This paper explores the current global turmoil in microfinance in the context of the problems that have arisen at SKS Microfinance in India. The authors argue that the roots of the current crisis lay in the attempt to scale-up the original “Grameen” model of microfinance set up in Bangladesh I order to establish profit-seeking bodies which have neglected the core value of trust underlying successful initiatives. Unfortunately, corrective steps may exacerbate existing problems. The founders of microfinance may have overestimated the impact of microfinance in abolishing poverty, but the hasty regulation that has been imposed to address some of the setbacks experienced in India, may only undermine further trust between borrowers and lenders. Undoubtedly, microfinance institutions have has an impact on economic exclusion, social change and on community building, but future growth in the sector may require a reversion to its original not for profit foundation.

An interview with introduction by Brian Snowdon
Professor Joseph Stiglitz is without question one of the world’s leading economists. In his extensive research he has made seminal contributions to the analysis of the economic consequences of incomplete information and uncertainty. This work has greatly enhanced economists’ understanding of the welfare properties of markets and the sources of market failure. His research has also contributed to the development of better microeconomic foundations for Keynesian macroeconomic models. Most recently Professor Stiglitz has been heavily involved in controversial public policy debates relating to the East Asian crisis, problems of transition from communism to capitalism, the limitations of the ‘Washington consensus’, and globalisation and development. A common theme in all of these debates relates to the role of government and legitimate borders of the state in both developed and developing economies. In this article/interview Professor Stiglitz gives his views on these and several other important global issues.