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The Global SME Finance Awards proudly celebrates financial institutions leading the way with inventive products and services tailored for SMEs. Now in its eighth year, these awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements in broadening financial access and providing impactful support to SME’s.

This roundtable showcase exemplary innovations and achievements from this year’s awardees, representing a diverse array of institutions.

This roundtable aims to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of this year’s winners. Featuring winners from diverse institution types, speakers will share insights into their recent innovations and best practices and discuss the significant role the SME Finance Forum plays in fostering innovation and collaboration.

• Al-Amal Microfinance Bank
• Cooperative Bank of Oromia
• FINCA Impact Finance
• Jordan Ahli Bank
• Kapitale, Brazil
• Palestine Monetary Authority

Speakers:

Mr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Lai, CEO, Al-Amal Microfinance Bank (AMB).

Mr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Lai, holds a BSc degree in accounting from Sana’a University and an MSc degree in International Banking and Finance from John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom, in 2004. Al-Lai has been working in finance and the economy for more than 30 years, during which he held several posts in the banking and financing sectors. Mr. Al-Lai played a key role in creating organizational and legislative structures and mechanisms, which contributed to the development of the SME sector in general and the microfinance sector in Yemen, particularly. He also effectively drafted the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Strategy and the National Microfinance Strategy. Mr. Al-Lai was selected to take part in the establishment of several MFIs in some other countries, including Syria, Sudan, and Sierra Leone.

Abdi Fekede, Chief Operation Officer at Cooperative Bank of Oromia

Abdi Fekede has extensive experience in the banking sector, currently serving as the Chief Operation Officer at Cooperative Bank of Oromia since October 2018. Previously, Abdi held multiple senior positions at the same institution, including Senior Director of Digital Financial Services, Director of Digital Products and Service, Director of MSME, and Senior Credit Analyst. Prior to this role, Abdi worked as a Credit Analyst at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia from April 2014 to October 2018. Abdi Fekede holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration from Addis Ababa University.

Ammar Alsa’id, Vice President, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises Group – Jordan Ahli Bank & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors – Ahli Microfinance Company

Ammar Alsa’id is a recognized banking professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in SMEs banking, corporate banking, and business transformation. With a strong academic and professional foundation in accounting, banking, and finance, Ammar has successfully led the development and delivery of innovative solutions that help businesses start, grow, and prosper. He has extensive experience across diverse sectors and economic segments, understanding their unique needs and tailoring the best solutions to support their growth. Ammar also serves as a trusted business transformation consultant to these sectors. He leads dynamic teams focused on driving growth and creating meaningful impact within the community.

Throughout his career, Ammar has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering SMEs, fostering financial inclusion, and promoting sustainability. Recognized for his strategic insights and leadership in navigating complex banking landscapes, Ammar is a sought-after speaker and advocate on topics related to SME banking, business transformation, and sustainable business. He participated in regional initiatives that advance financial inclusion, access to finance, sustainable finance, and business empowerment.

Anderson (Andi) Pereira, CEO of Kapitale

Andi is a Brazilian fintech entrepreneur, investor, and innovator recognized for building transformative financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He is the co-founder and CEO of Kapitale, a B2B payments and credit platform that enables merchants to pay suppliers using their account receivables. Kapitale’s flagship product, Pague com Kapi, was recognized by the World Bank and IFC as the Product Innovation of the Year, helping thousands of businesses access working capital in a simpler and safer way.

Previously, Andi served as CEO of Universia Brasil, Santander’s global education company, and as Head of Innovation at Banco Santander, where he spearheaded initiatives at the intersection of technology and finance.

Andi holds a Master’s in Management of Technology from MIT, where he authored a thesis on SME lending asymmetries in Brazil. His leadership and vision have earned him recognition from Forbes (Under 30 list), the World Economic Forum (Global Shaper), the United Nations (Ubuntu Leader), and the U.S. Department of State (Young Leader of the Americas Initiative).

Mariam Esebua, Global Marketing Lead, FINCA Impact Finance

Mariam champions FINCA’s mission to expand opportunity and access—especially for women who are striving to build better lives. As a founding member of FINCA’s Opportunity & Access Working Group, she plays a leading role in advancing initiatives that promote financial inclusion, financial literacy, and women’s economic empowerment in Eurasia and around the world. As Global Marketing Lead of FINCA Impact Finance, Mariam oversees global marketing operations, customer engagement, lead management, and brand measurement, ensuring that the FINCA brand reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusive growth. With over 15 years of experience in market intelligence, digital marketing, and customer experience, she brings both strategic vision and practical expertise to her work.

Mariam is a graduate of FINCA’s Falcon program, which develops women leaders by strengthening their skills, fostering peer learning, and empowering them to step into roles of greater influence and impact. Earlier in her career, she served as Head of Marketing, PR, and Customer Experience at FINCA Georgia. A certified Customer Experience Professional from George Washington University, Mariam has advised universities on CX programs and designed national financial literacy initiatives. Her ongoing work reflects her belief that empowering women with access to knowledge, finance, and leadership opportunities is key to lasting social and economic change.

Tasneem R. Yousef, Chief of Monshati Unit Banking Supervision Department, Palestine Monetary Authority

Tasneem Yousef is a dedicated professional specializing in MSME development, sustainability-driven initiatives, and empowering women and youth. She holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering. Currently pursuing a master's degree in intercultural business communication - concentration in finance, combining technical expertise with a passion for driving social and economic impact.

At the Palestinian Monetary Authority, Tasneem leads the Monshati Unit, overseeing national programs that support MSMEs through digital transformation, financial inclusion, and capacity-building initiatives. She has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions that empower business owners, particularly women-led enterprises, to grow sustainably and access the resources they need to thrive.

Her work bridges policy, technology, and practical support, contributing to the development of inclusive, resilient, and innovative economic ecosystems in Palestine. She is recognized for her leadership, strategic insights, and her ability to translate complex initiatives into meaningful impact. She is a sought-after speaker and advisor on MSME development, sustainable finance, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Tasneem’s approach is human-centered and purpose-driven, ensuring that every initiative advances sustainability, fosters economic resilience, and maximizes potential across Palestine’s SME landscape.

Hosted by 

Qamar Saleem, Head, SME Finance Forum

QAMAR is the SME Finance head, the world’s leading center for knowledge exchange, good practice promotion and public-private dialogue in this field. Prior to this role, Qamar Saleem was the Manager Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services for Asia and Pacific driving leading a large team across 20 countries aimed at providing integrated investment/advisory client solutions across mainly MSME, Gender, Climate, Digital, Housing, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance. Qamar has been with IFC since 2012 and served in his previous roles as global technical lead for SME and Supply Chain Finance as well as regional SME Banking lead for EMENA.  

Qamar has 30+ years of global financial services experience having worked across 60+ countries internationally managing large business lines while leading multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. He is a recognized thought leader, featured speaker, and an industry mentor in SME Finance. Prior to joining IFC, Qamar was associated with international organizations like HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank as well as large regional banks while serving in several emerging markets where he also led SME Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions.  

Qamar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and carries several certifications in the areas of Strategy, Climate Finance, Digital Banking, Business Transformation, Social Impact, MSME Banking, Team Leadership, Supply Chain Finance, Credit, Risk, Trade, Sales Effectiveness, Transaction Banking and Project Implementation.