May 29, 2025

Gojo launches a renewed website and a corporate video

Gojo & Company, Inc. (“Gojo”) is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, featuring new content and improved navigation to better reflect the work and impact of Gojo.

The updated website includes several new sections: 

  • The Client Stories page now includes three stories from clients in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.
  • The Our Global Presence page features an interactive map showing where we work, with more details of our group companies added.
  • The Our Approach page provides a comprehensive overview of the suite of products and services of our group companies, as well as our mission of extending financial inclusion across the globe through transitioning from microcredit to microfinance for our services to be truly inclusive.
  • The Our Impact in Numbers and Our Approach to Impact pages introduce Gojo’s impact at a glance, alongside our newly developed impact measurement framework.

Alongside the website, Gojo has also released a corporate video that captures our mission.

We invite you to visit our updated website and learn more about our work.


About Gojo & Company
Gojo is a Tokyo-based holding company of inclusive financial service providers operating in 14 countries in South & Southeast Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa. Gojo was founded in 2014 to extend financial inclusion across the globe. Gojo Group including major investees is serving more than 2.4 million clients across the globe, through over 10 thousand group employees as of March 2024. Gojo has been a Certified B Corporation™ since January 2025, committed to the continuous improvement of its social and environmental performance.

March 31, 2025

Gojo signs a share purchase agreement with Triodos Investment Management to acquire an additional 16.6% stake in JSC Credo Bank, bringing its ownership to 33.4%

Gojo & Company, Inc. (“Gojo”) is pleased to announce that it entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 16.6% stake in JSC Credo Bank (“Credo”) from Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund (managed by Triodos Investment Management BV) (“Triodos”). This follows Gojo’s initial acquisition of 16.8% stake in December, bringing its total ownership in Credo to 33.4%. This strategic investment reinforces Gojo’s commitment to support Credo to continue pursuing its mission of supporting Georgia’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and their employees to create a better future by offering affordable financial services.

Speaking on this, Caspar Sprokel, Head of Private Equity at Triodos Investment Management, said “Throughout our decade-long journey with Credo, we have witnessed their unwavering commitment to providing a comprehensive range of financial services to underserved communities in Georgia. It has been an exciting journey, as Credo transformed from a credit-only institution into a fully-fledged bank. We believe this is the right time for us to step back, and we are confident that Gojo will bring valuable expertise to further enhance the sustainable growth and development of Credo.”

“Additional equity investment from Gojo will further support Credo Bank's mission to provide sustainable financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs, with a focus on digitalisation and innovative product delivery. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Triodos Investment Management for their support, which has been key to our growth, and we look forward to building on this foundation as we enter the next phase," said Zaza Pirtskhelava, Chief Executive Officer of Credo.

Arnaud Ventura, Managing Partner at Gojo, said “We are honoured to build upon Triodos’ legacy and continue Credo’s journey under our stewardship. This strategic acquisition reflects our confidence in Credo’s team and their commitment to financial inclusion in Georgia. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Credo team to further expand its impact.”

The completion of this transaction is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.


About Triodos Investment Management BV
For over 30 years, Triodos Investment Management has been connecting investors who want to put their money towards lasting, positive change with innovative entrepreneurs and sustainable companies that are doing just that. In this way, Triodos Investment Management acts as a catalyst in those sectors that play a key role in the transition to a fairer, more sustainable and more humane world. Triodos Investment Management’s investment activities focus on five interconnected transition themes: food, resource, energy, societal and wellbeing. Its mission as a financial player is to enable and accelerate these essential transitions. Triodos Investment Management operates globally as an impact investor and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triodos Bank NV. Assets under management per end of 2024: EUR 5.8 billion.

About JSC Credo Bank
Credo is the fifth-largest commercial bank in Georgia. With its wide regional outreach through 96 service centers, it offers fully-fledged and innovative banking services to over 490,000 customers as of February 2025. The bank’s mission is to support Georgia’s micro, small and medium sized entrepreneurs, and their employees to create a better future by offering affordable financial services.

About Gojo & Company
Gojo is a Tokyo-based holding company of inclusive financial service providers operating in 14* countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa. Gojo was founded in 2014 to extend financial inclusion across the globe. Gojo Group including major investees is serving more than 2.4 million clients across the globe, through over 10 thousand group employees as of March 2024. Gojo is a Certified B Corporation™, committed to the continuous improvement of its social and environmental performance.

*The number of countries was changed from 13 to 14 (edited on April 25, 2025).

