Our events

SME banking Leaders’s league was launched with the discussion on leading innovations at a global level: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/post/round-table-leading-innovations-in-sme-finance-a-leadership-perspective. Thereafter SME Banking Leaders’ League dialogue was held in the Global SME Finance Forum in Johannesburg (Africa edition), and at Singapore Fintech Festival https://www.fintechfestival.sg/agenda/agn78-sme-banking-leaders-league-from-groundbreaking-to-game-changing Asia (edition). We are headed towards the launch of the Americas edition at the Global SME Finance Forum, Washington DC, USA, Sept 2026. However we would like to gain a global check-in taking into account rapid market developments and also considering that not all the members would be able to make it in person, hence we would like their voices to be incorporated into our action agenda.

Hence this virtual SME Banking Leaders league dialogue would focus on the themes for our upcoming conference. Objective would be to review the problems we need to solve, reflect on the content/agenda and agree on prioritization and problem statements to focus.

1. Segment 1: Market Layer

• • Cross-border trade rails and digital commerce for SMEs
  • Embedded finance within digital platforms and marketplaces
  • Financing agriculture value chains and smallholder ecosystems
  • Interoperability, standards, and digital trade corridors enabling SME market access
  • The role of stable coins and emerging technologies in cross-border payments
  • Insurance and risk management for SME

A select sub-group of 3-5 leaders’ league members (divided into presenters and discussants) would be requested to share their perspectives and suggest 1-2 problem statements to consider.

2. Segment 2: Capital Layer

• • Blended finance structures to mobilize institutional capital for SMEs
  • Climate and transition finance solutions for SME resilience and sustainability
  • Tokenized assets and digital capital markets for SME financing
  • Risk-sharing mechanisms and capital structures tailored to SME financing needs

A select sub-group of 3-5 leaders’ league members (divided into presenters and discussants) would be requested to share their perspectives and suggest 1-2 problem statements to consider.

3. Segment 3: Technology Layer

• • Artificial intelligence and alternative data in SME credit assessment 
  • Digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion, including women and youth-led SMEs
  • Reducing onboarding friction for SMEs through digital identity & KYB innovation
  • Energy access and productive use for SME growth
  • Talent development and digital capacity building within SME ecosystems

A select sub-group of 3-5 leaders’ league members (divided into presenters and discussants) would be requested to share their perspectives and suggest 1-2 problem statements to consider.

We would also discuss what capacity building needs would the financial institutions have in the next 3-5 years and where they feel advisory needs the most.