Organizations that have achieved a level of success in their own countries assist their smaller counterparts in other countries to develop their operations and systems. Disseminates microfinance best practice information through training programmes and information services that enable new entrants to the field, UNDP Country Offices and other donors to learn about best practice in the field. Return to top Key Operating Principles Microfinance operations can be successfully developed anywhere there is an economically active population that is excluded from the formal financial sector. SUM's microfinance support is best utilized in environments where the microfinance industry is not well developed or where there are few successful microfinance institutions. Because SUM focuses on start-ups, it focuses activities in countries, or regions within a country, where the market for microfinance is not well developed and there are few organizations providing quality services.
Young organizations can institute best practices from the start.
Implementation of these practices will enable young organizations to move toward self-sufficiency. SUM's principles of operation are methodologically neutral. Worldwide, microfinance institutions have been successful in reaching the very poor by lending to solidarity groups, through village or community banks and directly to individuals. SUM does not prefer one over the other. SUM works with a variety of organizations to establish or strengthen microfinance operations, including specialized NGOs, credit unions, banks, and multi-purpose institutions.