Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner. 

Partner Description:

Asian Credit Fund (ACF) is a well established MFI in Kazakhstan. It operates from 1997 and had a relatively quick growth due to the high percentage of underserved population in terms of financial services. At present, ACF ranks sixth in the microfinance market and third from the point of view of portfolio’s quality. The company provides both, individual and group loans as well as collateralized and uncollateralized loans. It is estimated that the cooperation with Kiva will start within the present major thematic area (rural finance inclusion) and will continue in the immediate future by covering new areas such as energy efficiency. 

Out of over 30,000 clients, 69% are represented by women, rural borrowers represent 92% and 93% of the loans are disbursed for business development. The social impact is given by a number of aspects which include: access to financial services for segments of population who are deprived of such services (remote rural areas, women entrepreneurs, small towns, micro-entrepreneurs). Notably about 70% of ACF's clients are women entrepreneurs. The company consistently developed new lines of businesses ensuring access to finance to new segments of population with limited or no access to finance. ACF is financially sustainable, very active in diversifying its services with a view to constantly invest in digitalization and a reliable partner for reputable financiers such as: Incofin, Blue Orchard, BOPA. 

A unique lending approach:

The company's mission is to create affordable financial solutions for residents of villages and small towns, via individual and group loans, to improve their quality of life. Since its establishment, ACF has continued to expand its financial and credit activities, covering new regions, attracting new clients, and introducing new tools and access channels. By 2022, ACF has 59 offices throughout the country, of which the majority are located in remote regions of the country.