Research Methodology – Microlending Market
At Straits Research, we adopt a rigorous 360° research approach that integrates both primary and secondary research methodologies. This ensures accuracy, reliability, and actionable insights for stakeholders. Our methodology for the Microlending Market comprises the following key stages:
Market Indicator & Macro-Factor Analysis
Our baseline thesis for the Microlending Market is developed by integrating key market indicators and macroeconomic variables. These include:
Factors considered while calculating market size and share:
- Number of microfinance institutions operating in the market.
- The current and potential customer base for microlending services.
- Value of loans disbursed and their average size.
- Repayment rates and default rates.
- Regulatory framework and its impact on the market.
- Level of competition in the market, taking into account both traditional banks and non-banking entities.
- Level of financial inclusion and poverty rates in the market.
- Technology penetration and usage rates, such as smartphone and internet usage.
Key Market Indicators:
- Market capitalisation of microlending entities.
- Rate of growth or decline in the value of loans disbursed.
- Rate of growth or decline in the number of loans disbursed.
- Rate of growth or decline in the number of microfinance institutions.
- Changes in the regulatory environment, such as new laws or regulations affecting the market.
- Trends in interest rates impacting microlending.
- Changes in technology, such as new fintech applications impacting the market.
Growth Trends:
- Increase in the use of technology, such as mobile banking and digital lending platforms.
- Growth in the number of microfinance institutions and their market reach.
- Changes in the demographic profile of customers, such as an increase in young or female customers.
- Increasing interest and investment in social impact lending.
- Expansion of microlending services into new regions or markets.
- Trends towards larger loan sizes or longer loan terms.
Secondary Research
Our secondary research forms the foundation of market understanding and scope definition. We collect and analyze information from multiple reliable sources to map the overall ecosystem of the Microlending Market. Key inputs include:
Company-Level Information
- Annual reports, investor presentations, SEC filings
- Company press releases and product launch announcements
- Public executive interviews and earnings calls
- Strategy briefings and M&A updates
Industry and Government Sources
- Country-level industry associations and trade bodies
- Government dossiers, policy frameworks, and official releases
- Whitepapers, working papers, and public R&D initiatives
- Relevant Associations for the Microlending Market
Market Intelligence Sources
- Broker reports and financial analyst coverage
- Paid databases (Hoovers, Factiva, Refinitiv, Reuters, Statista, etc.)
- Import/export trade data and tariff databases
- Sector-specific journals, magazines, and news portals
Macro & Consumer Insights
- Global macroeconomic indicators and their cascading effect on the industry
- Demand–supply outlook and value chain analysis
- Consumer behaviour, adoption rates, and commercialization trends
Primary Research
To validate and enrich our secondary findings, we conduct extensive primary research with industry stakeholders across the value chain. This ensures we capture both qualitative insights and quantitative validation. Our primary research includes:
Expert Insights & KOL Engagements
- Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Engagements
- Structured interviews with executives, product managers, and domain experts
- Paid and barter-based interviews across manufacturers, distributors, and end-users
Focused Discussions & Panels
- Discussions with stakeholders to validate demand-supply gaps
- Group discussions on emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and adoption barriers
Data Validation & Business POV
- Cross-verification of market sizing and forecasts with industry insiders
- Capturing business perspectives on growth opportunities and restraints
Data Triangulation & Forecasting
The final step of our research involves data triangulation ensuring accuracy through cross-verification of:
- Demand-side analysis (consumption patterns, adoption trends, customer spending)
- Supply-side analysis (production, capacity, distribution, and market availability)
- Macroeconomic & microeconomic impact factors
Forecasting is carried out using proprietary models that combine:
- Time-series analysis
- Regression and correlation studies
- Baseline modeling
- Expert validation at each stage
Outcome
The outcome is a comprehensive and validated market model that captures:
- Market sizing (historical, current, forecast)
- Growth drivers and restraints
- Opportunity mapping and investment hotspots
- Competitive positioning and strategic insights