### Question
How is the "microfinance institution" defined?


### Answer
The term **microfinance institution** is defined in *22 U.S.C. § 2214a* as follows -

> a not-for-profit entity or a regulated financial intermediary that directly provides, or works to expand, the availability of credit, savings, and other financial services to microfinance and microenterprise clients in foreign countries

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 2214a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 32-FOREIGN ASSISTANCE > SUBCHAPTER I-INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT > Part II-Other Programs > subpart vi-microenterprise development assistance > Division D-Miscellaneous Provisions**

