Working together on
microfinance and microinsurance
microfinance and microinsurance
KBC staff members who deliver workshops on behalf of BRS to microfinance institutions (MFIs) have one thing in common: genuine enthusiasm. And that certainly applies to Koen Vos and Eric Fraipont.
In April, they travelled to Guinea as guests of FASeF, an umbrella organisation representing 25 local microfinance institutions. Together with BRS advisers Jean Masscheleyn and Johan Tyteca, they delivered a training course on internal control.
The topic clearly resonates with them—so much so that they speak with real passion about risks, matrices and process analysis. But beyond the technical aspects, how did they experience this mission on a personal level? And what motivated them to become BRS volunteers in the first place?
Koen: In 2025, together with BRS and a few colleagues, I gave a webinar for the staff of FASeF. When they later asked me if I wanted to go to Guinea, I gladly said yes. Discovering a new country and culture while also contributing something meaningful to people there—that felt ideal to me. And I was happy Eric was coming along as well.
Eric: Koen and I have been working together for a long time and we complement each other very well. With him on board, I immediately felt confident about it. In my case, our department head presented BRS’s request to the entire team. “Wow! What an opportunity,” I immediately thought. Back in school, when people came to talk about humanitarian projects, it always seemed wonderful to be part of something like that—to make a difference for people with fewer opportunities. Now I had that chance.
Koen: The request for this training actually came from FASeF itself. The idea was that during the workshop we would go through the internal control of one process together with them, so they could then apply the same approach to other processes themselves. Completely in line with the idea that you shouldn’t give people fish, but rather teach them how to fish.
Eric: The process they chose to analyze together was the credit process. We examined it together with FASeF colleagues from Internal Control, their Head of Operations and IT, the financial manager, and the CEO.
Koen: To be honest, I was initially a bit worried it would be a one-way flow, while interactive collaboration is crucial to achieving a broadly supported outcome. But the participants were very motivated.
Eric: Because reality on the ground often turns out differently than expected, we had to adjust regularly. We quickly realized that the risk analysis matrix we use is far too complex for their situation.
Koen: You could say we’re driving a Formula 1 car here, whereas a solid family car is better suited to their systems and way of working.
Eric: Together with them, we simplified the model. We also aligned as much as possible with their processes, their IT system, and especially the reality in their offices. This meant that in the evenings, after the training sessions, we continued working to adapt our course materials for the following day.
Koen: In between sessions, we visited a number of local offices. If you want the results of such training to be embraced at the grassroots level, all 25 cooperatives need to be on board with the story. We also spoke with employees there.
Eric: And with the élus, the elected representatives. In addition to local staff, each office has several élus: people elected by the community to represent them. They are usually older. Some of them cannot read or write, but they are highly respected, and their voice matters.
The same drive
Eric: In the end, exchanging stories and experiences brings the most value. At one point, we discussed fraud. An employee committing fraud can seriously damage your reputation. When sharing tips and tricks on how to deal with this, we weren’t the teachers—we simply exchanged experiences as equals.
Koen: We also told them: “What you’re doing here is exactly the same as what we do in Belgium. Only the environment is different.” That was our guiding principle throughout the workshop. The people at FASeF really know what they’re talking about. We share the same drive and concerns. That creates a strong sense of connection.
Koen: Did we contribute something during that week? We tried to inspire them. We encouraged them to think and showed them possibilities—tools they can use. The fishing rod, so to speak, and even how to build one themselves. Our key question was always: how do you think this would work best?
Eric: Conversely, I found their creative mindset incredibly inspiring. They never say something is impossible; they look for solutions. That means everything is possible. Things always work out in the end.
Koen: What struck me was that people there still know each other personally, even in a professional context. Agencies know their customers, inspectors know their agencies and everyone working there. That creates much stronger connections. We have a formal “Know Your Customer” policy, but there it is simply embedded in daily practice.
Making a difference for others
Eric: Looking back, that week flew by. And yes, it can be tough. It’s extremely hot, you work long days, and car rides can be hard on your back. But it’s absolutely worth it. The connection with the participants, their positive response to the workshop, the great atmosphere within the volunteer team… And above all: you make a difference for others.
Koen: You just have to do it. Don’t think too much about obstacles like the heat or the language. Just go for it. It’s an incredibly enriching experience, and with your knowledge and experience from KBC, you truly make a difference there.
