Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or jurisdiction being analyzed [5]. Core Insights - The report evaluates Benin's compliance with the standard of transparency and exchange of information on request, indicating that while the legal framework is in place, improvements are necessary in several areas, particularly regarding the availability and access to information [37][54]. - Benin has signed and ratified the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and is working towards compliance with international standards [40]. - The report highlights that the legal framework for identifying beneficial owners is inadequate, and there are significant gaps in the availability and updating of information related to beneficial ownership and accounting records [46][49]. Summary by Sections Overview of Benin - Benin is located in West Africa with a population of approximately 14.7 million as of 2024, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture and raw material exports [65][66]. - The country is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) [65]. Availability of Information - The report identifies that improvements are needed in the availability of information regarding identity and ownership, accounting data, and banking information [38]. - Legal provisions require companies to maintain information on their beneficial owners, but the implementation is lacking [44][49]. Access to Information - The legal framework allows the tax administration to access documents held by entities, but there are limitations in accessing information from other obligated entities under anti-money laundering laws [53]. - The report notes that Benin has a limited practice of exchanging information, having received only four requests for information in the past three years [52]. Exchange of Information - Benin's network for exchanging information covers 156 partners, but the practical implementation of this exchange is yet to be evaluated [51][52]. - The report emphasizes the need for Benin to enhance its legal framework to ensure effective communication and access to information for tax purposes [53]. Recommendations - The report recommends that Benin strengthen its legal and operational framework to ensure the identification of beneficial owners and the availability of accounting records [46][50]. - It also suggests that the country should ensure the timely updating of information related to beneficial ownership and banking records [49].

Investment Rating - The overall rating for Benin's compliance with the Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) standard is not applicable at this stage, as the assessment focuses on the legal and regulatory framework only [38][53]. Core Insights - Benin has joined the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2019 and has made efforts to strengthen its legal framework for tax transparency and information exchange [39]. - The report assesses the legal and regulatory framework in place as of November 4, 2025, indicating that while it is in place, it requires significant improvements in the availability and access to information [36][37]. - The assessment will be followed by a Phase 2 review to evaluate the practical implementation of the framework, scheduled to begin no later than November 2028 [37]. Summary by Sections Availability of Information - Element A.1 (Availability of ownership and identity information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element A.2 (Availability of accounting information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element A.3 (Availability of banking information): Needs improvement [38]. Access to Information - Element B.1 (Competent authority's ability to obtain and provide information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element B.2 (Notification requirements, rights and safeguards): In place [38]. Exchange of Information - Element C.1 (Exchange of information mechanisms): In place [38]. - Element C.2 (Exchange of information mechanisms with all relevant partners): In place [38]. - Element C.3 (Confidentiality): In place [38]. - Element C.4 (Rights and safeguards of taxpayers and third parties): In place [38]. - Element C.5 (Request and provision of information in an effective manner): Not applicable [38].

Core Viewpoint - The registered capital of Shenzhen Caifutong Network Financial Microloan Co., Ltd. has increased from approximately 10.53 billion to 15 billion yuan, indicating a significant expansion in its financial capacity [1]. Company Summary - Shenzhen Caifutong Network Financial Microloan Co., Ltd. was established in October 2013 and specializes in microloan services [1]. - The company operates under the approval of relevant authorities to conduct internet microloan business [1]. - The ownership of the company is shared between Shenzhen Tencent Network Computing Company and Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Company [1].

