- BlueOrchard's partners
- Microfinance Networks and Associations
- Microfinance Resource Organizations
- International Financial Institutions
- Sustainable and Responsible Finance Organizations
- Private Financial Institutions
BlueOrchard's partners
Since its inception in 2001, BlueOrchard has built a wide network of valuable relationships with public and private partners working in microfinance. Find out more abut our partners on this page.
Microfinance Networks and Associations
The European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP), founded in 2006, is a growing network of about 100 banks, financial institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, consultancy firms, researchers and universities, active in the area of microfinance. Its principal objective is to promote co-operation amongst European microfinance bodies working in developing countries, by facilitating communication and the exchange of information.
BlueOrchard is a member of e-MFP.
The International Association of Microfinance Investors (IAMFI) is a global membership organization dedicated to supporting commercially oriented microfinance investors, especially those who invest through funds and other vehicles. IAMFI was created by a diverse group of leading microfinance investors who share the belief that commercial capital can be a positive force in bringing financial services to the world’s working poor. IAMFI’s member services include providing comprehensive and timely information on the microfinance industry, conducting research, offering educational and networking events, and engaging in outreach in order to create a favorable environment for sustainable microfinance investment.
Ann Miles, managing director and head of the BlueOrchard US office is a founding member of IAMFI.
The Microfinance Centre (MFC) is a regional network of over 110 microfinance institutions (MFIs) from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Every year its annual conference brings together hundreds of microfinance practitioners, investors, donors, experts, consultants, Information Technology vendors, researchers, policy makers and media professionals.
BlueOrchard supported the 2008 and 2009 annual MFC conferences.
The mission of the Small Enterprise Education and Promotion (SEEP) Network is to connect microenterprise practitioners in a global learning community. SEEP is a leading international network whose membership is committed to reducing poverty in the developing world through the power of enterprise. Since 1985, the SEEP Network has promoted the development of the microfinance and enterprise development fields by convening key stakeholders and documenting best practices. Using SEEP’s well-regarded lateral learning methodology, practitioners drive research and contribute products, tools, and training materials to the entire industry.
BlueOrchard actively participates in SEEP's annual conferences.
The Swiss Microfinance Platform (SPM) offers microfinance practitioners in Switzerland the opportunity to exchange information and collaborate on common initiatives. The SPM also issues the Swiss Microfinance Annuary (latest edition 2008-2009).
BlueOrchard is a member of the Swiss Microfinance Platform.
The World Microfinance Forum Geneva (WMFG) is a public-private partnership, whose key activities include organizing biennial international symposia in Geneva and local events in regions with a high potential for private-sector engagement in inclusive finance. In order to promote the understanding of inclusive financial markets as an effective approach towards poverty reduction and development as well as an exciting business opportunity for the private sector, the WMFG commissions original research papers on topical issues.
BlueOrchard is a member of the WMFG.
Microfinance Resource Organizations
The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) is an independent policy and research center dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors.
BlueOrchard cooperates with CGAP in some of its research and in other initatives.
CGAP's Microfinance Gateway is the most comprehensive online resource for the global microfinance community. It offers publications, jobs, events, and consultant profiles - updated every day.
At the end of 2008, BlueOrchard signed up to the Client Protection Principles (CPP), a microfinance industry-wide initiative coordinated by CGAP which aims to develop codes of conduct and practices to ensure that low-income clients are treated fairly and protected from potentially harmful financial products.
LuxFLAG aims to promote the raising of capital for microfinance by awarding a recognisable label to eligible Microfinance Investment Vehicles (MIV). Its objective is to reassure investors that the MIV actually invests, directly or indirectly, in the microfinance sector.
The Dexia Micro-Credit Fund managed by BlueOrchard Finance S.A. has received the LuxFLAG label for the past several years.
MicroCapital publishes the MicroCapital Monitor and other products offering specialized news and information on international microfinance. It reports on news and events, reviews scholarly papers and publishes special features such as the CGAP/Microcapital Dealbook.
BlueOrchard contributes to MicroCapital's reports on a regular basis, including to the CGAP/Microcapital Dealbook
The Microfinance Rating and Assessment Initiative. In 2009,BlueOrchard joined the Steering Committee of the Microfinance Rating and Assessment Initiative (formerly Global Rating Subsidy Service or GRASS). This new rating co-funding service aims to develop the microfinance rating market through a 4-year project designed to encourage at least 800 new MFIs to engage in regular financial and social ratings.
The Microfinance Information Exchange, Inc. (MIX) is the leading provider of business information and data services for the microfinance industry. MIX provides detailed performance and financial information on microfinance institutions, investors, networks and service providers associated with the industry. MIX does this through a variety of publicly available platforms, including MIX Market and the MicroBanking Bulletin.
