MUDRA sanctions Rs. 100 crore refinance line at 10% per annum to SKS Microfinance

The development is expected to contribute to bringing down the cost of interest-bearing liabilities at SKS Microfinance.

MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Limited), launched by the Government of India for financing micro entrepreneurs engaged in small business activities like manufacturing, processing, service sector and trade, has sanctioned a refinance line of Rs. 100 crore at 10% per annum to SKS Microfinance Limited.

This is the first refinance limit sanctioned to SKS Microfinance Limited by MUDRA. The development is expected to contribute to bringing down the cost of interest-bearing liabilities at SKS Microfinance Limited. Earlier, with the cost of its interest-bearing liabilities dropping to 11.9% in Q1-FY16 from 13.6% in FY14 on account of downward adjustments in risk premium, the Company could reduce the interest rate charged to borrowers on three occasions since October 2014. With an overall reduction of 3.8% since October 2014, SKS Microfinance Limited charges 20.75% on all its disbursements with effect from October 1, 2015.

“MUDRA is trying to make an impact in funding micro enterprises by making available credit facilities at affordable cost through the existing financial channels,” said Jiji Mammen, CEO, MUDRA. “I am happy that SKS Microfinance Limited, which is availing of its first refinance limit from MUDRA, will make use of the same in bringing down its cost of micro loans to the bottom of the pyramid for their comprehensive economic and social development. Pursuing our vision of being an integrated financial and support services provider for the bottom of the pyramid universe for their comprehensive economic and social development, we have extended a refinance line of Rs. 100 crore to SKS Microfinance Limited, and are confident that the Company will strive harder to bring about greater gains for its borrowers at the grassroots.”

“This is the first refinance line availed by us,” said S. Dilli Raj, President, SKS Microfinance Limited. “At a rate of 10%, this is lower than regular term loans from conventional lenders, and reinforces our assertion in the recent past that the Non Banking Financial Company – Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI) structure does not preclude us from availing dedicated refinance lines at a lower rate of interest. We are already the lowest cost lender in the MFI segment, and will pass on this benefit to our microfinance borrowers at an appropriate juncture.”