Sèvis Finansye Fonkoze (SFF)
Financial Inclusion & Microfinance
Microfinance (or microcredit) is the provision of financial services provided to low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have limited to no other access to these services.
In Haiti, the majority of the poor live in rural areas – isolated from the world of financial institutions. As a result, they lack access to financial opportunities needed to improve their living conditions and create better futures for their families.
Over 90% of our branches are located in rural Haiti and 60% of them are located in areas where there are no other financial institutions at all.
Why Microfinance?
Having access to sustainable financial services enables the poor to increase incomes, build assets and reduce their vulnerability to external shocks.
Microfinance allows poor households to move from everyday survival to the following for example:
- Planning for the future
- Investing in better nutrition
- Improved living conditions
- Children’s health and education
When Microfinance is Not the Answer
Fonkoze recognizes that microfinance is not appropriate for everyone or every situation. For the destitute and hungry who have no income, assets or means of repayment – they need other forms of support before they can make use of a loan.
This is where our development services, or “Handrails” are employed.
– Dominique Boyer, Chief Executive Officer Sèvis Finansye Fonkoze
For SFF, our ability to continue has come down to deep community trust and an ongoing commitment to adapt. One of our greatest strengths is our extensive grassroots network—we work through nearly 1,000 community centers, many located hours away from urban hubs. We’ve also leaned into decentralized decision-making… In many of the areas we serve, we’re the only financial institution people have access to. If we don’t show up, no one else will.
Sèvis Finansye Fonkoze Leadership
