|
|
|
 |
Trainings/Webinars/Events
|
|
|
May 17, 2017
Integrating Risk Management into Business Strategy: Tools for MFIs
9 a.m. EDT
This webinar features a methodology and a toolkit for microfinance institutions (MFIs) interested in developing a risk management system. Speakers will discuss the importance of integrating risk management into business strategy, how to develop a risk management system, and what resources are available for MFIs. This is part of a webinar series hosted by the Microfinance Gateway and the Risk Management Initiative in Microfinance.
|
May 23, 2017
Can IPOs be responsible?
10 a.m EDT
Following up on last year's FIEC-sponsored paper on Indian financial inclusion IPOs, Anna Kanze of Grassroots Capital Management will be joined by Daniel Rozas in this webinar to examine how certain features can help drive the financial success of financial inclusion IPOs and ensure that the companies' social missions are maintained.
|
May 24-26, 2017
MFC Annual Conference
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This year, the Microfinance Centre (MFC) is holding its 20th annual conference. The theme is “Fair Finance for All” and will feature topics such as responsible pricing. On Thursday, May 25, SPTF’s Katie Hoffmann will speak in a workshop on financial inclusion for refugees, drawing on the work of SPTF’s Refugee Working Group.
|
June 5, 2017
#SPTF2017 Annual Meeting
Mexico City, Mexico
Workshop: ADA Network Exchange Symposium (NEX). This workshop will showcase the experiences of professional associations from Central and South America, South East Asia and Africa. They will present their challenges, relationship with members and donors, and their impact on regulation. The presentations will include discussions on funding strategy, the evolution of the sector and members’ needs, and how they adapted their services. Participation is open, with priority given to national and regional associations. English-Spanish simultaneous translation will be provided.
|
June 7, 2017
#SPTF2017 Annual Meeting Mexico City, Mexico
Workshop: Empowering Customers to Use Digital Financial Services. This CGAP-led workshop will showcase Fintech solutions that have the potential to empower clients to have more control over their financial lives. Participants will explore experimental digital services from around the world and discuss how innovations apply in their own country context. Read more about the SPTF Annual Meeting, including details on the agenda, acommodations and registration, here.
|
June 22, 2017
Data Platform simulation webinar
10:30 am EDT
The Data Platform project is a new on-line solution to centralize validated data on Financial Service Providers' (FSP) pricing, SPI4, social and environmental performance, and benchmark it to peers. The webinar is part of a series of Data Platform simulations for investors and is open to SPTF SIWG members and other social investors. During this session, investors will see and provide feedback on an on-line prototype of the Platform as well as on examples of how to use it.
|
|
 |
Announcements
|
|
|
SPTF Strategic Planning Update & Introduction of Membership Fees
The SPTF recently completed a strategic planning process, whereby board members reviewed achievements and looked for solutions to challenges in order to define the SPTF priorities for the next three years. We are grateful to have a strong Board of Directors that represents all our stakeholder groups and regions were we work. Through our board we make sure that your priorities and concerns are represented. Please read the entire uptate here.
|
 |
|
|
SPTF Board Elections
The SPTF Board elections are currently being held to fill 2 Financial Service Provider (FSP) seats, and 1 National Network seat. We want to hear from you so your organization can have a say in these important elections!
Please email your vote to Roberta Zapf by Wednesday, May 17. Information on the candidates can be found here: FSP candidates and National Network candidates.
Please note only organizational members of the SPTF who are in the FSP and National Networks category may cast a vote for their stakeholder representatives. To confirm if your FSP or National Network organization is an organizational member of the SPTF, please check this list. Only one vote per organization will be counted.
Thank you very much for your participation,
The SPTF Board of Directors and Secretariat
|
|
Truelift Recognition of Fundación Paraguaya and Friendship Bridge

Truelift recently recognized Fundación Paraguaya in Paraguay and Friendship Bridge in Guatemala at the Leader Milestone. "We strive to provide services that empower our clients to fend off and bounce back from shocks as well as pursue opportunities that create a better future for
themselves, their families, and communities. We believe that our commitment to Social Performance Management helps us both maintain the clarity of our objectives and be effective in achieving them," said Karen Larson, President and CEO of Friendship Bridge.
|
SOCAP Conversations: Jane Reisman and Veronica Olazabal on the State of the Field of Impact Measurement and Evaluation
Read an interview with Jane Reisman, the founder of ORS Impact and measurement and evaluation advisor for The Rockefeller Foundation and Veronia Olazabal, the director of measurement, evaluation, and organizational performance at the Foundation.
|
Microfinance Is Dead; Long Live Microfinance!
A recent blog by Paul DiLeo, Todd A. Watkins, and Anna Kanze. |
Guidelines for FSPs on Serving Refugees
The Guidelines for FSPs on serving refugees are now in available in Arabic on the SPTF website. |
M-CRIL Calls for the Transformation of Microfinance
M-CRIL Managing Director, Sanjay Sinha, has recently spoken at two international events, during which he called for the transformation of microfinance. |
|
 |
SPTF Featured Member
|
|
|
 |
Snezana Jovic, PAMIGA
"The work of SPTF in defining social performance management international standards is one of the most important contributions to the sector during the last years."... Read more.
|
|
|
 |
News From Our Members
|
|
|
In Remembrance of Muhammad Awais Butt

It is with sadness that we share the news that our friend Muhammad Awais Butt passed away.
Awais had been battling cancer for the past 16 months. During this time he continued working for Good Return serving as their Responsible Inclusive Finance Lead. Awais led their work in client protection, social performance management, and poverty tracking and reporting and was highly regarded in the sector as a leader in these areas. He shared his knowledge and experience with many of us in the SPTF community and will be greatly missed.
As Shane Nichols, CEO of Good Return said, "Awais was a champion of pro-poor microfinance who did much to strengthen both our partners and our own capacity - ultimately benefitting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people through improved microfinance services. He will be remembered as a dedicated, highly professional and compassionate man who helped make the world a better place."
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Please keep him, and them, in your thoughts and prayers.
|
|
|
 |
Member feedback is critical to the success of the SPTF
|
We welcome your suggestions for future content. Please email us at newsletter@sptf.info using the subject line "SPTF Newsletter Content Suggestion"
To make sure you are receiving SPTF emails, please add the domain "sptf.info" to your safe sender email list.
|
|
|
|
|
Resources and References
Explore the resources below for tools and guidance to help strengthen your social performance management and achieve your social and financial goals.
|
|
|
|
|
|