Raul Sanchez
Katalysis Central America
“Innovations In The Central American Microfinance Industry”

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Biography:

EXPERIENCE
More than thirty years of experience in the development and strengthening of microfinance institutions including private volunteer organizations and credit unions in the Latin America/Caribbean region, particularly in Central America. He has provided technical assistance in restructuring organizations including strategic planning, organizational strengthening, business and financial planning, asset management and liquidity administration, credit delivery and savings mobilization. Has developed key indicators for microfinance institutions for first and second tier programs. Has experience with group and individual lending methodologies for micro and small entrepreneurs.

During recent years professional efforts were directed to write and negotiate the approved law and its regulation for MFIs in Honduras.

EDUCATION
Economist with specialization in microfinance programs

CURRENT WORK
Regional Director of Katalysis Central America

The Katalysis' Microfinance Technical Service Center (TSCM) is a non-profit organization providing high quality, relevant technical assistance, training, and research services to the microfinance industry in Central America. The over-riding goal of the organization is to contribute effectively to the quality and long-term accessibility of financial services for people living in poverty.

The TSCM (formally known as Katalysis/Honduras) has been active in the Central American microfinance field for over 8 years, best known as the regional field office for the Katalysis Partnership, providing customized technical assistance and coordination services for 11 local microfinance organizations, serving an estimated 25% of the total market of NGOs focused on providing microfinance services. With the initiative described here, Katalysis now broadens its mission to share its experience and know-how with all organizations and individual seeking to improve their capacity and performance in the industry.

Currently the TSCM operates as the Secretariat of the Katalysis' Network, a Code of Ethics for the Network members had been developed; the TSCM has been also involved in the implementation of a regional training program financed by the Central American Bank Economic Integration (CABEI) addressed to the human resources of more than 75 MFIs; also a Savings Mobilization Program for the Honduran MIF organizations is in the process of implementation, this activity has the economic support from the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB)