WSBI member savings banks are intensifying their
efforts in contributing to more inclusive financial
sectors. The WSBI welcomes the recognition of policymakers
that formal financial institutions can play a vital
role in the delivery of microfinance services, and
in broadening and deepening financial systems. WSBI
advocates an enabling environment for these institutions,
and for domestic retail banks in particular, to engage
further in microfinance in order to meet the challenges
of improving access to finance for all. The WSBI
will be pursuing these objectives throughout the
year 2005.
"As proximity banks, savings banks can play an important role in expanding
microfinance services and thereby contribute to achieving the objectives of the
UN's International Year of Microcredit. It is vital that an enabling environment
for financial sector development is promoted in order to foster both proximity
banks and their ability to provide products and services to all strata of the
population."
-- Chris De Noose, Chairman of the WSBI Management
Committee
Joint Office of the WSBI-ESBG
Rue Marie-Thérèse 11
B-1000 Brussels
