The Russian Microfinance Center (RMC) is AFI’s newest policy champion for agent banking. An independent resource center on microfinance and financial inclusion, RMC was established in July 2002 in response to the need for an organization that represents and advocates for the interests of the entire microfinance community.

Having played an active role in the development of agent banking in Russia jointly with the Russian Ministry for Economic Development, an AFI member institution, the RMC provides an enabling environment for the growth of financial inclusion by offering training and professional consulting services to financial institutions, and promoting standards. RMC, together with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, has been an active participant in the AFI Mobile Financial Services Working Group and regularly shares its experience with the AFI network.

The Center has initiated a national association representing the interests of various microfinance participants in the financial and credit market: The National Partnership of Microfinance Market Stakeholders (NAMMS), registered in April 2006, brings together associations of market participants, as well as other organizations engaged in financial inclusion throughout Russia. Additionally, NAMMS is charged with conducting peer group and thematic surveys of the sector.

NAMMS President Mikhail Mamuta has been committed to developing a favorable environment for small businesses and financial inclusion in the country, and has demonstrated leadership in driving the financial inclusion agenda forward in Russia. He is also an independent advisor for the Head of the Federal Service for Financial Markets.

NAMMS and RMC’s current top priorities are policy and regulation for branchless banking and microfinance, including agent banking and e-money.

AFI’s Policy Champion Program is designed to help unlock the knowledge and expertise of outstanding policymakers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to share their experiences with their peers.