Question 1

What is Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES)?

Accepted Answer

Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) is a cooperative financial institution serving the Nord-Ouest department of Haiti. With its headquarters in Port-de-Paix, KOPLES provides savings, credit, and other financial services to thousands of members across one of Haiti's most geographically isolated regions.

As of September 2022, KOPLES serves 28,513 members through two service points and maintains assets of approximately 705.7 million gourdes (approximately $5.3 million USD). The institution operates as part of Haiti's caisse populaire movement, which represents the country's most important formal financial service provider.

Question 2

When was Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) founded?

Accepted Answer

The constitutional assembly of KOPLES took place on November 2, 1999. The institution was founded by a group of citizens who wanted to provide the economically underserved Nord-Ouest department with an accessible financial tool.

KOPLES began operations in February 2000 and received its official authorization to function from the Conseil National des Coopératives (CNC) on December 19, 2006. This authorization came following the implementation of Haiti's June 26, 2002 law governing credit unions and savings cooperatives.

Question 3

Where is Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) headquartered?

Accepted Answer

KOPLES is headquartered in Port-de-Paix, the capital city of Haiti's Nord-Ouest department. Specifically, the head office is located at the intersection of Notre-Dame and Dumarsais Estimé streets in Port-de-Paix.

The institution also operates a secondary service point (comptoir) within the department to extend its geographic reach.

Question 4

Where does Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) operate?

Accepted Answer

KOPLES operates exclusively throughout the Nord-Ouest department of Haiti. This northwestern region is considered one of the country's most geographically isolated and economically underserved areas.

The institution serves communities across the entire department from its two service locations, bringing financial services to populations that have historically lacked access to formal banking.

Question 5

What services does Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) offer?

Accepted Answer

KOPLES provides a range of financial services to its member-owners, including:

Savings Products: The cooperative offers various savings accounts designed to help members build financial security and prepare for emergencies or future projects.

Credit Services: KOPLES extends loans to members based on responsible lending principles, helping them finance economic activities and personal needs.

Money Transfer Services: The institution facilitates domestic and international money transfers for its members.

Foreign Exchange: KOPLES provides currency exchange services, allowing members to buy and sell foreign currencies.

Question 6

What makes Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) unique?

Accepted Answer

In April 2023, KOPLES received national recognition as Haiti's best caisse populaire of the year. This distinction was awarded at the 13th International Summit on Finance based on the Banque de la République d'Haïti's CAMELI rating system (Capitalization, Assets, Management, Financial Equilibrium, Liquidity, Information).

KOPLES ranked first among 20 of Haiti's largest credit unions evaluated by the central bank. The award recognized KOPLES for its superior governance, contribution to economic revitalization, and effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion in rural areas.

The cooperative's success is particularly noteworthy given that it serves one of Haiti's most challenging markets—the geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged Nord-Ouest department.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES)?

Accepted Answer

KOPLES is a Caisse Populaire (credit union), the Haitian term for a financial cooperative. In Haiti, caisses populaires are member-owned financial institutions that operate under cooperative principles established by the Alliance Coopérative Internationale (International Cooperative Alliance).

KOPLES functions according to Haitian cooperative legislation, particularly the June 26, 2002 law on savings and credit cooperatives. As a regulated financial cooperative, KOPLES must register with the Conseil National des Coopératives (CNC) and operates under the supervision of the Banque de la République d'Haïti through its Direction Générale de l'Inspection des Caisses Populaires (DGCPH).

The institution is governed democratically by its member-owners through an elected administrative structure including a seven-member Board of Directors, a three-member Credit Committee, and a three-member Surveillance Committee. Day-to-day operations are managed by a General Director supported by a staff of 30 employees.

Question 8

How is Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) affiliated within Haiti's cooperative sector?

Accepted Answer

KOPLES is a member of ANACAPH (Association Nationale des Caisses Populaires Haïtiennes), the National Association of Haitian Credit Unions founded in 1998. ANACAPH provides regulatory oversight, capacity building, and technical assistance to its member institutions.

KOPLES is also affiliated with Le Levier, a federation of Haitian credit unions. Le Levier provides additional services including liquidity management, information technology support, and strategic planning assistance to strengthen the cooperative financial sector.

These affiliations connect KOPLES to a broader network of approximately 56 caisses populaires operating across Haiti's ten departments, representing the country's largest formal financial services network.

Question 9

What is KOPLES's mission and vision?

Accepted Answer

Vision: To be an economic and financial partner for the population of the Nord-Ouest department, working toward sustainable development and community prosperity.

Mission: To offer savings and credit products to members under the best possible conditions while contributing to their economic and social education.

These statements reflect KOPLES's commitment to both financial service delivery and member empowerment through education—a hallmark of the cooperative banking philosophy.

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About Koperativ Pou Lespwa (KOPLES) in Haiti