Suggestions for Kiva 2010 priority goal/project list to engage existing lenders

[Guest]

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[waywardcats]

In another thread Gerard has suggested that we put together a list of priorities that we think Kiva should have for their 2010 goals and projects list for engaging existing lenders.  This thread is a place to make suggestions for that list.

I've seen some folks in this thread and others saying that they've posted something in this forum that they thing is a good suggestion/want it to be included in priority discussions we have here. It's difficult for us to figure out what's important or what's a community priority versus a pet peeve (most of the time) based on the posts here. I think the best resource to communicate what is a high-priority fix is Diane and the Liaison process.

What might be a good exercise to help us understand what's the cream is to have the community suggest some 2010 goals/projects for Kiva that we can use when talking about core lender engagement.

[AccountAbility]

Okay, the two basic areas needing help for core lenders are:

Better portfolio tools (see portfolio tools thread for details)

Better ways to apply lender criteria to the available loan pool (sorts, wish lists, etc)

Dan

[wthepoo]

I agree with Dan, but want to add three more categories - not just for core lenders, but due to their sheer number of active loans at any given time and money "in the system" they are particularly affected by any shortcomings -:

- Improve system stability and reliability, accounting accuracy (see: http://www.kivafriends.org/index.php/topic,2948.msg68429.html#msg68429), security.

- Improve lender protection against MFI problems and their consequences: Due diligence with MFIs, regular spot checks regarding the accuracy of loan requests (conducted by fellows, staffers, independent auditors, demanding scans of loan documents, etc.), legal framework - possibly collateral or a differently secured position in case of an MFI's bankruptcy -, early warning system, faster and better communicated (see next point) reaction to MFI problems, etc.

- Improve communication with lenders (see my recent suggestions: http://www.kivafriends.org/index.php/topic,4357.msg69021.html#msg69021 - and of course the suggestions of other KFs).

(Summary: no shiny new features, no major new design, no new countries, no videos or other multimedia gimmicks, just work on the very basics of Kiva.)

Best wishes,
Wolfgang.

[RichardF]

Publish the formula for calculating the Field Partner Risk Rating.

• Publish the specific values in the formula for each field partner.
• Publish and date each change in a log that includes what changed and why.

[tomviolence]

Publish the formula for calculating the Field Partner Risk Rating.

[David2051]

- Improve lender protection against MFI problems and their consequences:

Would this include some type of protection against currency loss?  I would like to see some sort of currency loss protection like the big financial institutions use.  Maybe a rating for lender safety that takes into account currency loss protection, default protection, and other factors that may be pertinent, such as the term of loan, group vs. single borrower, etc.

Also more checks and balances in the area of password/account security.  Some of the login security features big financial institutions use.  It sounds like some security improvements are needed in the area of "malicious" withdraws.  Maybe some help with creating passwords like this  http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/passwords/checker.aspx

[Mona]

My personal top goals for Kiva for 2010 would be

1. Find a better way to deal with currency risk than sharing it with lenders.
2. Re-introduce the translation of every loan and every loan update.

[RichardF]

Disburse partially funded listings.  Do NOT refund them!

[cpbailey]

Improve the lending experience.  Figure out a way to manage the supply and demand of loans and lenders.  The ebb and flow is 180 degrees.  1500 loans is overwhelming.  Fewer loans would move quicker.  It is acceptable if some loans don't get funded, imho.  However, right now it is a lost in the crowd issue.

[Dottie b]

(Summary: no shiny new features, no major new design, no new countries, no videos or other multimedia gimmicks, just work on the very basics of Kiva.)

Wolfgang.

YES YES YES YES YES!

Dottie B