Microfinance is now globally recognized as a powerful intervention for alleviating poverty. This innovative development approach has inspired numerous research works around the world. The Institute of Microfinance (InM) has undertaken a project to compile the major publications on the experience of microfinance in Bangladesh into a series of readings, of which this is the first. The present anthology deals with the reach of Microfinance Institutions (MFI’s) and their impacts on their clientele and the wider economy.
Microfinance, particularly microcredit, is recognized as one of the most important interventions to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh. It is now 27 years that non-government institutions have been providing microfinance services. It has grown both vertically and horizontally. In 2008, self provided information of 313 MFIs including Grameen Bank shows, a total of 16.690 branches across the country are providing financial services to the poor. This is the second publication of the joint collaboration of Institute of Microfinance (InM) and Credit and Development Forum (CDF).