Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Gives $100,000 Sponsorship to Microfinance Magazine MICROFINANCE INSIGHTS

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Microfinance Insights, the quarterly flagship publication of the Indian investment and consulting firm Intellecap, have entered into a partnership to build an inclusive and sustainable financial sector through the development and dissemination of domain knowledge.
SDC has played an important role in advancing policy debate for the microfinance sector for over thirty years. Microfinance Insights has become a vital resource in the microfinance sector since its inception one year ago. By granting the magazine INR 4'100'000 (US$103,000) sponsorship, SDC will enable Microfinance Insights to continue as a leading sector resource, to increase its international reach and content especially in developing countries, to host events in conjunction with each issue, and to build a world class website for the magazine.

Microfinance Insights, the only quarterly publication of its kind globally, promotes knowledge exchange and fosters communication about microfinance among developing countries with an underlying focus on South-South Cooperation. Published in India, the magazine is international in scope which is reflected in articles focusing on global trends and initiatives. Each issue covers a contemporary theme through in-depth coverage, interviews and analysis. The fifth issue, released earlier this month analyzes the trajectory and growth potential of microinsurance and reveals how it can mitigate risks for the poor.
On the decision to invest in Microfinance Insights, SDC India's Deputy Country Director Adrian Marti said, "SDC strongly believes that the sharing of knowledge, especially South-South exchange, will be a key factor in the growth and sustainability of the sector, where so many new actors have pitched in. We are confident that best practices, cutting edge work and critical debate from around the world will be showcased in Microfinance Insights. SDC, which has country offices around the world, and Microfinance Insights make an excellent match which will bring the sector forward."
Aparajita Agrawal, Associate Vice President of Intellecap, said, "SDC's generous support will enable us to accelerate our goal of becoming the most comprehensive, consolidated source of insight and analysis on the microfinance sector."
The publication is referred to by many microfinance leaders, who have praised it as an invaluable resource. NV Ramana, Group CEO of BASIX India said, "At BASIX, we want all our employees to be updated on the current events and happenings in the sector. We believe Microfinance Insights is one of the publications which, with its coverage of trends and issues, and focused attention on key challenges can help keep practitioners abreast with the world around."

Past issues have included contributions from the World Bank, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and leading MFIs. Previous themes covered by the publication include MFI governance, urban microfinance, the role of capital markets in microfinance, and innovations in the sector.
The next issue, due in April 2008, will focus on human resource challenges within the microfinance sector.

Subscriptions are available online:
www.microfinanceinsights.com. Advertising packages for financial institutions, MFIs, NGOs, technology firms and market facilitators are available. For subscription details, article contributions and to advertise, write to publications@intellecap.net or call +91-22-32535292 or +91-22-28801572. To learn more about the magazine, visit www.microfinanceinsights.com.