ability to start businesses or become self-employed, despite increased support.

Ewa Bankowska, MFC Deputy Director, stated: The Microfinance Centre and its partners have supported the ‘missing entrepreneurs’ for over 2 years. By sharing success stories and building awareness, we advocate for microfinance as a vital bridge for young entrepreneurs facing financial barriers. Last year’s campaign highlighted the role of microfinance in supporting female entrepreneurship and this year, we’re focusing on youth. Notably, 89% of European MFIs already finance young entrepreneurs’ ventures. Our mission is to boost young entrepreneurship internationally through microfinancing.

The Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 is the seventh edition in a series of biennial reports examining how government policies can release untapped entrepreneurial potential from under-represented parts of the population of impactful entrepreneurs, including women, youth, seniors, the unemployed, immigrants and people with disabilities.

Participating organizations include:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

The Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 is the seventh edition in a series of biennial reports examining how government policies can release untapped entrepreneurial potential from under-represented parts of the population of impactful entrepreneurs, including women, youth, seniors, the unemployed, immigrants and people with disabilities. It offers comparative data on the entrepreneurship activities and the barriers faced by each group across OECD and European Union countries. It takes a deep dive into the effectiveness of youth entrepreneurship schemes and the design of welfare bridge schemes for business creation by job seekers. It also contains country profiles for each of the 27 EU Member States showing the major recent trends in diversity in entrepreneurship and the current state and evolution of policy for each country.

Borrow Wisely Campaign 2024

Borrow Wisely Campaign 2024

How much is safe to borrow? What will I really pay for a loan? Can I spot legal pitfalls? How do I avoid losing money? These are the essential questions at the heart of the Borrow Wisely campaign. This year marks the 10th edition of this international financial education initiative, led by the Microfinance Center (MFC) in partnership with 14 organizations across Europe. The campaign aims to help clients borrow money safely, avoid over-indebtedness, and build a trustworthy reputation for the microfinance sector.

What is the “Borrow Wisely” Campaign?

The “Borrow Wisely” campaign promotes global client protection standards. Led annually by the Microfinance Center and its partners − responsible lenders committed to building a trustworthy microfinance sector − the campaign seeks to educate clients on borrowing wisely and avoiding the pitfalls of excessive debt.

Empowering Borrowers to Make Informed Choices

The campaign’s goal is to help clients understand that the power to borrow wisely is in their hands. By asking the right questions, borrowers can avoid the risks of over-indebtedness and make well-informed decisions about how much they can safely borrow.

Why Microfinance Institutions Join Forces

For over 30 years, microfinance institutions have been committed to protecting their clients by promoting responsible borrowing practices. This campaign reinforces the importance of client protection, helping to prevent over-indebtedness and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions. By working together, microfinance institutions ensure they continue to serve their clients effectively while upholding international standards for responsible lending.

What We Do

The campaign reaches out to clients and potential clients of microfinance institutions through posters, leaflets, brochures and social media communicating the importance of borrowing wisely. A simple “pre-loan” checklist of questions helps ensure that clients borrow within safe and responsible limits.

Ewa Bankowska, MFC Deputy Director, said: Microfinance acknowledges its partners for their dedication to promoting the Borrow Wisely Campaign and achieving significant results over the years. Last year alone, we reached an audience of approximately 2,423,487 individuals through a blend of online and traditional communication methods. At the Microfinance Center, collaboration is key, and together with our 14 partners, we are making a more substantial impact in promoting responsible borrowing practices.

Campaign Partners 2024:

Celebrating the Resounding Success of the 26th MFC Annual Conference Through Remarkable Images

The Microfinance Centre (MFC) is proud to announce the resounding success of the 26th MFC Annual Conference Embracing Diversity for Inclusive Finance. Held on May 14-15, 2024, in Cracow, Poland, the event gathered approximately 400+ participants from 39 countries, creating a dynamic atmosphere for insightful dialogue and networking.

The conference attracted the microfinance providers from 127 microfinance and social enterprise finance providers, 12 microfinance national associations, 28 investors, 13 consultancies, 9 policymakers and regulators, and 5 IT & digital services providers.

Attendees highlighted key aspects of the event: 64% valued meeting potential business partners, 61% found the sessions highly informative, and 71% appreciated the relevance of the sessions to their work and the professionalism of the speakers. Furthermore, 89% of participants felt they had ample time to engage with other participants, leading to numerous significant connections and discussions (*).

