Responsible Finance becomes an increasing concern in the financial industry

Frankfurt am Main, April 22, 2008 – "In the light of the current financial crisis, there is an increasing concern that the financial industry provides their services in a responsible manner. This is of relevance to all stakeholders in the financial sector independent of whether they operate in mature or emerging markets," said Klaus Maurer, EFSE's Chief Investment Officer. Around 200 leading international market players will gather in Sibiu, Romania, at a conference to discuss the issue of Responsible Finance among other cutting-edge topics in development finance. The conference is hosted by the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE), one of the largest microfinance investment funds worldwide. It takes place during the Fund's 2nd Annual Meeting, which will be held from May 6-8, 2008.

"Concerns regarding the high level of over-indebtedness, ambiguous lending practices with financially illiterate population groups and people losing their little savings to unsound financial institutions are just some of the many pressing issues. EFSE puts great emphasis on being a responsible investor, promoting responsible lending practices in our target region," Maurer continued.

Besides the topic of Responsible Finance, panel discussions, presentations and case studies will also cover capital market developments in Southeast Europe, future market opportunities, new products as well as the integration/transformation of microfinance institutions.

Leading market players to attend
Leading regional and international market players, including representatives from development finance institutions, donor agencies, international organizations, microfinance institutions, commercial banks, as well as institutional investors, academics and policymakers, will attend the conference. Featured speakers and panelists include representatives of central banks in the Southeast European region.

Maurer commented: "After our first successful Annual Meeting and conference in 2007, in Budva, Montenegro, we are pleased to once again bring together a large number of leading development finance practitioners in one place. This confirms that the Fund has achieved one of its major objectives to create a forum and collaborative platform for donors, development finance institutions as well as for representatives from the financial industry, local governments and the economy."

Further information about the conference: www.efse.lu

Notes to the Editors:

Interviews may be scheduled in advance (on site or by telephone) with the following spokesperson: Dr. Klaus Maurer, Chief Investment Officer, EFSE

Journalists are invited to pre-register for this conference free of charge and may request press materials if they are unable to attend.

Journalists are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements and covering their travel and accommodation costs. The most convenient flight connections and a limited number of hotel rooms have been reserved for them.

For registration, travel and hotel information, interview requests and press material, please contact: Mr. Samir Djikić, tel: +49-69-154008-379, email: press@efse.lu

About the European Fund for Southeast Europe:
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is one of the world's largest microfinance investment funds. Aimed at fostering economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe, the Fund offers long-term funding instruments to local financial institutions in the region for on-lending to micro and small enterprises as well as to low-income private households for housing purposes. In support of the Fund's financial investment activities, the Development Facility organizes and co-finances technical assistance and training for capacity building of partner lending institutions. The Fund is a public-private partnership. Its capital base is jointly constituted by donors, development finance institutions and private institutional investors. Germany's KfW is the Fund Initiator. The Fund Manager is Oppenheim Asset Management Services S.a.r.l. Frankfurt School of Finance & Management acts as advisor and supports the fund management. The Fund operates in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, FYR Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria, and is expected to start operations in Ukraine within the coming months. For more information visit www.efse.lu.

Media contacts

EFSE Mr. Samir Djikić, Communications Manager Tel: +49 (0)69 9778 7650-26 E-mail: press@efse.lu