ສະມາຄົມການເງິນຈຸລະພາກລາວ – ສມກຈ

Lao Microfinance Association – LMFA

Membership benefits & How to become member

Who can become a member of the Microfinance Association?Membership is open to all individuals, organizations, service providers and agencies concerned with microfinance in Lao PDR and committed to sustainable micro-finance good practices (i.e. DTMFIs, NDTMFIs, SCUs, Network Support Organizations/Associations, Banks as well as donors, bi/multi-lateral organizations, (I)NGOs, service providers and consultants working in microfinance). What rights and obligations does MFA membership entail? As a member you have the right:to full access to network resources and sector information (e.g. MFA library, MFA website, sector surveys, market forecasts, training materials, micro-finance performance & statistics) to participate in any activity organized by MFA (meetings, trainings, internships, events, workshops, etc.) to inform the MFັA about any issues affecting sector development (to be addressed through the MFA by lobbying with relevant Government Bodies) to receive updates on recent developments in micro-finance (product & service innovation, micro-finance policies, etc.) to contribute ideas to plans and operations of the MFA to one vote at MFA meetings (Board elections, etc.) to be nominated and elected as Board of Director As a member you are obliged to:be dedicated to best practice micro-finance principles contribute to improve transparency and coordination of the micro-finance sector share useful resources (reports, books, links, DVDs, contacts, etc.) share relevant experiences in micro-finance (reports, best practices, etc.) share new developments observed / expected and announce new and relevant events coming up call meetings when felt necessary prepare presentations / discussions about working group topics provide follow up on decisions / agreements taken by the network pay any (membership) fees charged by the MFA in accordance with the MFA’s rulesWhat do I have to do to become a member?If you are interested in becoming a member, download and complete the membership profile (kindly note that there are two different formats, one for MFIs [Click here] (DTMFIs, NDTMFIs, SCUs, Network Support Organizations, Banks) and one for Non-MFIs [Click here] (e.g. Donors, Bi-Multi-Lateral Agencies, (I)NGOs, Service Providers, Consultants) and submit the completed and signed form to MFA (email: mfa@laomfa.local or Tel: 856 21 226018). The application shall be considered by the Board of Directors & Executive Office and the applicant will be informed promptly whether the application has been approved or not. The MFA will provide reasons in case membership has been disapproved.What does it cost to become a member?No membership or registration fee is payable in 2011 but will be introduced in 2012. (The Board/Management Team is presently discussing and researching exact membership fee amounts payable for MFIs and non-MFIs in 2012.)Membership Termination:Voluntary Membership Termination: the member voluntarily withdraws from the MFA by submitting a withdrawal letter to the Board Members are expelled when:the member seriously affects the MFA’s prestige the member seriously breaches the MFA’s bylaws and regulations the Board Members approve expulsion[Click here]to see our memberFor more information regarding MFA membership and its procedures, please contact the MFA Executive Office ( mfa@laomfa.local)