Commercialization of Microfinance in Bangladesh

In view of the foregoing, strategic emphasis should be given on commercialization by the NGO-MFIs . In fact, the article attempts to focus on the issues of microfinance NGOs. The term "commercialization" in the microfinance industry of Bangladesh is relatively a nascent idea and has understandably wide ramifications. This concept is also gradually gaining ground in some other developing countries of the world. Chiefly, it tends to treat the poor as clients rather than as beneficiaries. It conceives the microfinance market not as segmented markets but as the integral of part of the country's total monetary system. It takes into view of healthy competition through product differentiation that encompasses the practice of marketing by launching new products. On the other hand, grant money that has zero cost, is not perceived favorably by many small potential organizations in the country as it distorts market competition. Anyway, microfinance is considered as a business and there is every justification to look at it from commercial angle. Notably, forty percent of a large sample of 533 NGO-MFIs surveyed recently shows that they have received grants from various donors for operating microfinance programs. Of the aforesaid figure, about thirty five percent has also received concessionary loans. There may be a commonality, however, between the grants and soft loans recipients. This advantage of grants and soft loans received by a segment of organizations may put the majority NGOs in a precarious position in pricing their loans. As a result, maximum number of NGOs will enjoy a very thin spread, if the grants and soft loan culture continues. Under the circumstances, the donors should ponder to review their policy of providing grants. The donors may rather come up with alternative ways of financing. This will consequently invigorate commercialization and help expand the microfinance market. This commercial approach also argues for the delivery of services at a scale and cost commensurate with the needs and ability of the market for which it is intended. People are indeed willing to pay full cost for a service they value. This is the universal text of value in market-based economy.