Benefits of Client Assessment

This progress note summarizes outcomes from three SEEP Network administered in-depth Imp-Act questionnaires, conducted at yearly intervals, to 17 MFIs about their client assessment processes. Participant MFIs reported 64 program changes over the two-year projects that were based directly or indirectly on client assessment information. Program changes included product and service innovations, modifications to product terms and conditions, and changes to institutional policies and practices. The experiences of participating MFIs demonstrate the benefits and practicality of client assessments. The note states that:

• Client assessments inform management decision-making and lead to productive action;
• Client assessments yield information that enables MFIs to assess the strengths and weaknesses of current market offerings;
• No clear relationship was found between MFIs size and changes made by them;
• Stakeholder commitment to the process is a primary constraint to effective client assessment;
• MFIs with stakeholder commitment can reap benefits of client assessment, regardless of their size or level of sophistication.