[Interview] “With the FIR, CA Centre-France opens up to microfinance”

Interview with Jean-Christophe Kiren, Managing Director, CA Centre-France

©Didier Gentilhomme

Reserved for Regional Banks and Crédit Agricole Group entities, the Rural Inclusive Finance (FIR) fund, supported by the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation, enables investments in microfinance in emerging countries. Crédit Agricole Centre France has subscribed to the fund for an investment of €700,000, strengthening its mission as a bank promoting economic inclusion. Three questions for Jean-Christophe Kiren, CEO of Crédit Agricole Centre France.

– When investing in the FIR fund, what is your Fund’s approach?

The new fund open to Regional Banks echoes our mutualist and cooperative work in every way. First, its general mission—to promote economic and social inclusion in rural areas—already commands our full attention at Crédit Agricole Centre France, given the specific rural characteristics of our Auvergne and Limousin regions. Second, I was particularly touched by the issue of women's financial empowerment, which the FIR aims to strengthen. Finally, this cooperation is an opportunity for the Regional Bank to expand into microfinance by drawing on the experience of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and to develop new tools to serve the regions.

– What actions around financial inclusion and impact entrepreneurship is the Regional Fund carrying out in the region?

The entire Regional Fund—elected officials and employees—is committed to and participates in social impact initiatives. These initiatives range from initiatives led by the CA Centre France Foundation to equity investments in social enterprises. In this regard, the Regional Fund has a broad framework for supporting projects with a strong social impact. Furthermore, I wanted the Regional Fund to establish a €2 million fund by the end of 2019 to support projects that promote inclusion. To involve teams, it is planned that a portion of the funded projects will be directly identified by employees.

– What is your view on these new inclusive and responsible approaches?

We are bankers… And not only that. We are also women and men committed to local life, driven by Crédit Agricole's cooperative and mutualist values. Crédit Agricole Centre France's investment in the FIR Fund, supported by the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation, is fully in line with this spirit. Mutual aid, sharing, and solidarity are commitments that benefit everyone.

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Source : 2019 Integrated Report, Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation. Download here