Core Insights - The microfinance sector in India is facing significant stress, with many non-banking finance company-microfinance institutions (NBFC-MFIs) requiring urgent funding from banks and larger lenders to survive [1][13] - A notable contraction in India's micro-loan market has occurred, with a 17% year-on-year drop, leading to a decrease in active loans by nearly 20% [7][14] - Several microfinance firms, including VFS Capital, Navachetana Microfin Services, and Arth Finance, have defaulted on bank loans, indicating a broader liquidity crisis in the sector [2][12][14] Industry Overview - The microfinance sector began experiencing stress in April of the previous year, following a brief recovery from pandemic-related challenges [6][14] - As of the end of the September quarter, the ratio of portfolios at risk for over 180 days surged to 15.32%, reflecting a 9.71% increase year-on-year and a 2.89% increase sequentially [6][14] - The total micro-loan market size is now ₹3.46 lakh crore, with the number of active loans dropping to 132 million [7][14] Company-Specific Issues - VFS Capital has a cumulative exposure of ₹143 crore to five lenders and has failed to meet repayment commitments, with an overdue amount of ₹82 crore [8][14] - Navachetana Microfin Services has delayed debt servicing since April, with some loans already classified as non-performing assets (NPAs) [8][14] - Forensic audits have been suggested for restructuring bank accounts of these entities, which is mandatory for establishing the cause of defaults [10][14] Ratings and Financial Health - Acuite Ratings & Research downgraded Arth Finance's long-term rating to the default category, while Infomerics Ratings downgraded Inditrade Microfinance to junk status [11][14] - The financial health of mainstream lenders, including Bandhan Bank and IndusInd Bank, has also been impacted due to higher credit costs associated with microfinance portfolios [14] Recommendations and Future Outlook - Industry leaders suggest that financial institutions should adopt a more lenient approach to lending to smaller microfinance entities [12][14] - There is a proposal for a government guarantee program to facilitate lending to struggling microfinance institutions [12][14] - Janashree Microfin in Kerala has sought an extension to meet the minimum net-owned fund requirement, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector [12][14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 19.6%, reflecting strong performance across core businesses and contributions from the innovation portfolio [11][15][35] - Net interest income increased by 2.7%, supported by a contraction in interest expenses and an increase in low-cost deposits, leading to a net interest margin (NIM) of 6.6% [16][31] - The cost of risk fell to 1.7%, indicating improved asset quality and risk management [15][16][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Universal Banking and Insurance and Pensions delivered strong results, while Microfinance progressed towards its profitability target [11][15] - Fee-based and transactional income grew, with Yape contributing significantly to the overall revenue [11][24] - Mibanco's profitability rose to 18.8%, supported by increased loan disbursements and improved credit risk management [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Peru's GDP growth for 2025 is projected at 3.4%, driven by higher export prices and increased domestic consumption [9][18] - Inflation in Peru remains low, forecasted at 1.8% for 2025, which is within the central bank's target range [10][19] - The macroeconomic environment in the region shows signs of recovery, with positive indicators in Chile and Colombia [10][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key pillars: scaling its digital ecosystem, unlocking growth through business synergies, and maintaining discipline in profitability and capital allocation [5][6][7] - The medium-term targets include an ROE of 19.5% and an efficiency ratio around 42% over the next three to four years [7][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the economic resilience of Peru despite political changes, emphasizing the company's diversified strategy and strong capital position [8][9] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates continued GDP growth, supported by favorable terms of trade and increased private consumption [9][18] Other Important Information - The company aims to expand its digital engagement strategy, with Yape targeting 18 million users by 2028 [24] - The insurance underwriting results showed a year-over-year increase of 23%, driven by improved performance in the life business [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding asset quality and cost of risk - Analyst inquired about the better-than-expected performance in asset quality and whether the guidance for cost of risk is too conservative [41][42] - Management acknowledged the positive results and indicated that the cost of risk is expected to be around the lower end of the guidance [45][46] Question: On operating expenses growth - Analyst asked about the growth of operating expenses and its breakdown between core business and innovation initiatives [47] - Management confirmed that operating expenses growth is within guidance and will likely slow in the core business while remaining stable in innovation [48] Question: Impact of political uncertainty on growth - Analyst questioned the potential deceleration in growth due to upcoming elections [53] - Management noted historical trends of minimal impact on long-term growth but acknowledged a possible slowdown in the first quarter [55][56] Question: Loan growth guidance - Analyst sought clarification on the loan growth guidance and whether it considers FX adjustments [70] - Management confirmed that the guidance is nominal and includes adjustments for Bolivia's restatement [72] Question: Future contributions from Yape - Analyst inquired about the potential for Yape's contribution to reach double digits by 2026 [64] - Management expressed confidence in achieving this target [65] Question: Outlook for Bolivia post-political shift - Analyst asked about the potential positive impacts of the new government in Bolivia [80] - Management indicated optimism regarding the new government's pro-market stance and its potential benefits for operations in Bolivia [82]

