Information Systems for Microfinance Institutions

The ‘Information Systems for Microfinance Institutions’ course is one of the four courses in the Operational Management Curriculum, along with ‘Business Planning with Microfin’, ‘Operational Risk Management’ and ‘New Product Development’. Microfinance, like all other forms of finance, is an information business. Yet many microfinance institutions (MFIs) face serious challenges as they seek to identify their information needs and install appropriate systems to meet those needs. This four-day course provides MFI managers with practical guidelines for developing and implementing information systems for MFIs. By working through a case study, participants learn to use a framework that allows them to conceptualize, assess, design, develop, implement, roll out and maintain information systems for their MFIs.

DISCLAIMER

CGAP is pleased to make the course materials from the CGAP Skills for Microfinance Managers course series publicly available. Although the course materials have been well tested and revised CGAP cannot ensure that the materials and all calculations are fully accurate. The microfinance industry continues to evolve and new standards continue to emerge. As a result, the course materials may not reflect the latest practices in the microfinance industry.

Although CGAP has made every attempt to produce high-quality course materials, ultimately it is the technical skills, training experience and preparation of the trainers that guarantee the quality of the course itself and the successful transfer of skills and knowledge to course participants.

Please note that CGAP recognizes only those partners and trainers that went through its certification process as CGAP training partners from 1997 to 2008. Others who offer a course using materials from one of the CGAP Skills for Microfinance Managers courses should not refer to themselves as CGAP trainers or CGAP-certified.

CGAP also requests that all those who offer the 'Information Systems for Microfinance Institutions' course use the following text in their marketing materials and course descriptions: “The 'Information Systems for Microfinance Institutions' course is based on the materials developed by CGAP that are publicly available on www.cgap.org. CGAP is a leading independent resource for objective information, expert opinion, and innovative solutions for microfinance. CGAP works with the financial industry, governments and investors to expand access to financial services for poor people around the world.”