Global Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment 2010
This report outlines findings of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) in-depth analysis of the microfinance business environment in 54 countries.
The index that underlies this report allows countries and regions to be compared across three broad categories, namely, regulatory framework, institutional development and investment climate. The report provides a basis for benchmarking the business conditions for privately provided microfinance in countries around the world. Findings include:
- For the second year running, Peru, the Philippines, and Bolivia top the EIU’s Global Microscope index;
- Peru retained its position as the global leader, scoring 74.3 out of 100;
- The three best-performing countries score especially well in the areas of regulatory framework and institutional development;
- Venezuela finishes last in the 2010 index, with deteriorating investment and operating conditions for NGOs, weak regulatory structure and low levels of market development.
Two countries, Azerbaijan and Nepal, left the bottom ranks this year. Azerbaijan is now ranked 38th, thanks to improvements in its regulatory framework. Nepal benefited from a more hands-off approach by the state and from new regulations that facilitate microdeposit taking.
