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Microfinance: Managing Strategic Risks
Your microfinance institution needs to anticipate risks that could undermine its strategic direction. Structure your analysis of exposures, identify signs of vulnerability and connect findings to operational decisions. Strengthen your ability to discuss risks and help control them.
- Duration
- 3 days 21 hours
- Code
- BFA005FR Code
Presentation
With financial, technological and regulatory risks evolving faster than ever, this intensive 3-day course gives managers of decentralised financial institutions (SFDs) a comprehensive toolkit: identification methods, assessment matrices, response procedures and governance arrangements, illustrated through concrete sector examples.
The programme guides you from understanding microfinance's specific characteristics to building a lasting risk culture. You will analyse operational threats such as errors, internal fraud and KYC weaknesses, strategic threats such as partner dependency and the rise of fintech, technological threats such as cybersecurity and service interruptions, and regulatory issues involving AML/CFT, data protection and crypto. Each stage combines theory, practical exercises and experience sharing to support immediate application.
By the end of the programme, you will master risk mapping, have tailored action plans for your institution and know how to mobilise your teams around shared governance. You will be equipped to preserve financial stability, strengthen partner and investor confidence and maintain your institution's social impact, even during a crisis.
Objectives
By the end of this microfinance course, you will be able to:
- recognise and understand the different risk types specific to microfinance;
- assess risks in the operating context of a decentralised financial institution (SFD);
- design and implement a risk map;
- manage credit risks effectively, including doubtful debts;
- prevent fraud, control IT risks and anticipate crises;
- comply with local and international regulatory requirements;
- develop a proactive organisational culture focused on risk management.
Program
Module 1: understanding microfinance risk management fundamentals
- Types of risk.
- Sector challenges and specific characteristics.
Module 2: managing operational risks
- Technical failures and human errors.
- Professional negligence or misconduct.
- Identity and access management: KYC and two-factor authentication.
- Compliance and data quality.
- Weaknesses caused by insufficient training and unstable IT systems.
- Internal fraud.
Module 3: anticipating strategic and technological risks
- Dependency and partner selection strategy.
- IT system security and adaptation.
- Pricing and commission strategies.
- Market saturation and the emergence of new players such as fintech companies.
- Service interruptions and opportunities to integrate new tools.
- Cybersecurity risks.
Module 4: safeguarding partnerships
- Conflicts of interest and offering complexity.
- Partners' financial capacity and reputation.
- Agent-related risks.
- Data security.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Partner presence in target areas.
Module 5: ensuring regulatory compliance
- Regulatory compliance and personal data protection.
- Rapid changes in laws and regulations.
- Combating money laundering and terrorism.
- Regulation of technologies such as cryptocurrencies and blockchain.
Module 6: preventing and detecting internal and external fraud
- Detecting internal fraud: file manipulation, embezzlement and false accounting.
- Analysing external fraud: social engineering, identity theft and fictitious customers.
- Managing cyberfraud and digital channel fraud: phishing, malware and system vulnerabilities.
Module 7: identifying and assessing risks
- Risk mapping.
- Risk classification and assessment.
Module 8: managing and mitigating risks
- Risks relating to the business model and service offering: pricing strategy, complexity and poor market fit.
- Absence of contingency planning and customer service.
- Risks of illegal transactions, including financing terrorist organisations.
Module 9: building governance and a risk culture
- Defining roles and responsibilities.
- The importance of sound governance and a strong risk culture.
- Continuing staff training and awareness.
- Developing business continuity plans.
- Monitoring suspicious transactions and security procedures.
- Establishing a crisis resilience strategy.
Module 10: putting your skills into practice
- Manage a crisis as a team.
- Format: 20-question quiz.
- Language: French.
- Passing score: 14/20, or 70% correct answers.
Audience
This course is intended for:
- Executives and managers of decentralised financial institutions (SFDs) who want to strengthen their ability to identify, assess and manage risks.
- SFD employees who need awareness of the risks inherent in their roles and good management practices.
- Leadership or risk teams responsible for directing and coordinating risk management policies.
Prerequisites
This course requires the following prerequisites:
- Professional SFD experience: at least 2 to 3 years' experience in a decentralised financial institution (SFD) or another financial institution.
- Basic operational knowledge: familiarity with credit, management or compliance.
- Financial management skills: practical knowledge of financial and organisational management.
- Foundational knowledge: basic understanding of finance, business management, economics and management information systems.
Teaching and assessment methods
- Initial skills assessment
- Training materials provided to participants
- Continuous assessment throughout the course
- End-of-course feedback questionnaire
- Combination of theory and practical application
- Attendance records
- Post-course follow-up evaluation
- Quiz / multiple-choice questions
- Practical exercises
- Case study
Course highlights
- Participatory, collaborative approach: experience sharing and paired or group exercises support your learning.
- Solving real problems: practical case studies let you address a microfinance risk management problem and apply the concepts directly.
- Risk culture and professional development: develop awareness of risk management and fraud prevention to establish a strong, lasting risk culture within your organisation.
Dates and sessions
Choose the date and delivery format that suit you.
No upcoming sessions are currently available.