March 17, 2025

Gojo introduces a new website for Pasio, a digital finance programme for young entrepreneurs, with its partner Education Above All (EAA) Foundation

Gojo & Company, Inc. (“Gojo”) and Education Above All (EAA) Foundation are pleased to announce the Pasio programme's success, an initiative that is currently supporting young entrepreneurs in the rural areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia with income-generating loans. EAA Foundation (rebranded from Silatech) is a global foundation based in Doha, Qatar, aiming to transform lives through education and employment opportunities for international social development. Since its launch in 2023, the Pasio programme has supported young entrepreneurs through a three-tiered approach:

Firstly, the Pasio App provides complete transparency in loan processes, integrates financial management tools, and ensures data security with advanced protection measures. Available in three countries, the app supports local languages to enhance accessibility. Secondly, the Pasio Digital Storefront allows entrepreneurs to create online shops, showcase products and services, and share their pages via social media to expand their reach. Complementing these tools is the Pasio Online Community, a network that connects young business owners, fosters collaboration, and delivers tailored educational insights to support business growth. 

Images: Pasio App (top left), Pasio Digital Storefront (top right), and Pasio Community (bottom).

As of January 2025, the Pasio programme has achieved:

  • 81,000+ youth1 receiving income-generating loans disbursed,
  • 26,000+ Pasio Storefront users,
  • 11,000+ online community members,
  • 8,000+ Pasio App users

In line with this progress, Gojo and EAA Foundation are delighted to announce the launch of the newly revamped Pasio website, designed to provide insights into the programme and the successes achieved by clients. 

Commenting on the Pasio programme's success, Hassan Al Mulla, Executive Director of Silatech Program, EAA Foundation, emphasised the importance of financial empowerment for youth:

"At EAA Foundation, we believe that financial inclusion and digital literacy are fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty. The Pasio programme stands as an example of how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change, equipping young entrepreneurs with the resources and digital tools needed to build and sustain their businesses. Together with Gojo, we are not only fostering business growth but also creating lasting economic opportunities, strengthening resilience, and empowering youth in underserved communities. We look forward to expanding this impact and unlocking new pathways to prosperity for the next generation."

Gürol Michael Sari, Chief Operating Officer at Gojo, said “Financial empowerment extends beyond access; it requires providing entrepreneurs with skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While financial literacy has been a focus in the microfinance sector, digital literacy drives change—teaching entrepreneurs to leverage technology to improve their businesses and lives. The Pasio programme creates pathways for sustainable livelihoods by ensuring small business owners in rural areas gain financial access and develop digital skills to compete and grow. With EAA Foundation’s support, we're extending our reach, empowering more entrepreneurs with the tools they need for success. Gojo is proud to be part of this successful effort and looks forward to enhancing our impact in the years ahead.”

As the Pasio programme continues to grow, Gojo and EAA Foundation are committed to exploring new avenues for expansion and enhancement. The next phase of the programme will focus on scaling financial services, further strengthening digital literacy, and broadening access to economic opportunities for underserved communities.


About Education Above All Foundation
The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education and employment opportunities. They believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through their multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, they aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of marginalised children and youths. EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To All (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Silatech, Innovation Development (ID) and Together project.

About Gojo & Company
Gojo is a Tokyo-based holding company of inclusive financial service providers operating in 13 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa. Gojo was founded in 2014 to extend financial inclusion across the globe. Gojo Group including major investees is serving more than 2.4 million clients across the globe, through over 10 thousand group employees as of March 2024. Gojo is a Certified B Corporation™, committed to the continuous improvement of its social and environmental performance.


Footnotes

  1. The Pasio programme beneficiaries are aged 18-35. ↩︎

February 28, 2025

Gojo further expands its business in Tajikistan with investment in CJSC Bank Arvand as its second investment in the country

Gojo & Company, Inc. (“Gojo”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 9.0% stake in CJSC Bank Arvand (“Arvand”), a commercial bank in Tajikistan in November 2024. This is Gojo's second investment in the country following the investment in CJSC MDO “HUMO” in 2021. Arvand is the fourth largest financial institution including banks and micro credit deposit organizations in Tajikistan, having obtained its banking license in 2019. Gojo will progressively work towards strong collaboration and support Arvand in its mission to provide appropriate and high-quality financial services to entrepreneurs and individuals, with the aim of stimulating the economic and social growth of Tajikistan.

Arvand offers unsecured loans which enable low-income households and micro-entrepreneurs to increase their income and improve their living standards, achieving a Gross Loan Portfolio of USD 115 million as of December 2024. In addition to loans, Arvand provides a wide range of financial services, including deposit accounts, remittances, online banking, currency exchange, ATM cards, and cash management solutions.  Arvand’s strategic focus on digitalisation has successfully driven significant progress, with more than 65% of client transactions now being conducted through digital channels. Beyond financial services, Arvand supports its clients with non-financial offerings such as training programs and consultations on financial literacy.

Ms. Shoira Sodiqova, Chief Executive Officer at Arvand, said “The investment from a globally recognised and highly reputable international investor like Gojo is a testament to the trust we have earned and the results of our ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality, essential financial services to the unbanked. We aim to expand opportunities for clients by enhancing both the scale and quality of our services, solidifying our position as a leader in sustainable finance. With Gojo, it will be possible.”

