Innovation remains a challenge in microfinance. Unmet demand is huge; rural populations and SMEs are largely unserved. Known for their capacity to innovate, NGOs are well-equipped to take risks: new partners, new financial products, new intervention methods.

Through a series of Peer Reviews, similar to those carried out by CGAP with affiliated donors, CERISE has fostered mutual learning among our members and collectively defined a series of "good practices" for practitioners.
CERISE facilitates discussions with French NGOs working in microfinance on a regular basis, at the impetus of public cooperation agencies like Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and networks of international solidarity organizations like Coordination Sud.

CERISE is a founding member of the European Microfinance Platform, a network of European organizations and individuals working in microfinance in developing countries. CERISE coordinates the e-MFP’s working group on social performance.
CERISE also works with several European universities and research institutes to maintain dialogue between academia and microfinance practitioners. Our goal is to promote a strong microfinance sector capable of meeting client needs.