News

Washington D.C, December 2^nd, 2025 –IPDC Finance PLC, Bangladesh’s pioneering non-bank financial institution, has joined the SME Finance Forum, the world’s leading network dedicated to expanding access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Forum, backed by the G20 and IFC/World Bank, brings together over 250 members and affiliates from 190 countries, all committed to fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in SME financing.

Founded in 1981 as Bangladesh’s first private sector financial institution, IPDC Finance PLC has played a transformative role in the country’s financial sector. Headquartered in Dhaka and listed on the stock exchanges, IPDC offers a comprehensive suite of services, including corporate finance, SME financing, retail loans, and deposit products. The company’s vision is to become Bangladesh’s most passionate financial brand, with a special focus on youth, women, and underserved communities.

“We are honored to join the SME Finance Forum—a global network committed to advancing financial inclusion and sustainable growth for small and medium enterprises,” said Rizwan Dawood Shams, Managing Director of IPDC Finance PLC. “At IPDC Finance, we believe SMEs are the backbone of economic resilience and innovation. This platform offers an invaluable opportunity to share our experiences, learn from global best practices, and collaborate in building a more inclusive financial ecosystem”.

As a member of the SME Finance Forum, IPDC Finance PLC will benefit from access to a global community of innovators, peer learning opportunities, risk mitigation tools, and partnerships that drive business growth. The Forum’s activities include exclusive innovation hubs, solution clinics, peer networks, and a rich repository of publications, webinars, and events.

SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth 

The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 250+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. The network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.

Our member, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Our activities consist of “members only” offerings (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.)

Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates: 
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners

About IPDC Finance PLC

IPDC Finance is the first private sector financial institution of the country, established in 1981 by a distinguished group of national and international entities. Ever since its inception, IPDC Finance has played an integral role in molding the country’s private sector industrialization with the help of its pioneering products and services.

The company’s strategic focus has shifted and strengthened around its core pillars of empowering women, youth, and underserved communities, fully aligned with its vision. With a strong commitment to inclusive financing, the organization has developed tailored products that enable entrepreneurs to expand their enterprises while adopting sustainable and profitable business practices.

The company has been recognized as the sustainable finance company for the fourth time by Bangladesh Bank, reflecting its continued leadership in responsible financing. Moving forward, the company is placing greater emphasis on green financing, taking initiatives to build climate resilient sustainable affordable housing. In addition, the organization is diversifying its portfolio to ensure long-term sustainability and impact across emerging segments, transitioning from a predominantly corporate focus toward a more balanced retail and SME-oriented approach.

Learn more: 
Website:            https://www.ipdcbd.com/

Facebook:              https://www.facebook.com/ipdcfinance

Instagram:              https://www.instagram.com/ipdc.finance

LinkedIn:            www.linkedin.com/company/ipdc-finance

YouTube:            www.youtube.com/@ipdcbd?si=V7bur8huQ1yfcYOb