“Arvand is one of the most trusted and respected banks serving the micro and SME clients of Tajikistan, and we are very pleased to partner with them. This is Gojo’s second investment in Tajikistan which underscores our confidence in the depth of the market and the robust regulatory regime. We remain optimistic about the country’s future and look forward to supporting the growth and development of Bank Arvand.” said Sohil Shah, Principal and Head of VC at Gojo.

Gojo acquired Arvand shares from Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund (managed by Triodos Investment Management), Rural Impulse Fund II (managed by Incofin Investment Management), and from Arvand (treasury stock).


About CJSC Bank Arvand
Arvand is a leading financial institution in Tajikistan’s microfinance sector, dedicated to empowering low-income families, micro-entrepreneurs, and small businesses to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic growth. With a network of approximately 70 service points and a team of 900 skilled professionals nationwide as of December 2024, Arvand delivers innovative and inclusive financial services to over 317,000 clients, including 54,000 borrowers. As a market pioneer in implementing an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, Arvand has made significant strides in promoting sustainable finance. Notably, 10% of its loan portfolio is dedicated to Green Finance initiatives. The bank also demonstrates a strong commitment to social inclusion, with 42% of its borrowers being women, over 70% residing in rural areas, and 33% classified as low-income individuals. Additionally, approximately 30% of Arvand’s offices are strategically located in remote regions of Tajikistan, ensuring access to financial services for underserved communities.

About Gojo & Company
Gojo is a Tokyo-based holding company of inclusive financial service providers operating in 13 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa. Gojo was founded in 2014 to extend financial inclusion across the globe. Gojo Group including major investees is serving more than 2.4 million clients across the globe, through over 10 thousand group employees as of March 2024. Gojo is a Certified B Corporation™, committed to the continuous improvement of its social and environmental performance.

January 17, 2025

Gojo becomes a B Corp Certified organisation, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive impact

Gojo & Company, Inc. ("Gojo") is pleased to announce that the global non-profit organisation B Lab Global™ (“B Lab”) issued a "B Corp™" (“B Corp”) certification for Gojo as of January 2025, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive effect with its business activities. SATYA MicroCapital, Ananya Finance for Inclusive Growth, and Prayas Financial Services in India, alongside seven other group companies of Gojo, were included in the scope of the assessment.

Founded in 2006, B Lab has the goal of fostering a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet by assessing and reporting which businesses generate such benefits. Through its rigorous certification process, B Lab verifies whether companies meet their high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To obtain the B Corp certification, companies must complete a B Impact Assessment™ journey and earn an audited minimum score of 80 out of 200 maximum points. Furthermore, they are required to undergo periodic re-assessments every three years, with the aim of continuously strengthening the benefits they bring to society and the planet.

At the time of signing the Declaration of Interdependence with B Lab, Gojo had reached a score of 102.8. According to the final B Corp assessment, Gojo performs especially well in its mission-centric governance and its positive impact on Customers, Workers, and Communities, scoring well above the average of the sector in all four of these categories. Please see “Our B Corp™ Certification” for more details.

In addition to seeking external evaluations such as B Corp, Gojo continues its own monitoring and auditing activities to constantly enhance its business practices and minimise any risks of negative impact. An effort is ongoing to fully certify Gojo’s consolidated group companies on client protection measures, with four of them already certified for their Client Protection Standards. With a vision to create a world where everyone can determine their future, Gojo is fully committed to positively impacting the lives of its end clients by offering financial services to grow their businesses and improve their livelihood, based on input from all stakeholders.

“We are truly delighted to welcome Gojo & Company, which provides microfinance services in developing nations, as a member of B Corp. Gojo’s business positively impacts the world by providing concrete solutions to tackle social issues. We look forward to seeing Gojo’s continued success and further contributions as a member of the B Corp community.”  said Ms. Yuki Mizobuchi, Co-Lead of B Market Builder Japan.

"We are incredibly proud to officially join the B Corp movement today," said Arnaud Ventura, Managing Partner of Gojo. "This designation demonstrates to our clients, employees, group companies, investors, and communities that we are committed to continuous improvement as we work to balance both social and economic returns and use financial services as a force for good. We couldn't have achieved this milestone without the passion of our colleagues at Gojo and at our group companies who are all part of this process. The journey to keep improving on our social performance and impact is only starting now."

As a Certified B Corporation, Gojo and its group companies redouble their commitment to creating a world of "People Using Business as a Force for Good ®", and will be working with B Lab and the global B Corp Network to continuously improve on impact assessment metrics. This certification will allow Gojo to join an international community of impact-focused companies, a precious opportunity to learn and share best practices and new ideas to further social and environmental goals. This will help Gojo expand on its Guiding Principles and demonstrate its steadfast commitment and dedication to creating a better world for everyone.


About Gojo & Company
Gojo is a Tokyo-based holding company of inclusive financial service providers operating in 13 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa. Gojo was founded in 2014 to extend financial inclusion across the globe. Gojo Group including major investees is serving more than 2.4 million clients across the globe, through over 10 thousand group employees as of March 2024. Gojo is a Certified B Corporation™ since January 2025, committed to the continuous improvement of its social and environmental performance.

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