Financial sustainability and microfinance institutions from an emerging market

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the determinants affecting Financial Sustainability (FS) of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) working in Pakistan. The determinants are based on financing charges, size of loans, the age of the firm, size of Microfinance Institute, and proportion of female borrowers. These variables discern the important contribution to the effective financial sustainability of Microfinance institutions working in Pakistan. Data were collected from 25 Microfinance Institutions of their annual reports from 2008-2015. The multiple regression technique was used to measure financial sustainability with the given determinants. The results of this study show that financing charges, outreach and the proportion of female borrowers significantly explain the financial sustainability of MFIs. These are crucial determinants for alleviating poverty in Pakistan and attaining sound financial sustainability and survivorship of MFIs. This is one of the contributing studies in justifying various determinants affecting the financial sustainability in MFIs of Pakistan. This article is helpful for policymaker and management of MFIs to revitalize their focus to address the weaker parts of their capabilities and resources.