Milken Institute, a Leading Think Tank Driving Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges, Joins the SME Finance Forum
The Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on critical global issues, has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 250+ members and affiliates of the Forum are SME finance experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance for small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
“We are delighted to welcome the Milken Institute as our newest affiliate. Its focus on innovation, economic opportunity, and the role of technology in driving inclusive growth aligns closely with the SME Finance Forum’s mission. We look forward to engaging with the Milken Institute and exploring opportunities to advance solutions that help SMEs grow, innovate, and contribute to stronger economies,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
The Milken Institute’s participation in the SME Finance Forum will bring valuable perspectives on the role of SMEs in economic growth and the opportunities emerging technologies can create for businesses. It will also facilitate exchange with global peers on how finance and technology can support more inclusive and sustainable growth.
“I am pleased to join the SME Finance Forum to contribute and collaborate with this esteemed global community. My work at the Milken Institute focuses on the critical role SMEs play in the overall health of economies and in helping drive innovation. Recent advances in AI present a unique opportunity to help these businesses grow and scale. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the power of finance and technology as a force for good,” said Kristen Fanarakis, Associate Director, Milken Institute.
About the Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next.
Learn more:
Website: https://milkeninstitute.org
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSME Growth
The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 250+ members and affiliates operating in 190 countries. The network comprises SME-focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services, including banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintechs, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply-chain players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting firms, and knowledge aggregators.
Members, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning and replicating best practices from around the world, innovating new products for growth, accessing risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and gaining recognition among a global peer group of innovators.
Our activities include exclusive member offerings such as innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer networks, study tours, specialized tools and training, member repositories, and partnered initiatives, as well as public resources including a library of more than 200 publications, over 500 videos, webinars, newsletters, training programs, annual awards, and flagship events.
Discover the SME Finance Forum members and affiliates:
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/page/our-members
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/page/partner-with-us