11^th Eastern India Microfinance Summit 2026

The Association of Micro Finance Institutions - West Bengal (AMFI - WB) AMFI WB is one of the oldest microfinance associations in India, established in 2006 and registered as a public trust in 2010, with a dedicated focus on West Bengal, one of the biggest microfinance markets in the country. The Association serves as a unified platform for community Microfinance Institutions operating in the state. Membership in AMFI-WB provides organizations with the credibility of being associated with a recognized Self-regulatory industry body committed to promoting responsible finance, strengthening governance and building a stronger microfinance ecosystem.

The association has primary (lenders who write loans on their own balance sheet), secondary (those who facilitate business on others books), associates (entities associated with microfinance activities) and special members (members of high esteem & repute), creating a diverse and collaborative ecosystem for the industry.

- Field coverage:

AMFI WB has extensive field coverage with a team of officers across all the districts in West Bengal with regular lender interactions through district meetings, reported issue investigations, troubleshooting, and update meetings with administration like DM & SP, SDO etc. The takeaways from all these interactions are then communicated to the right level at the lenders for information and appropriate action.

- Early Warning & Risk Intelligence:

Because of its extensive ground coverage, AMFI-WB members receive the advantage of timely updates and alerts on emerging field-level developments, including frauds, operational disruptions, political or social developments, law & order issues, and evolving borrower behavior. This enables institutions to proactively manage operational and portfolio risks.

- Collective Response during Crisis:

During periods of sector stress, natural disasters, regulatory changes, or local disruptions, AMFI WB coordinates with members and relevant authorities to facilitate timely interventions and ensure business continuity.

- Capacity building sessions:

AMFI WB endeavors to arrange at least one (1) capacity building session per quarter covering key functions like Human Resources, Risk Management, Internal Audit, Compliance, Information Technology including AI, Treasury, Accounts etc. This helps members understand the critical elements and implement the best practices in their own businesses.

- Lender & investor meets/business opportunities:

AMFI WB arranges potential investor, lender and also other business opportunity meetings regularly to facilitate interactions with members. This helps raise equity, debt and also forge relationships on mutually beneficial business opportunities like cross selling of products and services to the microfinance beneficiaries. The Association also provides a platform for members to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, share successful practices, and collectively address common industry issues through peer learning and collaborative forums.

- Livelihood programs:

AMFI-WB believes that working on improving the livelihoods of microfinance beneficiaries will help create an efficient ecosystem leading to much better portfolio quality for lenders as well. It works as an implementation partner with DFI's like SIDBI, NABARD, Equifax and many NBFC-MFIs etc. to plan and implement such programs making businesses better on the ground on planning, cash flow management, marketing their product and growth.

- CSR activities:

given the "not for profit" nature of the association and its reach amongst lenders and millions of beneficiaries, it is well positioned to help implement many of the CSR activities of organizations targeted at this segment. Last year a series of Borrower Sensitization program were held to educate them about cash flows, borrowings, credit bureau, NPA's etc. and need to plan their incomes and expenses better.

- Annual MFI/bank Conference:

AMFI WB organizes one of the best MFI Conferences in India every year in the Nov/Dec period which brings investors, lenders, associates etc. on a platform to review the year gone by with learning and distil the key takeaways for making the future better. Addresses by key dignitaries, panel sessions etc. make the event a must attend every year.

- Brand Visibility & Recognition:

Members benefit from increased visibility through AMFI-WB's conferences, publications, events, website, newsletters, and digital platforms, helping showcase their contribution to responsible and inclusive finance.