United Kingdom

Washington, D.C., March 3rd, 2020 – Banking Circle has become the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. 

“40 percent of small and medium businesses worldwide struggle to get access to the credit and capital that they need to grow their enterprises. We are delighted to welcome Banking Circle to our network of almost 180 members who are working to eliminate the finance gap for SMEs,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum. 

Banking Circle is a financial infrastructure provider to payments businesses and banks. As a fully licensed bank, free of legacy systems, Banking Circle technology enables payments companies and banks of any scale to seize opportunities in the new economy - quickly, at low cost and with world-class compliance and security – with direct access to clearing that bypasses old, bureaucratic and expensive systems. Banking Circle solutions are increasing financial inclusion. From accounts to lending, international payments to settlements and risk hedging to compliance, Banking Circle technology is helping thousands of businesses transact across borders in a way that was previously not possible. 

“The SME Finance Forum is a great way for us to connect with businesses that are working hard to tackle the financial exclusion challenges facing smaller businesses around the world”, explained Miranda McLean, Global Head of Marketing, Banking Circle.  “We are looking forward to sharing the knowledge gathered throughout the years while networking with colleagues in the SME ecosystem."

To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

About SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative. 

About Banking Circle
Banking Circle is a financial infrastructure provider to payments businesses and banks. As a fully licensed bank, free of legacy systems, Banking Circle technology enables payments companies and banks of any scale to seize opportunities in the new economy - quickly, at low cost and with world-class compliance and security – with direct access to clearing that bypasses old, bureaucratic and expensive systems.
Banking Circle solutions are increasing financial inclusion. From accounts to lending, international payments to settlements and risk hedging to compliance, Banking Circle technology is helping thousands of businesses transact across borders in a way that was previously not possible. Banking Circle is owned by EQT VIII and EQT Ventures in partnership with Banking Circle’s founders. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Banking Circle has offices in London, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Media Contact
Carina Carrasco
ccarrasco@worldbank.org
info@bankingcircle.com
 

Washington, D.C., November 13, 2019 – Fractal Labs has joined the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. 

“40 percent of small and medium businesses worldwide struggle to get access to the credit and capital that they need to grow their enterprises. We are thrilled to welcome Fractal Labs to our network of more than 160 members who are working to eliminate the finance gap for SMEs,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum.

Fractal Labs is a UK based, API-led fintech focused on redefining banking for SMEs – the backbone and lifeblood of the global economy. 

Founded in 2014, Fractal is fundamentally redefining financial services for SMEs. Their platform combines data, AI and automation to enable financial service providers to better serve their SME customers, and in turn, empower businesses with frictionless access to the financial products they need to grow and prosper. 

“We are looking forward to having access to the Forum’s network of industry leaders – there is a level of prestige and authority in being associated with the SME Finance Forum as a member. We will also benefit from access to peer learning events such as webinars and the Global Forum,” said Nicholas Heller, CEO and Co-Founder of Fractal Labs. 

To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

About SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative. In 2015, the SME Finance Forum partnered with CapitalPlus Exchange to expand and upgrade the former Small Business Banking Network.

About Fractal Labs

Fractal Labs are reinventing SME financial services, one API at a time. Founded in 2014 and based in London, Fractal is fundamentally redefining financial services for SMES. Their platform provides a suite of configurable APIs for financial services providers. Fractal provides financial institutions aggregated, real-time access to the core data required to make financial risk decisions, including credit scoring, government, and permission based transactional bank and accounting information. Financial services customers are able to configure their unique solution in Fractal’s developer “sandbox.” Fractal Labs operate across Europe and will be expanding to Australia and Canada in the near future.

Media Contact
Carina Carrasco
ccarrasco@worldbank.org