Crisis in microfinance institutions: identifying problems

Abstract

This article empirically analyses the reasons for crises in microfinance institutions (MFIs), using a sample of 832 MFIs from 74 countries for the period 2003-2011. The methodology used is logit analysis with panel data. The main results show that both internal and external factors influence the probability of a crisis. We find different factors that reduce the likelihood of a crisis (company’s performance, country’s economic growth, political stability and existence of a private credit bureau). On the other hand, excessive liquidity, a higher proportion of deposits over loans and more loans per employee all increase the probability of a crisis.