Our events

Background: 

SMEs are the backbone of economies worldwide and contribute significantly to job creation. Access to financial services is cited as the key barrier to most SMEs inhibiting their growth. Financial Institutions have a significant role to play, especially in the face of the $5.7 trillion MSME finance gap.  

Objective: 

As we have seen across multiple financial institutions, when the SME finance business is driven by the CEOs of the institutions, it gets the right focus, builds strong business momentum and delivers lasting market impact.

Hence, we plan to bring together CEOs from members institutions of the SME Finance Forum to give a view from the top and hear how the SME agenda is being driven in their organization. CEOs will share how they leverage the latest trends and enablers towards market impact, creating livelihoods and ensuring SMEs succeed, create jobs and grow, while ensuring responsible and sustainable solutions are rendered to the market.   

Discussion topics: 

• The role of digital and alternate lenders 

• Fueling SME growth to create jobs 

• Enhancing cross border trade 

• Leadership in an AI world 

Participants: 

• Carissa Reiniger, CEO, Silver Lining
• Pallavi Shrivastava, Co-founder & Director, Progcap
• Saad Muashar, Chairman, Jordan Ahli Bank
• Wagner Murgel, CEO, Seu Ativo
• Ashraf Abdelfattah, CEO, Beltone

Format: 

This is a 90-minute virtual peer roundtable during which every group member has an opportunity to present his experience to the full roundtable for immediate comment and feedback. 

Expected Outcomes: 

Actionable Insights: Practical strategies and recommendations for enhancing SME finance and for creating impact and jobs. 

Partnerships: Strengthened collaborations between member organizations and a CEO coalition for future change. 

Organizer: 
The SME Finance Forum, Managed by IFC.
The SME Finance Forum works to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses by transfer of best practices through a global membership network that includes financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions.