"Microfinance investment opportunities have been well received by Credit Suisse clients seeking socially responsible investments. They provide a ""double bottom line"": a positive financial return (despite the global financial crisis), and a social impact by offering first-time access to financial services to the poor. From $5 million in 2003, total assets under management in microfinance at Credit Suisse reached $1 billion by 2009, and untapped demand is estimated at $300 billion. The firm has positioned itself as a link between the TOP of the wealth pyramid (its clients) and the BOP (base of the pyramid, the poor), but as microfinance comes under fierce criticism for over-indebting the poor, and with a decline in growth, performance and portfolio quality, Credit Suisse must consider its future engagement in this sector of the emerging markets. "

Spreadsheet Supplement for INS125