2003 Latin America and the Caribbean Microfinance Analysis and Benchmarking Report
The Latin America Caribbean Benchmarking Report 2003 compares performance indicators for Latin American MFIs against MFIs worldwide. The goal is not to identify regional leader institutions or create performance targets. On the contrary, the objective is to develop a snapshot of Latin American MFI performance through examining a broad spectrum of institutional types
At the global level, Latin American MFIs have more assets, leverage more equity and attract more commercial investment than MFIs in other regions. They also reach fewer clients and achieve marginal returns. Some characteristics of a more commercial market may already be visible in the aggregate. Latin American loan portfolios are increasingly funded through commercial financing (especially through savings) and operating expenses are decreasing as many, but not all, MFIs become more efficient. Perhaps the higher portfolio at risk signals the emergence of a more competitive market in a small number of countries.
