As experts in microfinance, PlaNet Finance Group meets the needs of microfinance actors by supplying them with a range of services, via independent, specialized entities, aiming at developing an inclusive financial sector for the world.
PlaNet Finance Advisory Services is the Group’s not-for-profit organization that offers wide-ranging expertise to the various actors in the microfinance sector: microfinance institutions (MFI), governments, banks, insurance companies, investment funds, MFI networks and associations, as well as directly to microentrepreneurs within the framework of certain programs.
PlaNet Finance Advisory Services offers a diversified set of services directly related to the Group’s core business. Its technical assistance and advisory service activities are divided into three categories:
- Consulting and technical assistance to microfinance institutions, banks and governments;
- Microfinance Plus, which offers programmes of high-added social value (in particular health, education, the environment) that enhance the provision of financial services;
- Microfinance sectorial support programmes.
Each year, PlaNet Finance Advisory Services manages approximately 100 programs with about 200 microfinance institutions (MFIs), reaching more than 4 million clients.
Planet Rating is a microfinance rating agency and one of the leaders of its sector. Since its creation in 1999, Planet Rating has rated more than 512 microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Staff: 15 analysts distributed in 6 offices (Paris, Nairobi, Dakar, Lima, Beirut and Manila)
PlaNIS is the entity specialized in providing funding services to microfinance institutions. PlaNIS offers advisory services in debt management and private equity and also advises and structures financial vehicles in microfinance.
Staff: 13 persons
Achievements (as of June 2010): 71 MFIs have had access to funding valued at more that EUR 165.5 million
MicroCred Group is an investment holding company specialized in microfinance. MicroCred takes shares in capital in a network of microfinance banks and companies. Today, MicroCred operates in 5 countries: Madagascar, China, Senegal, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Staff: 626 staff, of whom 95 % are local staff.
Achievements (as of June 2010): 5 MFIs in Senegal, Madagascar, China, Ivory Coast and Nigeria and 55,000 active customers
Shareholders: PlaNet Finance, IFC, AXA, Société Générale, AFD, EIB, DWM.
PlaNet Guarantee is a microinsurance company created in 2007, that aims to provide technical assistance to MFIs, banks, insurance, and reinsurance companies in order to develop microinsurance and microguarantee products.
Staff: 7 persons
Achievements (as of June 2010): 14 partner MFIs in 9 countries, 9 R&D projects in 12 countries and 141,338 microentrepreneurs insured.
FinanCités is a venture capital company that serves microentrepreneurs from sensitive urban neighborhoods in France and from the social economy. FinanCités provides equity funds and long term financing and coaching during the financing period. FinanCités contributes to the development and sustainability of the businesses it finances.
Staff: 8 persons
Achievements (as of June 2010): 45 microentrepreneurs financed and assisted, EUR 2.6 millions invested.
Equity subscribed by the shareholders: EUR 4.6 million
Shareholders include: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, Région Ile-de-France, HSBC, BNP Paribas
The Finansol label guarantees transparency and solidarity of the FinanCités Fund.
PlaNet University is a knowledge center that aims to provide microfinance training to professionals, students and microentrepreneurs. PlaNet University is developing research projects and partnerships with business schools and universities, and is presently participating in two European projects (UMM and E-learning projects).
Staff: 4
Achievements (as of June 2010): 255 training sessions, 784 hours of training, 915 trainees, 19 partner universities, 3 doctorate scholarships granted.