Microfinance Data Services

MIX collects data from MFIs throughout the developing world, covering financial performance and operations. Once we collect this information, we reclassify it according to international financial reporting standards for comparability, and then review it for consistency and coherence. Once this process is completed, the data are made available to the public on MIX Market. More than 60 percent of the MFIs that post data on MIX Market have supporting documentation, either audited financial statements or ratings reports. Data are available for access on an institutional level, country level, regional, and industry-wide (global) level.

MIX produces benchmarks based on median values and annual trend lines for the industry. MFIs participate in the data collection for the benchmarks on a voluntary basis. The institutions provide information about portfolio performance, account practices, subsidies, and liability structure to MIX as well as substantiating documentation, such as audited financial statements, annual reports, institutional appraisals, and other materials that help them, MIX, and our readers to better understand their operations.

These data are placed into peer groups based on a number of criteria. The peer groups are designed to be specific enough to provide meaningful comparisons, yet still provide confidentiality for the reporting MFI. The benchmarks, based on median values, provide the industry, microfinance practitioners, investors and the general public a view of the industry. They also provide practitioners with a tool to compare the performance of their own MFI against that of their peers.

Annual trend lines are produced based on the benchmarks, using data from MFIs who have reported to MIX for three consecutive years. The trend lines provide a view of the changes within the industry over a period of time.

Benchmarks and trend lines are available online in our publications section and through the MicroBanking Bulletin.