DEFINING FINANCE Microfinance noun [mai-cro-fai-nance] What started as a loan system dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished Irish citizens in the 18th century has evolved into a service that's aiding people across the world. Geared toward unemployed or low-income individuals and groups who have limited access to traditional financial resources, microfinance is an opportunity for them to gain independence. Like conventional banking lenders, microfinanciers charge interest on loans with specific repayment plans. Microloans can range from as little as $100 to as much as $50,000 but average around $13,000. Microfinance offerings include small loans (microloans), savings accounts (microsavings) and insurance policies (microinsurance). The FHLBanks' Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program helps connect community lenders to the secondary mortgage market making housing more attainable for borrowers nationwide. Visit fhlbmpf.com or call (877) 345-2673 to learn more about the MPF Program and how it can help your institution connect. QUICK STAT 30% of financial advisors expect to connect with clients via video call Source: SmartAsset � A NATION OF LOCAL LENDERShttp://www.fhlbmpf.com