The course offers more than the basics of microfinance. It introduces the concept of the microfinance triad – savings, loans and investments. The course offers a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and principles of microfinance coupled with an appreciation of various microfinance methodologies – Group/Solidarity Lending, Village Banking and Individual Lending. The course also describes the characteristics of microfinance clients and the impact of microfinance to the poor based on actual impact assessment results. Aside from the appreciation of various microfinance methodologies, the course also tackles traditional and innovative microfinance products and services – loans, savings, microinsurance and remittances. The course ends with a discussion on challenges, issues, trends and future opportunities in the microfinance industry.