The chat would hypothesize the evolution of microfinance to microequity. Specifically it would discuss the impact potential of moving away from just lending to small businesses in frontier economies, but purchasing equity and creating long-term liquidity opportunities for microentrepreneurs. We would present a case study on how Eskala is working with the Honduran government to change a law to allow for direct investment in rural community banks (caja rurales). The chat would highlight leading organizations who are making this shift, the reasons behind it, and offer an intimate Q&A for critique.
Microfinance is Missing Equity
Steven Atamian
May 4, 2021
Format
Fireside Chat
Meta Themes
Sustainable Development
Impact Investing
Themes
microfinance, equity investing in frontier economies, community asset building
Purpose and Desired Outcome
To broaden the thinking of microfinance institutions to begin dialog around how microequity can be incorporated in their strategies or draw in impact investors who are more philosophically aligned to equity investing as opposed to lending to solve UNSDGs.
Audiences
Asset Managers
Academia
Corporate & SME
Allocators (Family Offices, HNW Individuals, Foundations)
Intermediaries (Financial Advisers, Investment Bankers)
Speakers
- NameSteven Atamian
- TitleCo-Founder & President
- OrganizationEskala
- StatusConfirmed
- NameDr. Shital Vora
- TitleCEO
- OrganizationGlobal Brigades
- StatusConfirmed
