Key Milestones & Impact
2006
Krishna Crisis in Andhra Pradesh
2007
Sa-Dhan’s voluntary Code of Conduct (CoC)
2007
Compulsory for members to follow the code and report
2010
Andhra Crisis & ordinance
2010
Developed the COCA Validation Tool
2011
Assisted in the framing of new MFI regulations
2012
Developed the Draft Microfinance Bill
2012
Malegam Committee and RBI Regulations
2014
Introduced India’s first MFI Directory
2015
Revised Code of Conduct
2020
Recommendation on Activity Based Regulation to RBI
2022
Launched 4th edition of revised Code of Conduct as per RBI New Regulations
2023
Launched Corporate Governance manual
2023
Launched first series of Best Practices in Microfinance Sector (Risk, HR, Fraud and Compliances)
Members onboarded
63M+
Clients served
₹2,27,410 Cr
Loan disbursed
220+
Members onboarded
650+
Districts covered
Watch Video
A Decade of Impact: Sa-Dhan’s Journey as an SRO
Experience Sa-Dhan’s transformative 10-year journey as a Self-Regulatory Organization, fostering trust, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth in the microfinance sector. Watch how we’ve empowered millions and shaped the future of responsible microfinance.
Success Stories
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Microfinance
N. S. Vishwanathan
Former DY Governor, RBI
The Reserve Bank of India's vision for the Self- Regulatory Organization (SRO) protocol led to the establishment of Sa-Dhan, a critical entity in regulating Microfinance Institutions (MFls). Over the years, Sa-Dhan has played a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the MFI ecosystem, vigilantly overseeing infractions, advocating policies, and educating its members. Sa-Dhan is synonymous with transparent and ethical operations that enhance socio-economic conditions.
Sa-Dhan is a vital link between the RBI and MFls, helping them understand their clientele's vulnerabilities and susceptible to misinformation. Moreover, Sa-Dhan's commitment to promoting financial literacy at the grassroots level is commendable.
Deepali Pant Joshi
Former Executive Director, RBI
The Malegam Committee was the first attempt by RBI to regulate the sector, to douse the flames engulfing the sector, by putting caps on Interest rates, the quantum of loan amount and curtailing borrowing after extensive consultations with Industry players like Sa-Dhan. RBI emerged as the sole regulator of the microfinance sector. In March 2022, RBI came out with the second master direction on the regulatory framework for MFIs for collateral-free loans up to 23 lakhs. It has completely removed all pricing caps, leaving them to the determination of Boards.
As an RBl-recognised self-regulatory organisation, Sa-Dhan has very responsibly executed its role. It helps promote field-level action research, Management Information Services, Capacity enhancement of MFIs and institutionalisation and dissemination of best practices in Microfinance. The new era of liberalisation has brought Sa-Dhan's role into even salience.