FAQ's

Below are queries concerning Blue, which are regularly raised by investors. Please forward any queries you have to blue@blue.co.za

Q: How does micro finance differ from other forms of financial services?

A: Micro finance, simply put, is the provision of financial services to lower income individuals. According to www.microcreditsummit.org, microfinance is founded on microcredits, which are “programs that extend small loans to very poor people for self-employment projects that generate income, allowing them to care for themselves and their families” .

To quote the global management consultants, Arthur D. Little, “In addition to basic loans, the programs commonly provide a combination of services and resources to their clients, such as savings facilities, training and peer support. The broader offerings of microfinance reflect the demand for additional services by low-income clients, particularly in Western economies. Especially in the developed countries, the low income customer segment has been barely addressed properly yet, although it represents a significant part of the population. Furthermore, the low income customer segment has been increasing its net income faster than the average population over the past ten years … leading to an increasing purchasing power and credit worthiness.”

Q: In which countries are you operational?

A: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Rwanda.

Q: In addition to low income groups, do you focus on any other demographics?

A: Yes, Blue Financial Services is particularly focused on empowering women in Africa, as women tend to be bread winners for their immediate and extended families, and yet at the same time women are often excluded from opportunities to empower themselves.

Q: Are you a private or a publicly owned company? How can I invest in the company?

A: Blue Financial Services is a publicly listed company and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (www.jse.co.za) and on the Botswana Stock Exchange. Please speak to your stock broker, financial adviser, accountant, banker or other qualified professional to determine whether a stock market investment in general and specifically an investment in Blue, is right for you.