Purpose Regulations to promote sanity in microfinance institutions and improve their operational problems yielded some results but lacked equal voice for effective implementation for its full realization. Much therefore has not changed in sub-Sahara African countries, though various types of regulation for microfinance exist. The nature and implementation of such policies therefore matter more than their mere presence. This paper aims to evaluate the nature of microfinance financial policies, given their social nature and the dynamism of their operational environment, and explores factors mitigating effective implementation of microfinance policy in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the management and other officials of 63 microfinance institutions, and the outcome was organized into graphs and tables for descriptive analysis. Findings The results identified adequate adapted prudential regulation for microfinance institutions, but the formulation process lacked user input and adequate supervision, hindering effective sector policy implementation. The author therefore recommends a more inclusive and participatory policy formulation approach, creation of information platform for complete microfinance data through semi-autonomous supervisory body for microfinance services and regular full stakeholder engagement. Research limitations/implications Though the study is limited to tier-two microfinance institutions in Accra, it is evident that the results can be applied to the entire sector and across national borders because microfinance institutions exhibit similar or same characteristics. Originality/value This paper has not been submitted to or published by any other journal. The author certifies that the content of this paper is the product of his own work, and that other sources used in preparing this paper and their respective sources have been duly acknowledged.

Although numerous articles have been published globally on microfinance (MF), essentially highlighting the need to regulate microfinance institutions (MFIs), none of these, to the knowledge of the researcher, specifically explore in profundity the formulation process of financial monitoring policies (FMPs), their implementation, and the challenges MFIs encounter in implementing these policies. The wave of distressed and failing of MFIs in Ghana and the loss of hard-earned thrift deposits of the poor, therefore demand for this investigation. This study consequently viaducts the gap and contributes to the debate by reviewing the specific financial policies pertaining to MFIs, their formulation, implementation of such policies, and the challenges MFIs encounter relating to those policies. Also introduced into the MF research arena, is the concept of implementation theory to move knowledge frontier forward. Further, the outcome will be of particular relevance to all emerging economies who view MFls as praxis for poverty alleviation, employment creation and addressing inequality. The study adopted a mixed research approach, with both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from a sample of 65 MFIs in Accra through a self-administered, Likert-scaled questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0, with results presented in frequency tables, figures, correlation tables, and cross-tabulations. The findings reveal that FMPs exist for MFIs in Ghana – Accra, particularly. However, regulation formulation is shown to be lopsided, with implementation of FMPs, and monitoring and supervision thereof, also found to be deficient. The results further indicate that using minimum capital as a tool to ensuring efficiency in the sector, is a major obstacle to overcome to create an impetus for regulatory non-compliance. Based on the findings, the research recommends consideration by policymakers and MFI monitoring units to create a semi-autonomous institution, the National Microfinance Promotion Authority, to regulate and supervise the MFIs in Ghana. It is also recommended that research focus be shifted to policy implementation regarding MF operations.

The need to regulate microfinance institutions (MFIs) was advocated and researched yet lacks purposeful in-depth exploring studies of the formulation process of financial monitoring policies, their implementation and accompanying challenges. Consequently, this study contributes by reviewing the specific financial policies for microfinance in Ghana and assesses factors mitigating effective implementation of such policies. It also introduces implementation theory into the MF research arena, thus shifting MF research focus.The study revealed that policies formulated for MFIs in Ghana and elsewhere are skewed and policy implementation, monitoring and supervision found to be less effective. The results further identified inadequate support structures and large unlicensed profit-oriented informal microfinance operations in Ghana as major obstacles to efficient implementation of microfinance policies. This paper therefore recommends the creation of a semi-autonomous institution, the National Microfinance Oversight Authority, to license, regulate and supervise the informal microfinance institutions in Ghana.

Deficient policy formulation processes and inadequate monitoring and supervision remain factors impeding the growth of microfinance in sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores issues mitigating policy implementation for microfinance institutions to propose a framework that will integrate stakeholders in the microfinance sector for effective financial policy implementation and promotion of microfinance performance and growth. The article proposes financial monitoring policy ownership structure and argues for the creation of an independent national microfinance supervisory authority as an alternative to ensuring effective implementation of microfinance policies in Ghana. This framework, the authors argue, will enhance stakeholder engagement in police formulation and create the necessary implementation environment, with adequate information, in which policy implementation for microfinance will flourish.

Aim: This study explores the influence of financial variables on undiversifiable risk in emerging markets. Methodology: Eight financial variables are examined as determinants of systematic risk.  Five years financial data, 2016-2020, of 14 multi-sector non-financial firms listed on Ghana Stock Exchange was used. A descriptive, regression analysis and multicollinearity analysis was performed to arrive at the study results. Results: Results based on the five years of financial data indicated that liquidity, leverage, operating efficiency, dividend payout and market value of equity have negative relationship while profitability, firm size and growth have positive relationship with systematic risk. Conclusion: Except for profitability and growth, the significant relation of the other variables to beta shows that both investors and managers can utilize their movements to make sound financial decisions that will enhance value.