Background:The Odisha State Association of Financial Inclusion Institutions (OSAFII) operate as a state level coordinating body for various institutions involved in expanding financial inclusion and offering financial services to low-income groups of people in the state. Initially 07 home grown MFIs in Odisha came together and promoted OSAFII with the financial support from SIDBI-PSIG and technical assistance of ACCESS-ASSIST. OSAFII got registered as a Trust in the year 2016. OSAFII works for strengthening the inclusive finance sector in Odisha by addressing the state specific issues and challenges. OSAFII also helps strengthen the capacity of its members and stakeholders. Since its inception, OSAFII has been undertaking various sector building initiatives. It also organizes various thematic training programs for its Members and Stakeholders. OSAFII is being governed by its Board of Directors, drawn from Member organizations. The day-to-day management of the association and its programs are being managed by a team headed by the CEO.

Membership & Its Processes : OSAFII functions as a Member-based entity. Although started initially by 07 MFIs, gradually other national level institutions operating in Odisha also joined the association. As of now OSAFII has got 28 Members and that gives OSAFII a solid institutional footing, mandate and legitimacy to work in the state. Currently OSAFII is looking forward to include additional members into the association. Membership in OSAFII is open for any credible organization, legally registered under relevant Act in Odisha/India and engaged in Financial Inclusion/Services, including as a NBFC, NBFC-MFI, Society, Trust, Co-operative, Bank, Small Finance or Payment Bank and Insurance Co etc. Applications for the new membership go through a due-diligence process including documentary review, office visit, Board’s approval etc. Thus, the institution willing to take membership with OSAFII may send an application to the association along with its Registration Certificate and other relevant docs. Based on the review of the documents, the Board may, on its discretion accept and approve the Membership application. There are mainly 03 types of Membership in OSAFII such as Founding Members, Corporate Members & Associate Members-that was added recently based on the AGM/Board to better facilitate induction of New Member & smaller MFIs/Org, working in Odisha, with the association. Joining with a token Registration fee in the 1st year, the Associate Members are expected to observe the processes and participate in OSAFII programs before becoming Corporate Members of the association from 2nd year onwards. Organization willing to pay portfolio-based fees and join OSAFII as a Corporate Member can also be done from year-1.

Eligible Criteria :Key criteria to be a Member of OSAFII include the followings;

• • Registered Entity under the appropriate law of the land
• • Financial Inclusion/Services as one of the major programmes
• • Having Operation/program in the field of Financial Inclusion/Services in Odisha/ India
• • Adherence to industry Code of Conduct, Client Protection Principles, Responsible Finance Processes etc
• • Willingness to work with other institutions and contribute for further growth of FI in the state

Expected Benefits :The expected benefits out of the Membership with OSAFII includes the followings;

• • Access to OSAFII’s sector building activities, trainings, events and other initiatives in the state
• • Access to OSAFII’s newsletters, periodicals, updates, reports and other publications
• • Access to participate in the Members’ Coordination & District Forum Meetings, Trainings etc
• • Opportunity to have Interface with key stakeholders: Banks, financial and capacity building institutions.
• • Support organizations and services providers, Govt line Depts etc at various forums.
• • Enhanced credibility being part of the network of leading peers and stakeholders in Odisha
• • Issue of OSAFII Membership Certificate and its acknowledgement at various forums.
• • Collective advocacy with Apex Bodies & Resolve of various issues & challenges faced by members

Membership Fee & Renewal :New Membership & Renewal fee is being decided by the General Body of OSAFII in its Annual General Body Meeting in consultation with Member MFIs/Org. Based mainly on MFIs’ portfolio size in Odisha, membership fee amount is decided and given to better support the management of the association and its sector building programs. For Associate Members, only a token registration fee of Rs.15K is charged in 1st year. From 2nd year onwards they are expected to become the Corporate Members and pay the portfolio-based fees. The current fee structure for OSAFII Membership is given below,