ON - Omidyar Network

The Balkan Financial Sector Equity Fund provides equity capital to banks and other financial institutions in the Balkans for investment in advanced stage micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises that are driving the region's economic development.

Why We Invested

The Balkan Financial Sector Equity Fund, managed by Switzerland-based dfe partners, aims to strengthen the financial capacity of banks and other financial institutions in the Balkans, allowing them to improve financial services for small businesses, advanced stage business entrepreneurs, and other underserved markets.

Dfe partners represent a new model for private equity in emerging markets. They invest solely in the financial services sector where they deliver expertise, skills, and capital to support the rapid build up and development of successful and sustainable financial institutions. In turn, these institutions stimulate both the microfinance market for individuals, as well as the commercial capital market for microfinance institutions.