The conference featured a diverse array of sessions addressing pressing issues in microfinance. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations led by industry experts and thought leaders, exploring topics such as pathways to inclusive finance, innovative approaches to climate change, leveraging technology for greater financial inclusion, ESG reporting as a catalyst for microfinance transformation and the intersection of finance and social impact. Sessions underscored microfinance’s role in empowering vulnerable entrepreneurs, navigating trends in inclusive finance, and harnessing artificial intelligence for diverse and inclusive microfinance.

The Microfinance Center had privilege of hosting distinguished speakers and moderators, including Cristina Dumitrescu from European Investment Fund (Luxembourg), Surjit Chana from Beneficial State Bank (United States), Florian Ott from Erste Group Bank AG (Germany), Elvina Garayeva from Incofin Investment Management (Belgium), Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux from European Commission, DG EMPL  (Belgium), and many more esteemed experts (the full list of speakers is on:  www.2024mfc.org). Their insightful presentations and expertise greatly enriched the conference.

During the conference, MFC hosted a landmark roundtable with representatives from the National Banks of Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside delegates from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Participants deliberated on strategies to promote sustainable growth in the microfinance industry, with a focus on financial stability and consumer protection. Regulators discussed addressing challenges within their respective countries, while ADB and IFC representatives shared their extensive experiences, offering valuable advice on regulatory frameworks.

The roundtable concluded with a commitment to ongoing knowledge sharing and policy discussions aimed at fostering a supportive regulatory environment. A subsequent networking lunch furthered opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, including additional representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and national microfinance associations.

The MFC Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to establish new partnerships between funders and social finance providers. Each year, we are happy to welcome new stakeholders joining the MFC family – remarked Archil Bakuradze, MFC Council Chairman and Chair of the Supervisory Board at JSC MFO Crystal, Georgia.

Ewa Bańkowska, MFC Deputy Director emphasized:  The microfinance sector continues to diversify by welcoming new types of financial providers, funders, but most importantly by expanding the outreach to vulnerable groups such as migrants or social enterprises. The diverse and dynamic interactions during the conference underscored the importance of embracing diversity to achieve financial inclusivity.

The conference was generously supported by sponsors: European Investment Fund (EIF),  responsAbility Investments AG, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, BlueOrchard, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Finance in Motion, The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and partners:  Agents for Impact GmbH, Accion, Aspekt, Incofin, Triple Jump, Polish Bank Association, CGAP’s FinDev Gateway.

See more remarkable images from the Annual Conference

About Microfinance Centre (MFC):  

The MFC is a social finance network that champions fairness, inclusion, equality, and responsible service. It unites over 130 organizations across 36 countries in Europe and Central Asia, collectively delivering responsible microfinance services to nearly 2,000,000 low-income clients. Together with our members – microfinance, financial cooperative systems, social finance banks, social investors, academic institutions, national and international support organizations and networks – we seek to make financial services work effectively for people, communities and the planet by embracing sustainability good practices and standards, sharing knowledge, advocacy and networking in the region of Europe and Central Asia.

END

Contact Information:

Joanna Sosnowska-Orynska, Communications Coordinator at MFC

Email: joanna.sosnowska@mfc.org.pl

(*) According to evaluation survey results

Watch SIFTA Webinar: AI powered solutions for SEFPs – Responsible AI, Machine Learning and Practical Use Cases for Microfinance and Social Finance Institutions

Watch SIFTA Webinar: AI powered solutions for SEFPs – Responsible AI, Machine Learning and Practical Use Cases for Microfinance and Social Finance Institutions

Watch this exclusive SIFTA webinar and discover how responsible AI can revolutionize your social finance institution! 

Here’s what you’ll gain: 

  • Transformative AI Strategies: Learn from industry experts Gift Mahubo (Accion Advisory), Andre Kravchenko (HES FinTech), and Mark Rudak (GiniMachine) on how to leverage AI and Machine Learning to create a competitive edge. 
  • Responsible AI in Action: Explore best practices for ethical AI development, ensuring fairness, transparency, and data privacy in your financial inclusion efforts. 
  • Real-World Use Cases: Discover practical applications of AI and Machine Learning that can empower your organization to better serve clients and stakeholders. 
  • Industry Collaboration: Gain insights on how to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and foster collaboration for successful digital transformation. 

