8th Annual WWB Microfinance and the Capital Markets Conference, Sponsored by J.P. Morgan

Microfinance 2010: Overcoming Challenges and Creating Opportunities

March 23rd and 24th, 2010 | New York, New York

Promo page found at: http://www.swwb.org/cmc2010

This two-day event will bring together leading professionals from the mainstream financial sector and the microfinance industry, including senior managers of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and social and commercial investors. The objective of the conference is to provide each group unique opportunities to network, discuss concrete funding deals, learn about industry capital markets transactions, and tackle key industry issues.

This year’s conference will discuss the lessons learned from a challenging year and focus on the way forward. Panel topics will include:

• Regional updates on the effects of the financial crisis with a prognosis for 2010
• Questions on what the experiences of 2009 have taught us about the responsibilities of lenders and MFIs in setting appropriate lending standards
• Reflections on return expectations in microfinance
• Unique insights on identifying the next generation of rising MFIs
• An assessment of the role of microfinance as a socially responsible investment

The conference will also host the acclaimed annual WWB MFI competition, where MFI senior managers are supported by JPMorgan volunteers in tackling a specific industry challenge. Teams present their proposed solution to a panel of judges during the conference, providing the audience the opportunity to meet MFI managers and gain insights from their work with the volunteers.

The conference aims to build awareness of developments and investment opportunities in microfinance. WWB is a leader in hosting microfinance industry forums. In 2001, WWB sponsored the first microfinance capital markets conference, spearheading efforts to convene MFIs, investors, rating agencies, bankers and other financial system players to provide them the opportunity to network among peers, discuss innovative financial solutions, and learn from each other. In 2009, the conference attracted more than 300 participants representing 39 countries, including over 60 senior managers from MFIs globally and more than 50 microfinance investors.

WWB wishes to thank J.P. Morgan for its support and sponsorship of the 2010 capital markets conference.