The Microfinance Management Institute (MFMI) serves all those in the developing world who are working to build inclusive financial systems for the poor.

The MFMI -- a non-profit based in Washington, DC in the U.S. -- hosts a global resource center to assist those networks, universities and management consulting firms that assist MFIs with their capacity building.  In doing so, MFMI aims to strengthen and promote the ability of existing MFIs to offer competitive services and options to their clientele.

The continuing, unprecedented expansion of the global microfinance industry creates a growing demand for skilled microfinance leaders and staff. The ability of microfinance institutions to effectively alleviate poverty depends therefore on the growth in the numbers of educated staff enabled with cutting-edge field knowledge and relevant management experience. The MFMI fills that gap by supporting those educators and academics who build up the management capabilities of the MFIs in their local markets.

In affiliation with CGAP and the Open Society Institute, the MFMI fosters and supports peer-to-peer networks, skills development, and the creation and dissemination of learning/teaching materials. In recent years, the MFMI has funded the writing of many case studies that track the evolution of the microfinance industry and the management strengths of microfinance institutions.  And, recognizing the importance of the knowledge of senior staff of donor organizations (such as USAID, DFID, the IFC, foundations, etc.), to provide relevant support of microfinance capacity building, the MFMI and CGAP offer the microfinance industry 5-day training course for funders, "Building Inclusive Financial Systems: How Funders can Make a Difference" and on disseminating messages about how funders can be more effective.

An overview of the MFMI