FinMark Trust signs MOU with Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) and Bank of Laos (PDR) for FinScope 2014 survey

FinMark Trust together with the Bank of Lao PDR, and the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) of Lao have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 6 November 2014 for the FinScope Consumer Lao 2014 survey. The FinScope Consumer survey, the first of its kind in Lao, which is a nationally representative study on how individuals source their income and how they manage their financial lives will commence in November 2014 and is due for completion in January 2015.  The survey is a priority in “Making Access Possible (MAP)” and part of the “Making Access to Finance more Inclusive for Poor People (MAFIPP)” programme.   The survey sample entails 255 villages representing rural and urban communities with eight families in each village to be interviewed. The survey will focus on information related to agriculture, income and expenses for rural people, savings, investment in the family business, household construction, loans, money transfers, infrastructure and ICT access.   This survey on financial services accessibility in the country, intends to address the shortage of available information on the demand for financial services among the poor households.. The NSB views the survey as contributing to the review and implementation of the Seventh National Socio- Economic Development Plan as well as planning for the next five years in Lao.

FinScope

FinScope was launched in 2002 by FinMark Trust (www.finmark.org.za).  Its purpose is to establish credible benchmarks on the use of, and access to, financial services in South Africa.  It is designed to highlight opportunities for innovation in products and delivery. The FinScope survey is a comprehensive and national representative study on financial inclusion, looking at how people source their income and manage their financial lives. It has been implemented in 19 countries (11 in SADC, 5 non-SADC Africa and 3 in Asia). The FinScope survey is currently being implemented in 3 more countries in Asia and 4 in the SADC region (1 first cycle and 3 repeat surveys).  

Editorial contact:FinMark Trust  Nitha Ramnath (Ms) Communication Manager

Tel:  011 315-9197 / 0829214769 Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About FinMark Trust

FinMark Trust, an independent trust based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was established in 2002, and is funded primarily by UKaid from the Department for International Development (DFID) through its Southern Africa office.  FinMark Trust’s purpose is ‘Making financial markets work for the poor, by promoting financial inclusion and regional financial integration’. FinMark Trust does this by conducting research to identify the systemic constraints that prevent financial markets from reaching out to these consumers and by advocating for change on the basis of research findings. Please visit www.finmark.org.za for more information.