Core Insights - The microfinance sector is slowly recovering from two years of stress, with improvements in bad loans and collections, but profitability remains challenging and growth is slow due to uneven recovery across states and lenders [15] Company-Specific Insights - Bandhan Bank is experiencing steady improvement in its microfinance portfolio, with a 30-day-plus delinquency ratio of 3.8%, below the industry average of 5.1%, and 90-day-plus delinquencies improved to 2.04% compared to 3% for the sector [2] - Bandhan Bank is cautious in expanding its microfinance portfolio, focusing on reducing concentration risk and increasing secured loans, with its emerging entrepreneurs business portfolio contracting 13% annually to ₹51,730 crore [2][3] - The secured loan book at Bandhan Bank currently makes up about 55% of total advances, expected to rise to 57-58% over the next 18 months [3] - IDFC First Bank anticipates stabilization of stress in its microfinance portfolio within the next six months, with gross slippages in the MFI book falling 9% sequentially in the September quarter [4] - IDFC First Bank's MFI business declined 42% annually to ₹7,306 crore, impacting income, but is expected to stabilize in the second half of the year [5] Industry Trends - The microfinance sector has seen most large players shrink their books by 25-50% over the past two years, primarily through write-offs, which has been termed cautious deleveraging [7] - CreditAccess Grameen reported accelerated write-offs of ₹554 crore related to overdue loans, indicating a need to clean up legacy stress [6] - Policy reforms have capped the number of lenders per borrower and restricted total indebtedness, which has reduced over-leverage but also slowed fresh lending [8][9] - Analysts expect collection efficiency to improve as disbursements rise, but near-term pressure is expected to persist due to erratic monsoon patterns affecting rural borrowers [10] - The upcoming state elections in Bihar raise concerns over potential political interference and debt waivers, although Bandhan Bank does not foresee a repeat of past disruptions [12][13] - Overall, analysts predict that larger banks and MFIs will recover first, with a slow and gradual journey towards normalcy expected for the sector [14]

Lending Trends - Banks in India have slowed lending to non-banks due to rising risk [1] - Non-banks provide nearly 40% of microloans in India [1] Financial Impact - Listed lenders have been hit hard [1]

Challenges - India's microlenders are facing stiff challenges [1] - Economic strain is the biggest challenge for microlenders [1] Policy Impact - A well-intentioned policy change has added to the challenges [1]

Industry Overview - Microlending（小额贷款）在印度一直是一项艰难的业务 [1] - 政客和监管机构使小额贷款业务更加困难 [1] Risk Factors - 经济压力正在推高违约率 [1]

Core Insights - UPAY Inc.'s South African subsidiary, ACPAS, is sponsoring the MicroFinance South Africa (MFSA) Annual General Meeting and Conference on October 22, 2025, marking a significant event in the microfinance sector [1][3] - The MFSA is rebranding to CASA, the Credit Association of South Africa, reflecting its nearly three-decade commitment to responsible credit practices [2][5] - ACPAS is participating as a Legacy Partner in the transition to CASA, emphasizing its dedication to supporting the microfinance and credit sectors [3][4] Company Overview - ACPAS is a leading Loan Management Software provider in South Africa, focusing on automation solutions for loan origination, management, and compliance [6] - UPAY Inc. is a publicly traded holding company in the fintech industry, investing in innovative technologies to enhance financial software platforms [7] Industry Context - CASA, formerly MFSA, represents over 1,800 registered credit providers and advocates for ethical lending, consumer protection, and industry advancement [5] - The transition to CASA signifies growth and renewal within the credit industry, aiming to strengthen South Africa's credit ecosystem through collaboration and technological advancement [4][5]