 

Don’t miss out: 

This webinar is designed for Data Specialists, Risk Managers, Credit Officers, and C-Level Managers at Social Enterprise Finance Providers (SEFPs) looking to harness the power of AI for positive social impact. 

Remember: 

According to KPMG’s 2023 Global Tech Report, the majority of surveyed companies (68%) consider AI and Machine Learning as vital in helping achieve their business goals over the next 3 years. Overall, an average of 63% of respondents have reported an increase in performance as a result of their digital transformation efforts over the past 24 months, with tech investment driving profit or performance improvement uplift of over 10%, up from previous year uplift of 2.5%, a fourfold increase. 

Our Experts

Andre Kravchenko – Senior Vice President of Business Development at HES FinTech

Andre Kravchenko is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at HES FinTech. In this role, Andre is responsible for the development of strategic partnerships in the financial services ecosystem, working with legacy and fintech lending institutions on driving digital transformation, innovation and financial inclusion, powered by AI and Machine Learning. Andre is also the Head of Fintech Capital Solutions Advisory at HES FinTech, bringing over a decade worth of debt and equity capital markets experience and extensive transactional track record in the impact investment space.

Gift Mahubo – Senior Director, Operations and Technology, Accion Advisory

Gift Mahubo manages the delivery of data-centered and tech-enabled services to our global partners. Gift joined Accion in 2011 and brings more than 20 years of experience working in the areas of technology, digital strategy, process automation and digital product implementation. Prior to joining the organization, he served as Chief Information Officer for Accion partner Accion Microfinance Bank. Gift holds an MBA from National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe and a degree in electronic engineering, and is certified in IT governance, information security, auditing, compliance and project management.

Mark Rudak – Machine Learning Product Owner, GiniMachine

Mark Rudak holds the position of Machine Learning Product Owner at HES Fintech, where he plays a key role in the planning and development of a cutting-edge machine learning-based platform – GiniMachine, a no-code AI solution for Data Driven Decisioning.
With a deep understanding of the industry landscape, Mark is a driving force behind the transition towards responsible deployment of AI and strategic utilization of alternative data sources.

Our partners

Watch SIFTA Webinar: How to analyze social enterprises – Demystifying Financing Social Enterprise: Analysis, Risks & Rewards

Social enterprises play an increasingly important role in the European economy. By linking economic activity with social impact, these businesses offer solutions to pressing social challenges. The financial sector often views social enterprises as high-risk and non-bankable. However, this doesn’t mean their financial credibility can’t be assessed. We need to consider both their social impact goals and their financial sustainability to ensure they can deliver lasting impact.

This webinar will explore:

  • Key factors for analyzing social enterprises beyond profit and cash flow.
  • Strategies for loan collateralization.
  • The growing demand for investment in social enterprises in Europe.
  • Successful examples of social enterprises generating a “double bottom line” of financial and social impact.
  • Metrics used to assess social enterprises, compared to traditional MSMEs.

Who should attend:

  • Social enterprise funds
  • Microfinance institutions and other funds financing MSMEs
  • Other financial intermediaries interested in financing the social enterprise sector such as cooperative, ethical or mainstream banks
  • Anyone who wants to learn how social enterprises combine economic activity with social good.

The Opportunity

Social enterprises are a growing sector in Europe, particularly in Western Europe, while countries of Central and Eastern Europe show increasing interest.  This sector represents a growing demand for investment and working capital, while its strong social mission, driven by committed entrepreneurs makes them attractive investment opportunities.

By watching this webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into social enterprise financing.

Our Experts

Teresa Zagrodzka – senior expert in the field of financing social enterprises as well as being a professional advisor and trainer for the NGOs sector.

She headed the Social Economy department in TISE – Polish microfinance institution which implemented pilot program: preferential loans for social enterprises in Poland, then continued with the developed financial instruments for these entities also in other countries: Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary.  As an expert, trainer and adviser she participated in the project creating the social enterprises’ support ecosystem in North Macedonia in terms of reinforcement already existing entities, encouraging potential partners to finance them (including loans, donations, contracts).

In the role of MB member or financial director she was and still is in charge of finance management in few organizations that run economic activity.

She wrote many articles and publications on finance management, basic accountancy for non-accountants, dedicated to NGO managers. She is also co-author of manual on an innovative social impact bonds concept, report on financial sources for innovative projects in Poland or several reports on the Macedonian social entrepreneurship needs, condition and development directions.

