View Dr. Nancy Lee's presentation: MIF and Microfinance in Latin America

In Latin America, an estimated 600 microfinance institutions have lent $12.3 billion to 10.5 million borrowers. Small loans averaging $1,200 have transformed low-income individuals --  particularly women -- across the hemisphere into microentrepreneurs contributing to their local and global economies. By harnessing the power of both public and private sector partners, microfinance institutions focus on funding strategic investments that move people out of poverty by building up local financial capacity and reducing dependence on foreign assistance.

Congressman Sam Farr hosts a discussion on the state of microfinance in Latin America and how strategic US assistance can yield a high return on taxpayer investment by promoting financial inclusion and economic security. 

Panelists

Robert Kaplan,
President & CEO, Inter-American Foundation

Dr. Nancy Lee
General Manager, Multilateral Investment Fund
Inter-American Development Bank

Moderator

Curt Tarnoff
Specialist in Foreign Policy
Congressional Research Service

Leveraging Investments in Latin America is part of an on-going monthly briefing series, Latin America on the Rise, hosted by Congressman Sam Farr (D-Calif.), which brings in a diversity of speakers to address emerging and emergent issues in the hemisphere.