Sustainable Finance

Washington D.C. and Johannesburg – October 2, 2025 — Nedbank Group, a leading financial services provider has joined the SME Finance Forum as the network’s newest member. As part of a 200+ member alliance spanning 190 countries, Nedbank underlines its commitment to driving SME growth through digital innovation, business support, and new approaches to inclusive finance. Nedbank has won numerous global awards as “Best SME Bank in South Africa”* in recent years, including consecutive awards for the past four years from the Asian Banker.

“We are delighted to welcome Nedbank Group to the SME Finance Forum,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of the SME Finance Forum. “Their deep expertise in SME banking, commitment to innovation, and focus on sustainability will enrich our global community and help us collectively address the financing gap faced by small businesses.                                                                                           

Nedbank’s dedication to small and medium-sized enterprises is reflected in the comprehensive suite of payment, lending and business support services tailored to the SME market, its extensive network of over 500 small business bankers in over 200 locations’and the many business development initiatives the bank drives to promote entrepreneurship in the country. The bank’s specialised services extend to sectors such as medical, franchising, and agriculture. Within the developing township economy, Nedbank continues to innovate and leverage partnerships to co-create solutions with clients that unlocks value for both parties.

"The Global SME Finance Forum (GSMEFF) is a great platform that brings together leading institutions to share knowledge and best practice as we challenge each other to scale SME finance globally.”, said Andiswa Bata, Group Managing Executive: Business and Commercial Banking at Nedbank. “By joining this forum, we are excited by the opportunity to contribute positively to this cause, and also leverage the resources and expertise of the forum to have a greater impact on our SME clients and the broader communities in which they operate. Forums like the GSMEFF shine the spotlight on the fact that no single institution can close the SME financing gap alone. If we want SMEs to thrive, we need innovation, inclusivity, and collective action. Hence, as Nedbank, we feel deeply privileged to announce our membership in the forum; and are truly excited to make a difference, together."

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 200+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. 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 members, 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 products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.

*Nedbank has consistently been recognised internationally as the Best SME Bank in South Africa, having received awards from multiple global institutions: The Asian Banker – Global Middle East & Africa Awards (Best SME Bank in SA: 2022 - 2025), Global Finance Magazine – Global Finance Awards (Best SME Bank in SA: 2024), Global Banking & Finance Review – Global Banking & Finance Awards (Best SME Bank in SA: 2024), and The Digital Banker – Global SME Banking Innovation Awards (Best SME Bank in SA 2025). These accolades reaffirm Nedbank’s leadership in SME banking, its commitment to innovation, and its focus on enabling the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates and LinkedIn:

https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sme-finance-forum-managed-by-ifc/

About Nedbank Group

Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on the JSE Limited, with a market capitalisation of R137bn as at 31 December 2024. Nedbank is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Africa countries, including Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London and Dubai. The group is a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking and financial services. Nedbank has maintained its level 1 BBBEE status for the past 7 years and rates in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores.

Learn More:

Website: group.nedbank.co.za

LinkedIn: Nedbank

Facebook: Nedbank

X: Nedbank

Instagram: Nedbank

TikTok: Nedbank

YouTube: Nedbank

The B20, Business at OECD and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) released a joint paper, underlining the need to mobilise further capital towards African nations by focusing on investment-focused strategies. Released in the context of the handover ceremony of the B20 recommendations to the G20, the three leading private sector organisations highlight that long-term capital, innovation, and private sector participation are critical to building resilient economies.

As illustrated by three concrete use cases from the World Bank Mission 300, the Verifiable Trade Foundation and payment innovation solutions in Nigeria, the joint paper emphasises the role of country-led funding platforms as economic multipliers to unlock economic growth, boost productivity and ensure better inclusion. Leveraging on the “Sustainable Growth Propeller” framework initiated under the B20 Presidency in 2022, this publication provides pragmatic recommendations to maximise the impact of these funding platform in generating re-investable returns and building resilient supply chains.

As outlined by Gianluca Riccio, Chair of the Business at OECD Finance Committee “true progress comes from sparking self-sustaining economic opportunities that attract long-term capital, boost private sector participation, fuel innovation, and build robust local capacity. For example, boosting firms’ working capital through early-payment platforms at national level can accelerate both employment and enduring economic growth.”

Implementing Funding Platforms:  A Solution to Fragmentation - Click Here to Download

Emerging markets require approximately US$2.5 trillion to achieve their ambitious climate adaptation and resilience goals. The financial sector is integral to tackling the mounting economic and social impacts of climate change. This white paper examines how financial sector regulators and industry associations can guide the sector toward sustainable finance systems that are more resilient and inclusive.

It identifies key building blocks of inclusive sustainable finance, spotlights emerging practices and presents recommendations for further actions needed to achieve inclusivity in sustainable finance.

