ASA is one of the leading Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) of Bangladesh. ASA has been working relentlessly to reduce poverty since its inception in 1978.

Up to October 2011 ASA's cumulative Loan disbursement has been BDT 481,381 million (US$ 6,326 million) while loan outstanding (principal) is BDT 44,972 million (US$ 591 million) among 4.43 million borrowers.
At the end of June 2011 ASA's Operational Self Sufficiency(OSS) was 182.48%, Financial Self-sufficiency (FSS) 118.82% and rate of loan recovery 99.83%.

ASA continues to perfect the role of financial intermediation by developing a variety of other products that are quite successful at generating necessary funds from local sources. This helps the poor to shield themselves against risks. 

ASA is now also working in different countries, with Catalyst Microfinance Investors (CMI) through its investment vehicle, ASA International (ASAI), to spread microfinance globally. This coverage is a must to meet the target of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Microcredit Summit Campaign (MSC).

 

ASA International (ASAI)

ASA International (ASAI) has been established to greenfield ASA's Model of microfinance operations in various countries around the world, with the funding from CMI.

ASAI is currently establishing new MFIs in various countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Ghana. Each of these MFIs will follow the highly efficient ASA model, adjusted to local circumstances.

Experienced staff from ASA has been seconded to these institutions to replicate the model. It is foreseen that each of these MFIs will, over time, be the market leader in terms of efficiency and scale in each of the mentioned markets. This will stimulate competition in these markets and put pressure on other MFIs to reduce their operating expenses and ultimately reduce the costs of borrowing for the clients.