In Association with: MFIN & Sa-Dhan
Knowledge Partner: Equifax
Research Partner: M2i
Introduction:
India has set for itself an ambitious and transformative vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047—Viksit Bharat. Achieving this aspiration requires inclusive growth that reaches every household, especially those at the base of the pyramid. Microfinance, by serving low-income families and women borrowers, plays a central role in ensuring that the benefits of development extend to communities that are often excluded from mainstream finance. Without uplifting this significant section of the population, the broader national goal of Viksit Bharat cannot be fully realized.
Over the past two to three years, however, the microfinance sector has faced considerable stress. Borrower-level repayment challenges, rising concerns around overindebtedness, and the aftershocks of the pandemic tested the resilience of institutions and the trust of clients. Despite these pressures, the sector has shown remarkable adaptability, installing stronger guardrails, recommitting to responsible practices, and aligning itself with the evolving regulatory norms of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India.
The theme of this year’s summit—“Reimagining Microfinance: Recovery, Protecting Borrowers, and Inspiring Investor Confidence for Viksit Bharat”—reflects three pillars that are shaping the future of the industry:
Recovery: The sector is gradually rebounding from the disruptions of COVID-19, high attrition, and portfolio stress. Institutions are rebuilding stronger systems, strengthening staff capacity, and working closely with communities to restore confidence and repayment discipline.
Protecting Borrowers: At the heart of microfinance lies the responsibility to safeguard clients. The sector has strengthened compliance, transparency, and client protection frameworks, ensuring that borrowers are not overburdened and that credit reaches the intended beneficiaries in a responsible and ethical manner.
Inspiring Investor Confidence: As the primary providers of funds, investors remain crucial to sustaining and expanding microfinance. Their confidence hinges on institutional sustainability, adherence to regulatory mandates, and credible practices. The sector is proactively addressing investor concerns while demonstrating resilience and impact, thereby positioning microfinance as a reliable and investible segment of the financial services industry.
The microfinance community is deeply committed to following all regulatory norms, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable. With borrower protection and investor confidence as twin priorities, the sector is building a foundation that aligns strongly with the national mission of Viksit Bharat.
10th Eastern India Microfinance Summit 2026 provides a vital platform for collaboration across MFIs, banks, fintechs, investors, regulators, and civil society. It offers an opportunity to share lessons, address challenges, and co- create strategies for a resilient sector that protects borrowers, inspires investor trust, and accelerates India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
Speakers in the Inaugural Session will deliberate on the following topics
Session Overview: Trust is the cornerstone of microfinance. In the recent past the sector has grappled with skepticism from borrowers, regulators, and investors alike. The introduction of Guardrails/Sankalp has played a significant role in rebuilding this trust by enforcing responsible practices and ensuring client well-being. With evidence from MFIN, Sa-Dhan and credit bureaus showing steady improvements in compliance quarter after quarter, the sector is demonstrating resilience, transparency, and accountability. This session will highlight how adherence to these standards not only protects borrowers but also strengthens institutional stability making microfinance a credible sector to support and invest in
Key Discussion Points:
As India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the microfinance sector must evolve beyond its traditional foundations to play a transformative role in local economic growth and poverty reduction. The group-lending model, which has been the bedrock of microfinance, now requires rethinking to meet the aspirations of borrowers and the demands of a rapidly changing economy. This session will focus on the foundational redesign of microfinance— through innovative products and services, use of technology, and a renewed emphasis on increasing livelihood options and income streams. It will also explore the role of high-quality client service, HR systems that build strong institutional capacity, and how microfinance can contribute more directly to local economies and community resilience. By aligning practices with national development goals, the sector can reposition itself as a driver of sustainable prosperity for millions of households.
Rapid expansion of retail lending alongside microfinance has raised concerns of over-indebtedness among low-income households, risking both borrower stability and institutional credibility. Addressing this challenge requires a shared responsibility model that goes beyond individual institutions. Regulators must set clear rules and guardrails, lenders must adopt responsible practices, SROs must enforce industry standards, fintech companies must embed safeguards in digital credit models, and customers themselves must be empowered through financial literacy and discipline. Other financial sector players also play a role in ensuring that credit supports livelihoods and resilience rather than creating unsustainable debt cycles. This session will examine how collaboration across all these stakeholders can create a safer, more inclusive and sustainable credit ecosystem aligned with the goals of Viksit Bharat.
Key Discussion Points:
