microfinance

Safeguarding society

June 3, 2014

Setting up a new microfinance division at her family’s Lebanon-based insurance business, Commercial Insurance, gave third-generation Coralie Zaccar a golden opportunity to combine her financial background with her passion for social entrepreneurship, making sure even the poorest in society have a safety net.

Philanthropy: Microfinancing the future

July 1, 2008

Mike Scott explores the booming world of microfinance and discovers the impact this branch of philanthropy can have

Microfinance is the new buzzword in banking circles. It involves lending small amounts of money to some of the world's poorest people, who often have no collateral and no credit history. And servicing the needs of those "at the bottom of the pyramid" is an area where there is a significant role for individual investors lucky enough to find themselves at the top of the pyramid.

Microfinance: responsible investment for family business

September 1, 2002

Globalisation has revealed the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor of the world. But instead of pouring yet more aid into poverty-stricken areas, responsible investment, in particular the provision of financial services to poor entrepreneurs, has been found to be a more effective social and economic development tool – and a great way for family businesses to give back to society

Melchior de Muralt is Vice President, Blue Orchard Finance Ltd and Partner at Pury Pictet Turrettini &Cie Ltd. Jean-Philippe de Schrevel is Director of Blue Orchard Finance Ltd.