Portfolio Partner Profile

responsAbility Micro and SME Finance Debt Fund

responsAbility Investments AG is an asset manager in the field of development investments and offers professionally-managed investment solutions to private, institutional and public investors. The Micro and SME Finance Debt Fund focuses on private debt investments in the financial sector in emerging markets in order to deliver steady returns. With 1.7 billion adults and millions of small businesses still underbanked today, the deepening of the financial sector in emerging markets provides attractive growth financing opportunities, boosted by regulatory evolution, technology and mobile solutions. The fund is therefore uniquely positioned to provide investors with market returns as well as, through promoting financial inclusion, strong impact achievements linked to the SDGs.

Featured Impact Story

Impact Story

JSC Microbank Crystal

In Georgia, a nation rich in history and culture, JSC Microbank Crystal (Crystal) has emerged as a crucial enabler of financial inclusion and economic growth. Established in 1998 by internally displaced persons from Abkhazia region, Crystal began as a humanitarian initiative with an initial debt capital of just USD 10,000. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive financial institution, addressing the financial needs of underserved communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to traditional banking services remains limited.

From its inception, Crystal has focused on providing microloans to small businesses and entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional financial systems. Supported by responsAbility, Crystal has expanded its operations across Georgia, with a special emphasis on rural populations. In February 2025, the National Bank of Georgia granted Crystal a microbank license, enabling it to offer a broader range of financial solutions and further its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering innovation.

Sopio Nagervadze, the founder of Emas Flowers in the municipality of Khelvachauri in southwestern Georgia, has been running a decorative plant business for seven years. In 2021, during the pandemic, she launched an online store and sought financial support from Crystal. With the loan, she purchased necessary inventory and seedlings, allowing her to offer a diverse range of plants online. "I always wanted to have all types of flowers displayed in my store, so that customers of any taste could find a desirable option," recalls Sopio. Her dedication and Crystal's support have enabled her business to thrive, even during challenging times.

Another borrower, Madona Gabisonia, returned to the southwestern Georgian village of Gvara, in Kobuleti, after years abroad, determined to restore her family's neglected tangerine and hazelnut farm. With funding from Crystal, she rehabilitated the fields, installed an irrigation system, and built a new fence. During the harvest season, Madona's farm employs more than ten people. "It's gratifying to see that my return proved beneficial not only for my family but for other villagers alike," says Madona, who continues to plan further development for the farm.

Impact Story

Banco Mundo Mujer: Pioneering change in Colombian communities

One of responsAbility Micro and SME Finance Debt Fund’s borrowers, Banco Mundo Mujer (BMM), was founded in 1985 by Leonor Melo de Velasco in response to her community’s needs after the earthquake in Popayán, a historic city in southwestern Colombia. BMM has since evolved into a prominent microfinance institution focused on alleviating poverty, supporting gender equity, and promoting economic growth.

BMM's primary focus is to provide access to financial services for women and rural communities, two segments often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. This approach empowers female entrepreneurs, such as Sandra Castro, a mother and head of her family, who has been a client of BMM for over 23 years. Sandra started a jeans business with her first loan, and later established her bakery, “El Joe,” now a staple in Popayán. With over 12 years of tradition, her bakery exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by BMM. With the income from her business, she was able to educate her two children. Sandra described how BMM has influenced her life, “the bank was the first to support me when I started my business. Thanks to BMM, I paid for my son’s university education. He is about to graduate as a public accountant. I thank them for giving me a hand as a woman and head of the household. I didn’t have a house to back a loan, and they trusted me just by seeing my effort and my work.” Sanda also highlighted the speed and ease with which she can access the entity’s loans in order to continue her work.

Impact Story

Rose Marwa Chacha: A micro-business owner and community leader

Rose Marwa Chacha grew up in difficult circumstances characterized by poverty, forced marriage, and domestic violence. With the advice from a neighbor, she contacted Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) Tanzania for support, which enabled her to transition from a domestic helper to a successful businesswoman. BRAC Tanzania offers microcredit programs that equip women with the essential tools to establish their own micro-enterprises. Her initial loan from BRAC allowed her to open a kiosk - a crucial step on the road to financial independence.

Then, with a subsequent loan, she moved to trading colorful fabrics for clothing and household items. As the owner of three log cabins, operator of a cattle farm with 300 animals, and employer, Rose has not only improved her family’s living conditions but also strengthens the community by creating jobs and enriching the local economy. Today, Rose is a successful businesswoman and a respected member of her community. “In a society where women are often denied participation in economic decisions, I stand as a proud example for other women,” she says. “My family enjoys a better life, and my children receive a good education."

Impact Story

Amasha Mwakalibule: A peanut-selling micro-business owner

Amasha Mwakalibule was unemployed after graduating from college, which led him to embrace entrepreneurship by starting a peanut selling business. BRAC Tanzania provided Amasha with a microloan to invest in his business venture. As his business grew, Amasha, alongside his wife, established a household goods shop. Seeking further expansion, he secured a small enterprise loan from BRAC Tanzania, which allowed him to purchase a dairy cow and additional investments in the shop. This enabled his family to move into their own mud house and scale up their business. With continuous repayments and additional credit, Amasha increased his loan which helped him to create jobs and become the owner of five farms, two shops, and two modern homes.

The information presented is provided by our portfolio partners for general informational purposes only. We have not independently verified for accuracy or completeness. The testimonials presented reflect the personal experiences and opinions of portfolio partners and their investees, and do not guarantee the same results for others.