WHO WE ARE
ABOUT US
Our Vision
EMI’s vision is to be Lao’s leading provider of responsible, sustainable financial services and education. Utilizing modern technology, EMI responsibly offers a variety of innovative and competitive services including loan products, saving products, insurances, client marketing and financial education.
Our Mission
EMI’s mission is to respond to the high demand for sustainable financial services in Lao PDR and reduce social vulnerability by offering ethical financial products and critical associated support to its clients. EMI is committed to and focused on servicing low- and middle-income households in Lao PDR without access to financial services and support, to help strengthen their family livelihoods and businesses sustainably.
Our Story
Ekphatthana Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (“EMI”) is the leading sustainable social enterprise and provider of ethical microfinance in Lao PDR. As the first microfinance institution licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR in 2006, we have spent nearly two decades building an inclusive financial system that empowers families, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses to improve their lives and livelihoods.
Today, we serve over 140,000 active depositors and over 12,000 active borrowers across five major provinces through 13 Service Units and HQ, combining innovative financial services with comprehensive financial education to create lasting impact in communities across Laos.
Our People – Investing in Excellence
EMI’s greatest asset is our people. We invest heavily in both immediate capacity building and long-term career development, creating a workplace where talent thrives and grows with the institution.
- 114 dedicated staff
- 75% female employees
- Average staff tenure of 10+ years with turnover rate less than 5% over the past five years
- Key management team has been with EMI for 15+ years, with Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Operations Manager all founding team members
- Recognized as a Lao Employer of Choice (ASEAN Business Award 2023)
How We Are Different
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Pioneer in Responsible Finance:
- First MFI in Lao PDR licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR (2006)
- First to offer financial education services alongside microfinance
- First to provide micro-insurance to low-income populations
- Award winner for Excellence in Sustainable Social Enterprise (ASEAN Business Award 2021)
Innovation & Reach:
- Field staff positioned in remote rural villages not served by other financial institutions
- “Smart Kids” savings program building financial literacy for the next generation
- Free social media marketing services for client businesses