Beata Biela – Advocacy Manager.

Beata has professional experience both in social economy sector and in business entities. She worked in TISE within social economy division both in grating loans to social economy entities and in Social Venture Capital. Before that she worked in Caritas Somalia in Africa, at Finance Commission of Caritas Internationalis in Rome, PAH. In the past, she worked in business entities like PKN Orlen (capital investments), PKP (capital group controlling), Pfeifer&Langen – previously BSO Polska (controlling and business development), Ernst&Young (due diligence, corporate finance, audit). She graduated from Warsaw School of Economics in the line of Finance and Banking as well as Management and Marketing. She also completed postgraduate studies of Geopolitics and Geostrategy, Global Development, MBA. She is a CFA charterholder.

Our partners

Watch SIFTA Webinar: How to give employees constructive feedback

Feedback, especially constructive feedback, is something that should not be feared, on the contrary, can be treated as a gift. However, it is not easy to receive or give it. This valuable and effective tool to support our development requires flexibility and empthy in communication. During the webinar you will have the opportunity to learn and practice Feedforward a new method of giving feedback. 

During our webinar we will talk about new ways to solicit, receive, give feedback in your team and organisation. 

The webinar targets managers and team leaders of microfinance and social enterprises finance providers. 

RECEIVE, ACCEPT, PROVIDE  feedback is an effective feedback model. It is time to refresh our feedback tool so that it is: 

  • Quick and frequent (as teams need nowadays) 
  • Honest and authentic – which builds trust and psychological safety 
  • Encouraging the inclusion of diverse points of view (diversity)  
  • Future-oriented and growth-oriented – which builds ownership and empowerment 

 

At the webinar you will learn:

  1. How important feedback is for the culture of an organisation and for teams that care about an extraordinary workplace experience ( Emloyee Experience EX)
  2. We will introduce you to a very interesting and well-received (especially by the younger generations in teams) Feedforward feedback model.
  3. How to use the new feedback communication tool.
  4. We will also talk about what pitfalls to avoid when giving feedback. 

Our Experts

Bożena Olszewska, Servant Leadership trainer, coach and emphatic communication trainer

Bożena for over 15 years has been practicing the use of modern forms of education such as coaching, career counselling, Career Compass and behavioral style profiling. 
She supports people and organizations in following and discovering direction and empowering strategies that flow from their values and needs. 
Throughout her career, she has been in charge of distribution, developing contractor networks and sourcing new markets in Europe, Asia and the USA. At the same time, she led groups and teams in non profit organizations. She also supports artistic communities, aimed at the personal development of artists. 

Our partners

FEBEA and MFC Join Forces to Strengthen Microfinance and Ethical Finance in Europe

Microfinance Centre (MFC) and European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks (FEBEA) are thrilled to announce their strategic partnership, aimed at advancing the cause of microfinance and ethical finance in Europe. This collaboration will focus on policy and advocacy activities, communication, and events to promote these vital tools for the development of the Social Economy in Europe. 

By actively engaging in EU policy discussions, working together on European Financial Instruments, and addressing common challenges in relationships with European Institutions and stakeholders, FEBEA and MFC seek to create a stronger and more unified voice for microfinance and ethical finance within Europe. 

As two leading organizations in their respective fields, FEBEA and MFC bring extensive expertise and networks that will greatly benefit their customer bases and the wider community. This partnership will provide an opportunity to drive positive change, foster innovation, and strengthen the impact of microfinance and ethical finance on social and economic development. 

As part of this collaboration, FEBEA and MFC have established a framework partnership agreement, outlining their shared objectives and areas of cooperation. This agreement will serve as a solid foundation for their joint efforts and ensure a coordinated approach towards achieving their common goals. 

Both organizations are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and are committed to working together to drive positive change and support the growth of microfinance and ethical finance in Europe. 

About Microfinance Centre (MFC):  

A social finance network that promotes fairness, inclusion, equality and responsible service. MFC unites over 120 organisations across 36 countries of Europe, Central Asia, who together deliver responsible microfinance services to almost 2,000,000 low-income clients. 

About FEBEA – European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers: 

A non-profit association based in Brussels gathering 33 members whose aim is to finance social and solidarity economy (SSE) and projects with social, environmental and cultural value in 17 European countries, serving more than 700,000 people. Its objective is to support the exchange of experiences and promote cooperation between social economy and social finance practitioners. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Setting up financial instruments supporting migrant integration.

