Business 21C - Published by UTS Business

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Business21C Weekly is broadcast on Sydney’s 2SER 107.3 fm radio station at 9:00 am each Monday morning.

In a climate where microfinance is under scrutiny, (check out The Economist this week) we meet Stephen Robertson, Donor Relationship Director of Australian not-for-profit microfinance organisation, Opportunity International, Australia.

We are also joined by Bronwen Dalton, Director of the Centre for Community Organisations and Management. Bronwen challenges for-profit microfinance organisations.

Stephen explains the process of taking out and paying off a microloan, how interest rates work in areas of extreme poverty and why he believes microfinance is fast becoming a cornerstone of international aid. Bronwen sounds warning bells. Microfinance is a game of many players, some of whom are as answerable to their shareholders as to any philanthropic motive. Bronwen believes there are different perspectives on the social value of  microlending, perspectives vary dramatically between donor countries, and countries where microfinance has become an established part of the financial services industry.

Thought provoking. You decide.

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