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One of the main services of PFTAS is focused on the promotion of social performance management (SPM) as a tool for microfinance institutions. Part of these technical advisory services is the conduct of social performance assessment to determine if the institution has translated its social mission into operational policies and actual practices. In Vietnam, PFTAS has conducted a series of assessment to four microfinance institutions – Dien Bien Phu, Ha Thinh, Thanh Hoa, and World Vision MFU – as part of the Financial Inclusion project funded by EU and AFD which ended last January.
This year, PFTAS provided the assessment services to the TINH THUONG ONE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY (TYM) Microfinance Institution. TYM started as a project of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) tracing its humble roots in 1992 in Minh Phu commune, Soc Son, Hanoi, where the first 20 women were provided with financial services. In 1998, it was made as an independent department of the VWU and an income-generating unit in 2006. Finally, it was registered and licensed as a microfinance institution in August 2010. At present, TYM is operating in several provinces with a loan portfolio of $23,244,130.00 serving 84,090 clients. Average loan size remains low at $276.42, reflecting the low-income level of the borrowers. Being one of the only two licensed microfinance institution in Vietnam, it has the burden of covering more areas and reaching out to more clients and at the same time lead the way for the other emerging institutions in the country.
The CERISE Social Performance Indicators (SPI) was used in the TYM assessment. The tool focused on four main dimensions to evaluate the institution’s adherence to social performance practices. The dimensions are: targeting and outreach; product and services; benefits to clients; and social responsibility. The tool was administered to various levels within the institution, from the decision makers, the management team and to the field staff in the branches. Clients were also included in the diagnostic exercise. The results of the assessment will provide a picture of the institution and will be the basis for adjustments and realignment.
The results showed that the institution is clear with its mandate of serving the poor especially disadvantaged women. It has not veered away from their mission and has been consistent since its formation 21 years ago. Being the first to be licensed and the only one operating north of the country can be considered as one of the main strengths of the institution. The wide range of products and services and the big operational network that ensures outreach even to the remotest areas of the country contributes to its effectiveness as a financial services provider to the poor.