Practical guide part 1

This fi-compass practical guide aims to assist Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) Managing Authorities and other stakeholders as they begin exploring the use of financial instruments to support third-country nationals’ integration in the EU. It explains how shared management financial instruments work and who can benefit from their support. The guide covers advantages of using financial instruments, implementation options, opportunities to combine grants and financial instruments, key stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities and well as key milestones in the financial instrument lifecycle.

Read the publication

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Watch Webinar: MFC and Tech to the Rescue

As you may already know, MFC and Tech To The Rescue (TTTR) – a global platform that connects nonprofits with tech companies – have established a cooperation in August this year. The goal of this cooperation is to assist and support MFC Members in their digital transformation to help them achieve their mission and vision more effectively and efficiently.

As part of this cooperation, we are inviting you to a webinar on how MFC Members can benefit from TTTR collaboration systems.

During this webinar, you will learn about:

  • What are TTTR’s goals, who are TTTR’s partners
  • What is the nonprofit organization journey with TTTR- process explanation of how to register and submit a project and what the crucial elements of well-written projects are
  • Examples of solutions and available technologies.
  • Q&A session

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Green Index 3.0: case studies for each Essential Practice

Read the case studies which illustrate how the Green Index framework can be useful to the institutions looking for learning about good practices in green inclusive finance and willing to share their own good practices.

The “Green Essential Practices Case Studies Series” highlights the experience of Financial Service Providers (FSPs) with good practices in the 8 key areas identified in the Green Index 3.0. The Case studies under this series offer practical examples of how an FSP developed its practices to inspire and facilitate the journey of others.

The 8 Green Essential Practices (EPs) provide a roadmap for FSPs to maximise their green impact:

  • EP1: Define their environmental strategy 

Assilassimé Solidarité (Togo)     

Chamroeun (Cambodia)

  • EP2: Implement their environmental strategy

Fortune Credit (Kenya)     

Fundación Génesis Empresarial (Guatemala)

  • EP3: Identify client or portfolio-level environmental risks and opportunities

COMUBA (Benin)     

Bancamia (Colombia)

  • EP4: Identify institutional-level environmental risks and opportunities

Tamweelcom (Jordan)     

CACMU (Equador)

  • EP5: Manage client or portfolio-level environmental risks and opportunities

Caurie MF (Senegal)     

Muktinath (Nepal)

  • EP6: Manage institutional-level environmental risks and opportunities

RENACA (Benin)     

Banfondesa (Dominican Republic)

  • EP7: Offer green financial products and services

Pula (Global)     

Annapurna (India)

  • EP8: Offer green non-financial products and services 

ASKI (Philippines)

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Unlocking Private Capital for Social Good in Central & Eastern Europe

The report is a comprehensive analysis of the research conducted between 2020 and 2023 in collaboration with key stakeholders and decision-makers in 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. It also includes insights from Ukraine. It is a summary of 7,600 quantitative interviews and more than 230 meetings with representatives from private, public and social sectors. The accumulated knowledge was described from three perspectives: countries, target groups and knowledge areas. We encourage you to download the report and hope that the recommendations will serve as a good starting point for further actions to unlock private capital for social good.

READ THE REPORT

Microfinance Sector Contribution to the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan

The Microfinance Centre (MFC) and European Microfinance Network (EMN) have submitted a joint recommendation to the European Commission’s consultation on the new Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) across Europe and Central Asia serve nearly 2 million low-income clients, offering financial and non-financial services that support employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. The sector plays a key role in reaching underserved groups, including women, youth, migrants, ethnic minorities, and rural populations.

The joint contribution highlights the sector’s impact and outlines recommendations to strengthen its role in delivering EPSR objectives:

These recommendations aim to support the EU’s 2030 social targets, including increased employment, lifelong learning, and reduced poverty and social exclusion.

For more information on the Action Plan and consultation process, visit the European Commission’s initiative page.

European Commission opens consultations on Housing, Social Rights and Poverty 

The European Commission has launched a series of public consultations to gather input for future EU policies concerning social housing, the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan, and an EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. These initiatives aim to address pressing social challenges across the Union, from housing affordability to poverty reduction: 

The Microfinance Centre (MFC), in collaboration with the European Microfinance Network (EMN), is actively preparing to submit joint feedbacks to these consultations, advocating for the vital role of microfinance in each of the above-mentioned field.  

