Microfinance Ireland awarded European Code of Good Conduct

Microfinance Ireland, the government funded not-for-profit lender is delighted to announce it has been awarded, by the European Commission (EC), a certification of compliance with the European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision.

The certification confirms Microfinance Ireland’s position as a best-in-class micro credit provider in Europe. Microfinance Ireland is one of the first four institutions in Europe to qualify and the only organisation in Ireland to receive this award.

To achieve this award recipients must comply with 175 standards and ethical practices set down by the EC. The Code determines quality in the sector across several areas including: customer relations; governance; credit and risk management; and management information systems.

Welcoming the award Pat Breen, T.D. and Minister for Employment and Small Business, said:

“This is a significant achievement by Microfinance Ireland. As Ireland’s national micro credit organisation, it is important that it operates to the highest level and this award confirms that Microfinance Ireland functions amongst the top providers in Europe. Of particular note is the fact that Microfinance Ireland has been recognised for its positive dealings with customers and its risk management. I would like to congratulate the team in Microfinance Ireland on this achievement.”

Commenting on the new accolade, Garrett Stokes, CEO of Microfinance Ireland said:

“As a small micro credit provider in European terms, we are delighted to have reached the standards of business behaviour and performance required to achieve this award,” he said. “These standards are for the benefit of our customers, the Irish government who fund us, regulators and partner organisations.

“We provide loans to small businesses which supports the creation of jobs across Ireland. We are very pleased to be confirmed as a centre of excellence for the provision of micro credit in Europe. We continue to see growing demand for our services and as we continue to develop, it is important that the company operates to the highest standards, across all our activities.”

 

About Microfinance Ireland

Microfinance Ireland provide small business loans to help start-ups and established businesses get the finance they need for their business. We provide business loans of up to €25,000 to Irish businesses. To find out more about what we do, click here

To find out if you are eligible to apply for a loan with us, visit our who we lend to page.

Keep up to date with the latest news from MFI by following us on social media

 

Read next | TD welcomes the publication of the MFI Progress Report

Read previous | Microfinance Ireland’s CEO features on The Bottom Line business show

Browse news content  | News