India

From 2005-2009, FSVC implemented two programs with funding from USAID focusing on SME lending by public-sector banks.

In 2005, FSVC entered a Global Development Alliance (GDA) with USAID, the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) and the ICICI Research Centre in October 2004.This program provided tailored consultations and industry-wide training seminars to senior bankers and RBI staff to facilitate SME lending and implement Basel II risk management standards.  Activities included trainings on the practical use of credit scoring models for SME credit evaluation, and practical steps to enhance credit quality of SME loans.  Activities under this GDA reached 149 participants from 34 financial institutions in three key cities in India.

In 2006, at the request of the U.S. Embassy and USAID, FSVC enlisted senior volunteer Kenneth Dam, who served as both Deputy Secretary of the State and Treasury Departments, to review the reform plans of the GOI, with a particular focus on its goal to develop Mumbai into a global financial hub.  Mr. Dam met with various GOI institutions and outlined findings and recommendations related to the GOI’s goals.

In 2006, FSVC began a second three-year GDA with USAID, leveraging a $1 million grant FSVC received from another GDA partner, the IFMR.  This primary goal of this program was to help banks improve their infrastructure and skills capacity for SME lending.  Activities also include supporting Basel II implementation at commercial banks.