Chandigarh, 25th October 2016: Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), a premiere industry association and self regulatory organisation for microfinance industry, was felicitated with the prestigious CNBC TV 18 Financial Inclusion Awards for Institutions & Philanthropic Trusts for Evangelizing Financial Inclusion to Empower Women. The award was presented for MFIN's pioneering contribution in microfinance industry and helping Indian women at grassroots level through bringing them in the ambit of financial inclusion.
Speaking about the honour Ratna Vishwanathan, CEO, MFIN said, "This is not only the recognition for MFIN but for the entire microfinance industry. It is a measure of recognition of the good work that has been done over the past many years by encouraging entrepreneurship amongst rural women and helping them at grassroots level to start their small businesses. Helping these women to be financially independent will not only help improve their financial well being but also their social status. We look forward to another year where we will continue to strive for excellence”.
Microfinance industry has been responsible for delivering the financial services to low income households at affordable costs and played a major role in encouraging entrepreneurship amongst rural women to establish their own small business for the healthy living in the society.
The ceremony witnessed the gathering of members from the entire banking and finance industry. Mr Ashok Lavasa, Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance presided over the grand event as the Hon’ble Chief Guest and handed over the award to Ms Vishwanathan at a gleaming ceremony. This was the fourth edition of CNBC TV18's Financial Inclusion Agenda event and the awards.
About Microfinance Institutions Network
Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) is the premier industry association and Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for the microfinance industry in India and its current membership consists of 53 leading NBFC (Non-banking Financial Company) Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in the country. The aggregate business of MFIN members constitutes over 85 per cent of the Indian microfinance industry (excluding SHGs). MFIN seeks to work closely with regulators and other key stakeholders to achieve larger financial inclusions goals through microfinance.