Boulder Institute of Microfinance

Dr. Baydas is a leading expert in the field of development finance with research and practical skills focusing on the commercialization of microfinance through service companies and banking sector partnerships.  She is a founding partner of the Development Innovations Group where she currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director. Previously, she established and served as the Director/General Manager of AMEEN sal, the largest microfinance organization in Lebanon, where she pioneered partnerships between CHF International and three leading commercial banks and managed a portfolio turnover exceeding $30 Million.  In addition, Dr. Baydas served as the Associate Director for CHF International’s Office of Development Finance.  She is a recognized specialist in microfinance market assessments, with over 15 years of research and applied experience in examining the provision of financial and non-financial services to the working poor.  Dr. Baydas has working experience in several regions around the world, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, as well as a number of countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.  She possesses strong skills and expertise in operational management of financial institutions, evaluation of microfinance organizations, econometrics, and policy analysis.  Dr. Baydas previously served as a Professional Researcher and Lecturer at the University of California, Davis, and has been a lecturer at the Boulder Microfinance Training Program for the past 3 years.  She has presented at numerous microfinance seminars and conferences to scholars, policy makers and practitioners. Dr. Baydas has several professional publications, including a chapter in the book Housing Microfinance: A Guide to Practice (Kumarian Press, 2004), and the paper “The Role of Commercial Banks in Microfinance” in the USAID-Sponsored Microfinance Best Practice Publication Series.