IIBF Microfinance study guide
IIBF Microfinance · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The IIBF Microfinance credential is a certificate examination offered by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance, an institution established in 1928 whose stated vision is "To be the premier Institute for developing and nurturing competent professionals in banking and finance field." IIBF lists certificate examinations, including those delivered under Remote Proctored mode, in published schedules on its official site, and directs candidates to apply through their login profiles on the Digital Candidate Portal. This study page is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by IIBF. The IIBF Microfinance study guide has 5 sections and about 1,812 words.
01Microfinance Fundamentals: Definition, Client Segment and Evolution
This domain tests the definition and boundary of microfinance, its core client segment, and the principles that distinguish it from mainstream banking and from charity. Expect questions on the RBI definition, the evolution from group lending to the 2022 framework, and the double bottom line.
383 words, about 2 min02Microfinance Products and Delivery Models
Microfinance products are built around small, frequent cash flows. Credit includes working capital, agriculture and livestock, micro-enterprise, emergency, education and housing loans.
331 words, about 2 min03Legal and Regulatory Framework for Microfinance
Microfinance is regulated by several instruments, not one Act. RBI regulates banks and NBFC-MFIs under the RBI Act, 1934 and its Master Direction on the Regulatory Framework for Microfinance Loans (2022).
370 words, about 2 min04Microfinance Institutions and Financial Inclusion
Microfinance is delivered by NBFC-MFIs, not-for-profit MFIs (societies, trusts, Section 8 companies), cooperatives and MACS, SHGs and their federations, banks with microfinance desks or business correspondents, and fintech lenders. Each form has different capital access, regulation and governance.
357 words, about 2 min05Risk Management, Credit Appraisal and Recovery in Microfinance
Microfinance faces credit risk, operational risk, liquidity risk, interest-rate and funding risk, regulatory risk, reputational risk and over-indebtedness risk. Multiple borrowing across MFIs, informal lenders and banks is a major credit risk.
371 words, about 2 min