The Microfinance Exchange (MIX) recently released their 2008 Top 100 Composite Rankings for microfinance insitutions (MFIs). Congratulations to two Thai MFIs, the Common Interest Foundation and Small Enterprise Development (SED), who both ranked highly! It is often difficult to compare different MFIs, due to the difficulty of assessing their effectiveness, but this report is the best ranking resource currently available.

Common Interest ranked 23rd in the world for efficiency, while SED ranked 26th. SED also ranked 10th in the world for productivity, and 71st in the world in the risk category.

It is significant that despite very little microfinance activity in Thailand and bureaucratic hurdles MFIs in Thailand have to face, two Thai MFIs ranked so highly on this list. They are clearly doing a great job despite the difficulties and the lack of recognition. Hopefully those reading the report will take note, and direct more of their attention to helping microfinance in Thailand to flourish.

Congratulations again to both of these excellent organizations, and a very Happy New Year to all our readers!