Informed by SBFN members experience, the paper defines inclusive sustainable finance as practices that target vulnerable, marginalized, or excluded populations and economic sectors to (1) improve their access to financial capital for green transition, climate adaptation, and resilience, and (2) mitigate potential exclusionary effects resulting from sustainability, including climate-related policies and actions.

This white paper is the work of the SBFN Inclusive Sustainable Finance Task Force established in January 2024.

Access the report here

Washington D.C, July 23rd, 2025 – Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (Frankfurt School), a leading private business school based in Germany, has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation. 

 “SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes one of the leading German private business schools. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Frankfurt School of Finance & Management to the SME Finance Forum as a valuable partner in promoting financial inclusion and green finance,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum. 

Frankfurt School is a leading private business school based in Germany with over 65 years of experience in education and qualification, and more than 30 years in consulting and capacity building in all areas related to banking, finance, and management globally. 

“Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is thrilled to join the SME Finance Forum. Our commitment to delivering the highest quality education and advisory services, leveraging market intelligence, and fostering strong relationships aligns perfectly with the Forum's mission. This partnership will enhance our ability to provide tailored solutions and innovative approaches to financial inclusion and sustainable development,” said Fatma Dirkes, Vice President, Executive & Professional Education, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. 

 
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth   

The SME Finance Forum, backed by the G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 300+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. Network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-bank 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, and knowledge aggregators. 

Our members, 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 products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and training, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, training, annual awards, annual event etc.) 

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

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (Frankfurt School) 

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (Frankfurt School) is a leading private business school and advisory institute based in Germany with over 65 years of experience in education and qualification and more than 30 years in consulting and capacity building in all areas related to banking, finance, and management globally.  

Frankfurt School enjoys an excellent reputation both in Germany and worldwide, consistently achieving top positions in national and international university rankings. It is one of only three business schools in Germany accredited with the prestigious "Triple Crown Accreditation," holding the EQUIS, AACSB International, and AMBA seals of quality.  

A key area of focus is advising companies and organizations, particularly in emerging markets and sustainable finance. In addition to its main campus in Frankfurt, the school operates study locations in Hamburg and Munich, as well as offices in Ankara, Amman,  and Nairobi. With a network of over 125 partner universities, Frankfurt School is a globally connected institution.  

The collaboration between academics and practitioners at Frankfurt School fosters unique synergies, merging international best practices with cutting-edge research. This partnership with local entities ensures effective project implementation, resulting in innovative, context-specific solutions. 

Frankfurt School's Executive & Professional Education programs provide participants with advanced knowledge and help them expand their expertise in new areas. The programs are designed to improve participants' technical and leadership skills, which are critical to driving their company's success in today's competitive landscape. From certified programs to customized courses, Frankfurt School offers practice-oriented learning tailored to the changing needs of the finance and management sectors.  

The programs taught are provided in various languages and formats, including fully online, blended, and classroom-only. 

Learn more:  

Website: http://www.frankfurt-school.de  

Facebook: facebook.com/ FrankfurtSchool  

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/frankfurtschool  

Youtube: FrankfurtSchoolLive  

Instagram: frankfurtschool  

Abstract

SMEs play a pivotal role in driving the green transition. Increasingly, the provision of sustainability-related data is required to access green finance and participate in global value chains. However, many SMEs face challenges in measuring and reporting on their sustainability performance, stemming from a lack of resources and expertise; difficulties in data collection; and complexity and insufficient interoperability among different sustainability reporting frameworks and standards across jurisdictions.

This guidance note, developed under the OECD Platform on Financing SMEs for Sustainability, seeks to foster convergence in sustainability reporting requests to SMEs. It is addressed to public authorities for the development of frameworks for SME sustainability reporting to financial institutions.

It provides public authorities with options for a set of core sustainability reporting indicators and metrics that can meet the needs of financial institutions and remain manageable for SMEs. It also provides practical guidance for the development and implementation of reporting requests. While the focus of the guidance note is on SME reporting to financial institutions, the core indicators can also be useful in the context of supply chain sustainability reporting. By addressing reporting challenges, it contributes to reducing the administrative burden and unlocking sustainable finance for SMEs.

This report offers strategic and actionable guidance to policymakers in strengthening their access to finance policies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This report emphasizes the need to improve the enabling environment for SME debt and equity financing. It outlines a roadmap of eight key actions to guide policymakers in achieving this. While such reforms are necessary, they are often insufficient to fully address SME financing constraints. Targeted financial programs thus remain essential to bridge the financing gaps effectively. This report outlines seven actions to improve the design and implementation of these interventions to maximize their impact and the effective use of public funding. This report also underscores the importance of a tailored approach to address the distinct challenges faced by specific SME segments, particularly those of women-owned (and led) SMEs, SMEs in agriculture, SMEs in fragile and conflict-affected states, and those seeking financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation.