This course examines the strategic and operational issues that practitioners, regulators, and funders need to understand and address in the transformation of an NGO to a regulated deposit taking institution. It draws on the many lessons learned during the last decade or so as institutions around the world have completed the transformation process, and introduces concrete tools and checklists for those embarking on this journey. The course starts with an examination of basic principles in mobilizing savings from the public. From this foundation, the course explores the various strategic issues that need to be addressed in a transformation: marketing and competitive positioning, funding, ownership, and legal issues. Special emphasis will be given to governance as a key contributing factor to a successful transformation. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of good governance with respect to transforming institutions, the role of the board in balancing social and profit-oriented missions, alignment of stakeholder interests and fiduciary responsibilities of a for-profit board. In addition, the key operational implications of a transformation, including human resource management, systems and controls, and branch operations are reviewed. Each critical issue area will draw from relevant case studies and introduce concrete tools and checklists for participants to use in their own contexts.