Next Generation Access to Finance: Gaining Scale and Reducing Costs with Technology and Credit Scoring

Using the appropriate technology together with quality credit information can allow lenders to manage risk, increase lending volume, and improve operating efficiency. However, credit reporting among microfinance institutions remains very limited. A recent Doing Business Survey shows that just one in twelve private credit bureaus contains data from microfinance institutions. Evidence from a study of five thousand firms in fifty-one countries also shows that small firms with access to a credit bureau have a 40% chance of obtaining a loan, whereas firms without access to a credit bureau have only a 28% chance to receive a loan (Love and Mylenko, 2003). There are huge untapped opportunities for microfinance institutions in emerging markets, and for the many client individuals and enterprises seeking access to credit.

In this context, the conference on "Next Generation Access to Finance: Gaining Scale and Reducing Costs with Technology and Credit Scoring," aims to:

·         Convene leaders from technology-providers, financial institutions including microfinance institutions, commercial banks, and credit information providers;

·         Examine in-depth what has worked and what could work better in using technology and credit reporting to increase access to finance;

·         Provide a multisectoral, global view of credit scoring and its potential for financial   institutions;

·         Enable lenders to assess different products and establish contact with global providers of cutting-edge technologies represented at the Conference Exhibition.