Promoting financial empowerment through microfinancing - the case of prospera

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential of Prospera, Santander’s microfinancing institution operating in Brazil, to deliver financial empowerment through its activities and expansion. Along the case of Prospera, the Brazilian’s microfinancing sector and the strategic choices which paved the growth of Santander’s platform and faced challenges are outlined. Three analytical approaches were taken on the competition faced by Prospera, the importance of impact management and the sustainable competitive advantage of Prospera to tackle current challenges faced by the microfinancing institution. Internal interviews with Prospera’s founders, customers and external advisors on microfinancing constitute the research body of the thesis, alongside the analysis of the company’s reports and desk-based research. Accordingly, recommendations are proposed and evaluated to guide the expansion of Prospera and ultimately increase the impact generated through the platform’s operations.