The voice of the MICROFINANCE industry in LEBANON
Established on January 12th, 2015 in the Lebanese Republic and registered under Notice No.31, as a non-profit and non-political organization, the LMFA serves as the voice of the microfinance industry in Lebanon, representing nine member organizations on the national and international levels linking them up with relevant actors, and offering them value-added services.

Like many associations, we are experiencing a rapidly shifting microfinance environment. Today there is increased need and demand for youth, women and vulnerable population’s access to formal financial services and skills development both on the scholastic and vocational levels. There are barriers to financial inclusion due to conflicts and many other challenges. At the same time, promising new developments such as digital finance, innovative credit information systems, and changes in regulatory environments offer new opportunities. In service to our members, we are working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to navigate this dynamic environment to facilitate a robust inclusive finance sector.

In response to the changing landscape and with the strategic support of our members, partners and some tactical donors’ funding, the LMFA aligns its corporate strategy with the global SDG’s. Setting the course and its efforts to respond effectively to the changing needs, building strong development partnership and sustain its efforts to alleviate poverty and expand financial inclusion. We continue to work for a better Lebanon, where people can experience personal economic growth and healthier opportunities.

VISION
Excellent Lebanese Microfinance sector inclusive and integrated with the Lebanese financial sector.

MISSION
Support microfinance institutions to improve the provision of financial services to non-inclusive groups in the main and official financial system and to activate the relationship between microfinance institutions and the relevant authorities.

OBJECTIVES
1. Contribute to the promotion of sustainable industry, raise the level of awareness on microfinance in the community, unite the members’ voices and represent them before all the authorities.

2. Contribute to the formulation and promotion of the national standards within the scope of universally accepted best practices in the sector, work on unifying the terminology used by the members and designate a common language for the microfinance industry.

3. Contribute to the coordination and effective participation in the activities of this sector, both in and outside Lebanon, and encourage the active and feasible communication among its personnel.

4. Contribute to the work and cooperation with all parties, whether national or foreign, inside and outside Lebanon, in order to fulfill the interest of the sector institutions in Lebanon and work on expanding the circle of the sector donors and financiers.

5. Contribute to raising the effectiveness of microfinance institutions in Lebanon and strengthening the skills in terms of quantity and quality.

6. Participate, cooperate and coordinate with all the organizational, regulatory and governmental parties for setting the policies and legislations which aim and help in developing the sector and contribute to work on creating a supportive legislative environment for the sector.

7. Hold the local, regional and global training, cultural and educational activities and any other activities to serve the sector.

8. Provide support and contribution to the exchange of information among the members themselves and between them and all the relevant authorities.