BlueOrchard Finance S.A. provides up-dates on its funds to the Mix on a regular basis.
www.mixmarket.org ; www.themix.org
International Financial Institutions
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution that supports projects in Central Europe and Central Asia. Investing primarily in private sector clients whose needs cannot be fully met by the market, the Bank promotes entrepreneurship and fosters transition towards open and democratic market economies.
The EBRD and BlueOrchard have been cooperating on a number of projects over the past years and EBRD has invested in some of BlueOrchard’s microfinance investment vehicles.
www.ebrd.com
Finance for Development (FMO) is the entrepreneurial development bank of the Netherlands. Its mission is to provide capital, share knowledge and create partnerships. Its clients are entrepreneurs and financial institutions - often in low-income countries. It partners with banks and other institutions with specific expertise to create access to a full range of financial products, sector expertise and knowledge-based services.
FMO and BlueOrchard have been cooperating on a number of projects over the past years and FMO has invested in some of BlueOrchard’s microfinance investment vehicles.
www.fmo.nl
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) supports the process of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean and is the main source of multilateral financing in the region. The IDB Group lends money and provides grants to governments, companies and civil society organizations, thus reaching central governments, city authorities and businesses. It also offers research, advice and technical assistance to support key areas like education, poverty reduction and agriculture. The Bank is also active on cross-border issues like trade, infrastructure and energy.
IDB and BlueOrchard cooperate on a number of projects, namely the Microfinance Growth Facility (MiGroF) > , a microfinance fund for Latin America and the Caribbean that will start operating in 2010 and for which BlueOrchard was chosen as fund manager.
www.idb.org
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is part of the World Bank Group. It fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments. IFC helps companies and financial institutions in emerging markets create jobs, generate tax revenues, improve corporate governance and environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities.
IFC and BlueOrchard cooperate on a number of projects, namely the Microfinance Enhancement Facility (MEF) > , a microfinance fund that will start operating in 2009 and for which BlueOrchard was chosen as one of three fund managers.
www.ifc.org
KfW Entwicklungsbank gives impetus to economic, social and ecological development worldwide. As a promotional bank under the ownership of the German Federal Republic and the Länder (federal states), it offers support to encourage sustainable improvement in economic, social, ecological living and business conditions, among others in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprise, entrepreneurialship, environmental protection, housing, infrastructure, education finance, project and export finance, and development cooperation.
KfW and BlueOrchard cooperate on a number of projects, namely the Microfinance Enhancement Facility (MEF) > , a microfinance fund that will start operating in 2009 and for which BlueOrchard was chosen as one of three fund managers.
www.kfw.de
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) fosters economic development in new and emerging markets and complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment. Currently, OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide.
OPIC and BlueOrchard cooperate on a number of projects, namely the Microfinance Growth Facility (MiGroF) > , a microfinance fund for Latin America and the Caribbean that will start operating in 2010 and for which BlueOrchard was chosen as fund manager.
www.opic.gov
Sustainable and Responsible Finance Organizations
The European Sustainable Investment Forum (EUROSIF) is a pan-European group whose mission is to address sustainability through financial markets. Recognized as the premier European forum for sustainable investment, Eurosif’s affiliates are drawn from leading pension funds, asset managers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), trade unions, academic institutes and research providers, together representing assets totaling over EUR 1 trillion. Eurosif produces ground-breaking research, facilitates EU interfacing and European-wide initiatives that integrate environmental, social and governance issues into the financial services sector.
BlueOrchard is a member of EUROSIF.
The non-profit foundation myclimate - The Climate Protection Partnership is an international climate protection organization based in Switzerland. myclimate promotes the gathering of knowledge about CO2 reduction, raises awareness and inspires long-term climate protection. The foundation also draws upon various management tools, such as CO2 balance sheets, CO2 reporting or a performance-management tool, to provide an optimal basis for decision-making in businesses. In addition, myclimate promotes carbon neutrality via the principle of voluntary CO2 offsetting.
BlueOrchard Finance S.A. compensates its carbon footprint by supporting myclimate projects, read more >
The mission of Sustainable Finance Geneva (SFG) is to promote sustainability and responsibility within the Geneva financial community. SFG targets professionals who have an interest in responsible investment and want to better structure and focus their action. It organizes thematic seminars and monthly meetings around the topic of responsible and sustainable finance.
Jean-Pierre Klumpp, CEO of BlueOrchard Finance S.A. is a member of SFG.
www.sfgeneva.org
In December 2008, BlueOrchard became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a set of global best-practices for responsible investment established by the United Nations in partnership with actors of the private corporate and financial world. By adhering to the PRI, BlueOrchard wishes to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable and responsible investment practices and to contribute to their promotion in the wider investment community.
www.unpri.org.
Private Financial Institutions
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) >
The Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM) >
Banque Pivée Edmond de Rothschild Europe >
Compagnie Financière Edmond de Rothschild >
De Pury Pictet Turrettini & Cie. (PPT) >
Dexia Asset Management (DAM) >
Morgan Stanley & C. International Limited >
