Coffee & Registration

Chair’s Introduction

Microfinance Opportunities and Challenges in 2010: Attracting Institutional Capital

Are institutional investors continuing to search for good investment opportunities that contribute to social development? This session will focus on where and how institutional capital is investing in 2010 as global economic conditions begin to improve and how best to attract capital.

Alex Van der Velden, Head Responsible Equity Strategies, PGGM

Examining the Strategies of Leading International Commercial Banks in the Global Microfinance Landscape in 2010

Leaders in the field will focus on different aspects of international commercial banking, from corporate philanthropy to mobile banking, from fund management to foreign exchange. Panellists discuss centralised bank strategies for 2010 and focus on key innovations and challenges in the field.

Emmanuel de Lutzel, Head Group Microfinance, BNP Paribas
Nick O Donohoe, Global Head Equity Research, JP Morgan
Erna Karrer-Rueedi, Vice President Microfinance, Credit-Suisse

Morning Coffee & Networking

Investing in MFIs and Updating Risk Analysis Following the Financial Crisis

How has risk analysis been altered by the financial crisis? The panel looks at new emerging practice and methodology in investing in MFIs post-crisis. Questions such as how to select an MFI, how to conduct due diligence and how to determine key areas of risk will all be examined. Lessons will be drawn from current activity in the field with a view to highlighting the changing approach to an MFI risk analysis.

Maud Savary-Mornet, Deputy Head, Planis
Eliza Erikson, Portfolio Manager, Calvert Foundation

Networking Lunch

Conference Breaks into 3 Streams for Round Table Sessions

STREAM A Microfinance for Socially Responsible Investors Moderated by:

STREAM B Social Performance & ESG Transparency & Reporting Moderated by CGAP

STREAM C New Partnerships; New Models; New Trends Round Table Sessions

Examining the Growth of MIVs This session will focus on the trajectory of MIVs supported by a broad range of public and private investors and the latest developments in terms of equity investments, new markets and new financial services. Daniel Dax, General Manager, Lux Flag Geert Rosen, CFO, Blue Orchard Roland Dominice, CEO, Symbiotics

The Importance and Possibilities of Local Currency Lending to MFIs This session will investigate issues around local currency lending and hedging of foreign exchange risks for MFIs. Why is it so important to mitigate FX risk and which methods work? The panellistst will take a practical look at the local currency loans available and highlight the institutions active in this area. Henk Nijland, Head of Micro & Small Enterprise Finance, FMO Brian Cox, CEO, MFX Solutions Joost Zuidberg, CEO, TCX Jorge Santisteban, Director Hedging Services, MFX Solutions

Revolutionizing Microfinance Through Technological Innovation This session will highlight some of the breakthrough innovations in technology that are currently improving the efficiencies of delivering financial services to the unbanked. Speakers will explore how technology can enable MFIs and banks to reduce costs, scale rapidly and become better integrated with the overall financial ecosystem in developing nations. Shivon Zilis, Corporate Strategy Consultant, Strategy & Change Practice, IBM Global Business Services

Securing Investment through Improved Financial Transparency The current lack of financial transparency in microfinance is well documented; the direct impact for investors is that investors often don’t know the price of the products they are indirectly funding. The session gives an overview in advances in financial transparency and identifies how increased levels of investment can ensue. Royston Braganza, CEO, Grameen Capital India Emmanuelle Javoy, Managing Director, Planet Rating

Financing Micro and Small Enterprises and the role of MSEs in Transition Economies This session looks at providing access to services for entrepreneurs in LDCs and also reveals the various barriers and obstacles that limit the roles of microfinance entrepreneurship and sustainability. Practitioners and investors will question the extent to which MF empowers entrepreneurs in LDCs and investigates whether the processes can be economically and environmentally sustainable. Monika Beck, Division Chief, KFW David Pallela, CEO, Carbon Manna

Building Capacity & Sustainability by Developing the MFI Work Force This session focuses on a glaring yet unaddressed issue affecting MFIs: The lack of competent middle managers. How can microfinance develop new products, improve their systems and increase competitiveness, when the very managers who develop and implement these projects aren't prepared for the task? Participants will discuss concrete attempts to build and develop the MFI workforce and the impact it can have on the growth of microfinance. Anne Folan, President,Women Advancing Microfinance

Afternoon Coffee & Networking

Networking & Meetings

Microfinance Product Design & Flexibility, Meeting the Rising Needs of the Poor in Health, Housing, Education Up until now there has not been sufficient access to a variety of financial products for the economically active poor. This session focuses on current strategies in place that enable organisations to strengthen and integrate services and reach down-market with flexible, client-responsive products to meet demand. Bobbi Gray Kotara, Research & Evaluation Specialist, Freedom from Hunger Justin Oliver, Executive Director, IFMR

Developing Insight in the Foundation’s Perspective on Building Partnerships & Networks to Leverage Microfinance- Related Investing Learn from a range of foundations that are funding the microfinance mission about aligning the foundation’s mission with the investment opportunity. Look at similarities and differences between the Foundation’s investment model and other investor types in the industry and ascertain what are the most appealing projects and what kind of return is required? Gain a deeper insight into current projects and partnerships and developing networks for improved success. Fiza Farhan, COO, Buksh Foundation Eliza Erikson, Portfolio Manager, Calvert Foundation

Closing Summary from Chair & Moderators

Close of Conference