About ESAF Microfinance...

ESAF was established in Trichur in 1992, as a response to the social and economical needs of the unemployed youth and the underprivileged. The vison of the Forum was guided by the principle of sustainable holistic transformation of the poor and the marginalized.

Inspired by the guiding principles and success of Prof. Muhammed Younus (Founder, Grameen Bank), the founders of ESAF ventured into microfinancing in 1995, by organizing self sustainable groups, to alleviate poverty and generate employment. Since then, ESAF has grown by leaps and bounds in the Microfinance sector, promoting microfinance as a viable, sustainable and effective means for creating jobs and reducing poverty. 

Today, ESAF Microfinance is one of the premier microfinance institutions in India, particularly in Kerala, effectively empowering 4.34 lac members through 150 dedicated branches. ESAF started its Micro Enterprises Development (MED) program in 1995, which was an important intervention area. MED provided a broad package of financial and business development services to the socially and economically challenged men and women. In order to have a cost effective delivery of the services of microfinance operations through an RBI licensed NBFC, ESAF acquired Pinnai Finance and Investments in 2006 and transformed it as ESAF Microfinance and Investments (P) Ltd.- EMFIL, in 2008.