Improved microfinance strategies in Peru have increased credit access for microentrepreneurs. To establish effective national credit reporting systems elsewhere in the region, ensured universal reporting cooperation, reliable identification, privacy and consumer protection are needed.

This analysis outlines current trends and issues regarding the Latin American and Caribbean remittance markets and provides a statistical summary of its size, its demographic characteristics, and its economic impact.

This document was commissioned by the Natural Disaster Network of the Regional Policy Dialogue for the IV Hemispheric Meeting celebrated on February 26th and 27th, 2004.

As the MFI industry matures, the necessity of dealing with foreign exchange risk becomes more urgent. Identifying possible solutions to foreign currency risk before they become a critical priority will give MFIs more options in the future.

US banks and credit unions are determined to have Latin American immigrants as important and permanent members of their customer base. Community groups, government, and US business interests are aligning through the remittance market to the benefit of Latin American immigrants and their families.

This note summarizes the results of a recently completed IDB survey of microfinance in the region. The survey includes information on microfinance activities in 25 countries as well as an initial review of effective interest rates charged to microfinance clients.