Archive · 26 May 2025
Microfinance Sector Portfolio Contracts, Facing Asset Quality Issues
The microfinance sector, which gives small loans, is facing challenges.
The total amount of loans given out has shrunk, and some people are having trouble paying them back.
This is because people have borrowed too much from multiple places.
Lenders are now being more careful about who they lend to.
Although there are difficulties, experts are seeing a move towards more sustainable practices and higher-value loans.
The sector is working to create a more stable environment.
Microfinance loan portfolio contracted 14% year-on-year to Rs 3.81 lakh crore.
Asset quality remains a significant challenge for the sector.
Over-leverage and multiple lending relationships among borrowers are key factors.
Lenders are capping borrower relationships and favoring higher-value loans.
Sector sees long-term sustainability despite challenges, moving towards higher-quality credit.
- Who
- Microfinance sector and borrowers.
- What
- Microfinance loan portfolio contracted, asset quality issues persist.
- When
- Q1 2024 and overall FY25
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to over-leverage and multiple lending relationships.
- Portfolio Contraction
- 14% YoY
- Portfolio Value
- Rs 3.81 lakh crore (March Quarter)
- Loan Relationships Capped
- Four per borrower since 2024
- Loans above Rs 1 lakh growth
- 38.5% YoY
- Loans below Rs 30,000 decline
- 36%