A Survey of 405 MFIs Reporting to MIX in 2009-2010

This report assesses the various aspects of social performance management (SPM) as reported to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) by 405 MFIs from 73 countries in 2009 and 2010. It provides a framework for analyzing the current state of social performance practice across regions.

The report draws on two additional sources of information: an SPM learning program conducted by the Imp-Act Consortium and a survey of rating agencies, technical assistance providers and microfinance networks. Study findings include:

• MFIs are active in monitoring and reporting on social performance when they operate in competitive markets, have received SPM training, have support from local microfinance networks or receive funds from social performance based investors;
• MFIs increasingly recognize the importance of consumer protection policies;
• Measurement of poverty outreach is limited to a few MFIs;
• Data on poverty outreach is difficult to benchmark because of the variety of tools and poverty lines;
• MFIs increasingly recognize that investments in human resources, staff training and incentives ensure high levels of staff and client retention;
• MFIs prioritization of gender development goals is not reflected in their human resource structure.