20 Lex Mundi Member Firms Have Supported Kiva's Work to Provide "Loans that Change Lives"`

Driven by a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive, Kiva works to transform the landscape of microcredit and entrepreneurship in the developing world by offering a web-based system of microfinance that empowers individuals to lend to entrepreneurs across the globe.

Through its website, www.kiva.org, micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries make loan requests to create or expand their business enterprises to improve their lives and their families’ futures. After browsing loan requests, individual lenders select projects – funding as little as $25 and as much as the entire amount of the loan – and receive regular progress reports from the entrepreneur until the loan is repaid.

The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation and 20 Lex Mundi member firms have played critical roles in helping Kiva carryout its innovative mission for more than 10 years. Lex Mundi member firms have provided advice and support on projects including compliance, research, and registration in several countries. With the Foundation’s help, Kiva has successfully grown in every major region of the world.

Most recently, five Lex Mundi Member firms generously provided counsel to Kiva as they explore a new lending model in six jurisdictions. Peroni Sosa Tellechea Burt & Narvaja (Paraguay), Rajah & Tann LLP (Singapore and Cambodia), Prez Bustamante & Ponce (Ecuador), Moghaizel Law Office (Lebanon), and Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles (Philippines) all provided Kiva with detailed research and guidance on local regulations to consider as they think through expanding their lending programming in these countries.

The Foundation’s work with Kiva clearly shows the power and breadth of the Lex Mundi network which Kiva’s General Counsel, Austin Choi, recognized stating: “[The Lex Mundi] network of global law firms has been extremely valuable in our efforts to expand and deepen our international operations.”

“Work by Lex Mundi is always top notch and pro bono work provides important benefits to the community that may not be readily obtained,” said Gianella Gallegos, an attorney at Prez Bustamante & Ponce who recently assisted on the Kiva project. “All lawyers should be involved in pro bono work not only because of professional responsibility but because of the great experience and the opportunity to assist people, thus enriching legal knowledge. I hope that our work for Kiva will allow the people of Ecuador and of other places to access funds that otherwise would not be available.”

News On Purpose

In this Issue

  • 2023 Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Awardees
  • Ensuring No Woman Delivers in the Dark
  • Lex Mundi Recognized at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
  • Unleashing the Full Potential of Scientists Worldwide

Awards Honor 5 Lex Mundi Member Law Firms for Providing Critical Pro Bono Legal Services and Support to Social Impact Organizations

The 14th Annual Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Awards were announced during the 2023 Lex Mundi Connect + Collaborate Annual Conference in San Francisco on Thursday, May 4, 20023. These awards honor Lex Mundi member law firms that provide critical pro bono legal services – helping to strengthen the global rule of law, support the global social entrepreneurship movement, and improve lives, the environment, and communities around the world.

Guidance on Authorized Transactions Related to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Syria

This guidance responds to specific questions OFAC received related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and explains how to provide legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people in compliance with U.S. sanctions.

News On Purpose

In This Issue

  • 2022 in Review: Climbing Mountains and Breaking Records
  • New Blue: An Incubator for Reform-Minded Officers Reflects on Tyre Nichols
  • Mercy Corps: A Vision for Resilience in the Caribbean
  • Felix Organization: Adoptees Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Sheila Jaffe Give Back

Lex Mundi Wins Prestigious Catalyst Business Commitment Badge at the World Economic Forum

Lex Mundi has been awarded a Catalyst Business Commitment badge at this year’s World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, following the work of the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation to support social enterprise.

News On Purpose

In This Issue:

  • Engaging Stakeholders: “Removing roadblocks between inspiration and impact”
  • Illuminating Futures: Addressing energy poverty with Solar Buddy
  • Public Health in a Time of War: Supporting SAFEMed in Ukraine
  • The Extreme Challenge of Modern Slavery: Hope for Justice/Slave-Free Alliance