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@Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash

Catch Up on What Matters: SIFTA Webinars Now Online

Missed a SIFTA webinar? You can now watch all past sessions online.

Topics include AI-powered services, digital and green skills, financial planning and modeling, product development, internal audit and managing multi-generational teams.

The SIFTA webinar series explores the themes shaping inclusive finance today.

WATCH NOW

Let’s run Borrow Wisely Campaign 2025 together

Let’s run Borrow Wisely Campaign 2025 together

For the past 10 years, Borrow Wisely has been successfully organized, reaching many micro-entrepreneurs across Europe. We are  to announce the upcoming 11th edition of the Borrow Wisely Campaign and invite all MFC members to join! 

What is the “Borrow Wisely” Campaign?

The “Borrow Wisely” campaign promotes global client protection standards. Led annually by the Microfinance Center and its partners − responsible lenders committed to building a trustworthy microfinance sector − the campaign seeks to educate clients on borrowing wisely and avoiding the pitfalls of excessive debt.

Empowering Borrowers to Make Informed Choices

The campaign’s goal is to help clients understand that the power to borrow wisely is in their hands. By asking the right questions, borrowers can avoid the risks of over-indebtedness and make well-informed decisions about how much they can safely borrow.

Why Microfinance Institutions Join Forces

For over 10 years, microfinance institutions have been committed to protecting their clients by promoting responsible borrowing practices. This campaign reinforces the importance of client protection, helping to prevent over-indebtedness and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions. By working together, microfinance institutions ensure they continue to serve their clients effectively while upholding international standards for responsible lending.

What We Do

The campaign reaches out to clients and potential clients of microfinance institutions through posters, leaflets, brochures and social media communicating the importance of borrowing wisely. A simple “pre-loan” checklist of questions helps ensure that clients borrow within safe and responsible limits.

Ewa Bankowska, MFC Deputy Director, said: Microfinance acknowledges its partners for their dedication to promoting the Borrow Wisely Campaign and achieving significant results over the years. At the Microfinance Center, collaboration is key, and together with our  partners, we are making a more substantial impact in promoting responsible borrowing practices.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Promotional Materials

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We invite you to become a Partner of the  Borrow Wisely Campaign!

We call for long-standing partners to implement #2025BWC with us again this year, as well as encourage new organizations to join the Campaign. 

Please contact Joanna Sosnowska-Orynska at joanna.sosnowska@mfc.org.pl to learn more and become a partner of the  Borrow Wisely Campaign.

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REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Camapaign Timeline 2025

Campaign Partners 2024

Campaign Editions

For the past 10 years (2014-2024, excluding 2022), Borrow Wisely has been successfully organized, reaching many micro-entrepreneurs across Europe and Central Asia. 

 

Join us for a journey of impact and positive change!  

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

In November we will be also running Microfinance for Senior Entrepreneurship Campaign. Would you like to join us?

FIND OUT MORE

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Upcoming Local Activities Under the SIFTA Programme

This autumn, the Microfinance Centre will continue leading the Social Inclusive Finance Technical Assistance (SIFTA) Programme, coordinating a new round of local webinars and workshops in national languages across the EU.

Planned activities include collaboration with MFC members on the following themes:

If your organisation is based in the EU27 and interested in hosting local SIFTA capacity-building activities, please contact Joanna Żukowska, Project Coordinator: joanna@mfc.org.pl

👉 See what we achieved together in H1: https://mfc.org.pl/sifta-mid-year-highlights-a-strong-start-to-2025/

Microcredit and Local Development in Southern Italy: Highlights from the Tricase Workshop

On July 28th, the town of Tricase hosted a full-day workshop dedicated to the role of microfinance in advancing local development and youth entrepreneurship in Southern Italy’s inner areas.

Organized by MFC and Rete Italiana di Microfinanza – RITMI under the SIFTA Program, the event brought together Italian MFIs, SEFPs, civil society, public institutions, and academics for strategic dialogue on how microcredit and civil economy approaches can revitalize marginal territories.

The agenda featured leading voices from regional development and finance, with impactful discussions on youth enterprise, policy innovation, and the importance of place-based financial tools. Speakers included representatives from Tor Vergata University, Banca Popolare Pugliese, PerMicro, ARPAL Puglia, and local development agencies.

The workshop offered a platform for connection and exchange, reinforcing the role of microfinance in building inclusive, sustainable local economies.