PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Proposed Investment

Project Number

24331

Company Name

LOK CAPITAL LLC

Date SPI Disclosed

Dec 14, 2005

Country

India

Industry

Funds

Projected Board Date

Jan 21, 2006

Status

Completed

Sector

Microfinance and Small Business - Non Commercial Banking

Department

Global Industry, Financial Markets

Environmental Category

FI

Previous Events

Approved : Mar 2, 2006
Signed : May 22, 2006
Invested : Oct 3, 2006

Project Description

The project involves an IFC investment of up to $2 million for shareholding of up to 19% in Lok Investments or the company, a limited liability company established under the laws of Mauritius, whose investment objective will be to provide social impact capital in the form of equity and debt to qualifying micro finance institutions (MFIs) in India. The company will be the first India-focused microfinance venture tied to an advisory service provider managed by local professionals, with a significant on-the-ground presence, capable of making long-term equity investments in, and delivering effective non-financial technical assistance to MFIs in India. The decision to establish the company in Mauritius was driven by the need to make the investment structure as cost effective as possible and also allow the project sponsors to take advantage of the tax treaty established between India and Mauritius. The proposed investment aims to increase the penetration rates of micro credit in India by enhancing the volume of loans made by financial institutions to micro borrowers.

The project has three underlying objectives:

- to act as a catalyst for directing private capital to MFIs in India;
- to fund and provide long term management and technical support to these MFIs; and - - to act as a platform for disseminating knowledge and supporting initiatives aimed at empowering the rural poor, especially women.

Sponsor / Cost / Location

Development Impact