Structure and Governance OLD

The World Microfinance Forum Geneva is an initiative based on the model of a private-public partnership, with the private sector as the driving force. After being founded in spring 2007 by four family foundations and private institutions, the membership base of the association World Microfinance Forum Geneva has grown substantially every year.

Today, members and partners of the WMFG include the Geneva Financial Center, bringing together more than 100 mainstream financial institutions; the Swiss Microfinance Platform, uniting over 40 commercial and non-commercial organizations active in microfinance; the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; The Sustainability Forum Zürich and a number of private enterprises and foundations promoting sustainable development and inclusive finance. This broad membership base is reflected in the governance structure.

The legal form is a non-profit association registered under Swiss law. Membership is open to entities working in - or interested and engaged in - microfinance and inclusive financial services. These include financial institutions, private enterprises, international organizations, public authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions engaged in, or interested in, microfinance.

The board takes responsibility for strategy, its implementation, and the management of resources. The composition of the board reflects the broad membership base. It includes senior representatives of mainstream financial institutions, foundations and microfinance institutions, networks, and investment vehicles.

The Executive Committee, composed of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman plus up to 5 representatives of the board, directs the management of the association and takes decisions between board meetings.

A group of international experts with backgrounds in microfinance, financial markets, small and medium business development, and framework development spearhead the agenda setting and content development of the association’s activities. The program committee serves as think tank and advisor to the board and management team.

The World Microfinance Forum Geneva is managed on a day-to-day basis by a team of experienced professionals in financial services, microfinance and social responsibility.

Interested institutional actors are invited to join this public-private initiative. If you are interested, please contact us.