Microfinance and Affordable Credit

We are internationally recognised experts in microfinance in Industrial countries. CFS has set up a number of microcredit providers in the UK, has conducted research for government departments, and has advised EU institutions on microfinance policy. 

The European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision (European Commission), 2010-ongoing 

CFS drafted the European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision for the European Commission in 2011 (https://bit.ly/2PRJK5N). Subsequently, we developed the evaluation framework for assessing compliance with the Code. We are advising the European Commission on the implementation and governance of the Code and sit on the Steering Group overseeing the Code. Most recently, we have been leading on the update of the Code. 

Scaling up the UK personal lending CDFI sector (Carnegie UK), 2017-19 

Carnegie UK Trust commissioned CFS to determine if the affordable credit sector can achieve a step change in growth to make a greater dent in the need and demand for affordable credit. The central aim was to develop proposals for a step change to £200m of operationally sustainable lending by 2027. The study drew on international case studies, stakeholder interviews and financial analysis of seven of the main personal lending CDFIs.

Evaluation of the European Microfinance Network (European Microfinance Network), 2011-17 

CFS was commissioned to conduct an annual evaluation of the European Microfinance Network, the trade body of the microfinance sector in the EU. As part of this evaluation, CFS researchers have advised the Network on governance, management and financial sustainability.