Last updated April 8, 2013

Partner Description:

Ryada was founded in 1994 as a program of CHF International to offer microfinance products in Palestine and provide services to low- and moderate-income businesses, home owners and consumers in the West Bank and Gaza. The organization targets clients who cannot access credit from commercial banking institutions.

In 2012, Ryada’s outstanding portfolio reached US$14.4 million, and it was able to achieve a record-low at-risk percentage of 1.4% -- lower than other Palestinian microfinance institutions. Currently, it is one of the largest microfinance providers in the West Bank and Gaza.Ryada provides loans for housing, small businesses, young entrepreneurs and household needs. To date, the institution has disbursed US$100 million in loans, improving housing for 15,000 families, helping 6,200 small businesses grow, and impacting even more lives.

The institution partners with Palestine’s 6 major banks to operate its microfinance programs and build its profile as a solid investment business. Ryada has partnered with Kiva since 2008 and is now an active member of Palestinian microfinance network Sharakeh and Arabic microfinance network Sanabel, as well as MIX Market.

In the next five years, Ryada aims to register as a for-profit company, serve upwards of 17,000 clients, and reach an outstanding portfolio of $39 million.