ASA International Group plc - Board Update

ASA International Group plc (LSE: ASAI), one of the world's largest international microfinance institutions announces today that that Chris Low has decided to step down as non executive Chairman and as a Director, with immediate effect. To ensure continuity, Guy Dawson, who previously served as non executive Chairman, will resume this role. 

Chris Low, said:

"It has been a privilege to be involved with ASA International for the past three years. In particular, as Executive Chairman over the last six months, I led the processes which culminated in the appointment of Rob Keijsers as our new Group CEO and a review which supported the development and Board approval of an enhanced growth strategy.

With the new executive management team in place and the Group performing well, now is the opportune time for me to step away, particularly as I am involved in a number of other business interests. I wish the Group all success for its future growth and in its vital work to enhance financial inclusion for low income entrepreneurs."

Guy Dawson, added:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and valued contribution to ASA International, first as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and latterly in his role as Executive Chairman. Chris moves on with the Company in good shape and with our very best wishes for the future. Having participated in the process to appoint Rob Keijsers as Group CEO as well as the Board's strategy review, I am fully confident in ASA International delivering sustainable growth going forward."

Guy Dawson will now Chair the Nomination Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

Contact Details

ASA International Group plc

Investor Relations

Jonathan Berger

ir@asa-international.com

2025 Annual General Meeting

As a result of Chris Low standing down, the Board has decided to withdraw Resolution 4 from the agenda of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Resolution 4 proposed the re-election of Chris Low as a Director and is therefore now redundant following this announcement. The withdrawal of Resolution 4 does not affect the validity of the 2025 AGM Notice, the proxy form or any proxy votes already submitted in respect of the remaining resolutions to be proposed at the AGM. The numbering of all other proposed resolutions at the AGM remains unchanged.

Notes to Editors

Guy Dawson became a Non-Executive Director of ASA International Holding in 2013 and became a Director of ASA International Group plc on 28 June 2018. He became Chairman of the Board on 1 January 2021 and served in this role until 31 October 2024. From 1 November 2024, Mr Dawson remained an Independent Non-Executive Director of ASA International Group plc until the resumption of his role as Chairman as of the date of this announcement. He is also currently a Non-Executive Director of Egerton Capital and Citywire Holdings.

This announcement is made pursuant to Listing Rule 6.4.6R. In accordance with LR 6.4.8R, the Company confirms that there is no information to be disclosed in terms of LR 6.4.8R (1) to LR 6.4.8R (6) inclusive in respect of Guy Dawson.

About ASA International

ASA International Group plc (LSE: ASAI) is one of the world's largest international microfinance institutions, with a strong commitment to financial inclusion and socioeconomic progress. The company provides small, socially responsible loans to low-income, financially underserved entrepreneurs, predominantly women, across South Asia, South East Asia, West and East Africa.

Disclaimer

'ASA International', the 'Company', the 'Group' all refer to ASA International Group plc and its subsidiaries.

This announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, nor any solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell, or otherwise dispose of any securities. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restriction.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated by the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No.596/2014, as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

The person responsible for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company for the purposes of MAR is Martijn Bollen, Chief Legal Officer.