CDC Group plc (“CDC”), the UK government-backed private equity emerging markets fund of funds investor, is making new commitments totalling US$30m to two private equity funds which will invest in microfinance institutions (MFIs). By investing in MFIs the funds aim to give people on low incomes access to a range of financial services, including credit, savings and fund transfers. The commitments are: US$15m to India Financial Inclusion Fund, managed by Caspian Capital Partners. The fund provides growth capital and strategic support to existing and start-up MFIs to help them grow. The fund focuses solely on India, with an emphasis on towns in rural areas with low microfinance penetration. US$15m to Catalyst Microfinance Investors. This fund will invest in a network of highly efficient, rapidly growing greenfield microfinance institutions in countries such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Ghana. The fund will aim to help MFIs accelerate their expansion and provide capital to low-income groups and micro-enterprises located in poor communities. […]