Microcredit is a financial tool whose main objective is to promote the economic and social development of people who are outside the traditional financial system. It is characterized by granting small loans to formal and informal micro-entrepreneurs, without access to conventional bank credit, for investment in their businesses or to meet emergency needs.
The concept of microcredit was developed by Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus, who founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, and for this work he and the bank were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Microcredit has become a popular strategy for alleviating poverty in many developing countries.
Microcredit loans are generally granted without the need for traditional collateral. Instead, loans are secured through a variety of methods, such as group lending, where each member of the group guarantees the loan of the others. This creates a system of mutual accountability and encourages timely loan repayment.
The main benefits of microcredit include the promotion of entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, especially of women, and the reduction of poverty. It allows people who normally don't have access to credit to start or expand their own businesses, generate income and improve their quality of life. In addition, microcredit also promotes financial inclusion, as it allows people without access to the traditional banking system to access financial services.
In Brazil, microcredit is regulated by the Central Bank and is offered by specialized financial institutions, such as Sociedades de Crédito ao Microempreendedor e a Empresa de Pequeno Porte (SCMEPPs), in addition to commercial banks and credit unions. Microcredit operations in Brazil are governed by Law No. 13,636 of 2018, which establishes the conditions for carrying out microcredit operations and defines the limits for interest rates and other charges that may be charged.
An important feature of microcredit is the follow-up and technical assistance offered by credit agents. These agents help microentrepreneurs plan and manage their businesses, as well as guide them on how to use credit effectively. This helps ensure that loans are used productively and that entrepreneurs can repay their loans.
Despite its many benefits, microcredit also has its limitations and challenges. For example, the administrative costs of making small loans can be high, which can lead to higher interest rates. In addition, there is a risk of over-indebtedness if entrepreneurs take out more loans than they can repay. Therefore, it is important that microfinance institutions adopt responsible lending practices and provide financial education to their clients.
In short, microcredit is a powerful tool for promoting economic and social development. It provides an opportunity for micro-entrepreneurs to improve their lives and contribute to the economy. However, it is important that microcredit policies and practices are implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner to ensure that they truly benefit entrepreneurs and their communities.
For candidates for public tenders, knowledge about microcredit is essential, especially for those who are preparing for public tenders in the banking or financial area. It is important to understand how microcredit works, what its benefits and challenges are, and how it is regulated in Brazil. This knowledge will not only help candidates do well in the exams, but will also enable them to contribute to the economic and social development of the country, if they pass the exam.
