SME Finance Forum

SME Finance Forum Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from SME Finance Forum, Finance, Washington D.C., DC.

The SME Finance Forum is a leading global network of 300 SME oriented financiers - banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, development institutions, insurers, real sector companies and investment funds - that fosters MSME sustainable growth.

04/22/2026

The Global SME Finance Forum is back for 2026 - join us 14–16 September in Washington D.C. for the 12th edition, held at the World Bank Group headquarters for the very first time in the Forum's history.

This year's theme: Transforming Access Into Impact - exploring how the SME growth stack can move businesses from local potential to global performance.

Super early bird tickets are now available for just $500, but only until 29 May. Secure your place: https://www.globalsmefinanceforum.com/registration?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=gsmeff-2026-registration-open&utm_content=smeff-facebook

Members of the SME Finance Forum receive complimentary access. Email [email protected] for details.

Gender Bonds in Practice: From Framework to Deal FlowMarch 11, 2026, 8:00 AM ESTWomen's Economy Bonds, also known as gen...
03/09/2026

Gender Bonds in Practice: From Framework to Deal Flow
March 11, 2026, 8:00 AM EST

Women's Economy Bonds, also known as gender bonds, are rapidly emerging as a powerful tool to expand financing for women‑owned and women‑led MSMEs—but many practitioners still struggle to translate high‑level frameworks into real, investable transactions. This webinar will take participants inside the full lifecycle of a gender bond, moving from framework design to asset eligibility, KPI setting, verification, and, ultimately, deal ex*****on.

Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/dfKC-MSB

From Invisible to Investable: Innovations That Lift Women EntrepreneursVirtual Session │March 25, 2026 An upcoming SME F...
03/04/2026

From Invisible to Investable: Innovations That Lift Women Entrepreneurs
Virtual Session │March 25, 2026

An upcoming SME Forum Marketplace virtual session will feature lenders which are strategically targeting women entrepreneurs, who face unique challenges in accessing traditional financing. They will share the innovative tools they are using to make a difference.

The session will open with a presentation highlighting key findings from the report “Cracking the Credit Code: Alternative Data and AI for Financial Inclusion.” This will be followed by company pitches by IPDC Finance (Bangladesh), SubK (India); ImaliPay (Africa); Vexi (Mexico); Accial (Latin America & Caribbean), and Kaleidofin (India). The pitches will showcase innovative, investable solutions that are expanding access to finance for women entrepreneurs across emerging markets.

Join the virtual session here: https://lnkd.in/d_y_N_BG

Webinar: Expanding Credit Access through Cash‑Flow Underwriting and Machine LearningMarch 5, 2026Traditional credit scor...
03/03/2026

Webinar: Expanding Credit Access through Cash‑Flow Underwriting and Machine Learning
March 5, 2026

Traditional credit scoring models often overlook the true creditworthiness of millions of consumers and underserved MSMEs. By leveraging real-time cash flow data, lenders can gain a more comprehensive and accurate view of a borrower’s financial health.

This upcoming webinar explores the effectiveness of cash flow data in modern credit underwriting and highlights key findings from FinRegLab’s latest empirical research, “Advancing the Credit Ecosystem: Machine Learning & Cash Flow Data in Consumer Underwriting.” The session will also examine machine learning governance considerations, including explainability, accountability, transparency, and regulatory oversight requirements, as well as the critical intersection of consumer protection and data protection. Attendees will gain insight into the market-scale opportunities that can be unlocked through strategic collaboration and data-driven innovation in the evolving credit ecosystem.

Register here: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/event/expanding-credit-access-through-cash-flow-underwriting-and-machine-learning

CEO Virtual Roundtable - A Leadership Outlook on SME FinanceFeb 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM ESTWhen CEOs drive SME finance, it b...
02/06/2026

CEO Virtual Roundtable - A Leadership Outlook on SME Finance
Feb 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST

When CEOs drive SME finance, it builds momentum, unlocks growth, and achieves market impact. Join our upcoming virtual CEO roundtable with leaders from SME Finance Forum member institutions and get a view from the top.

Key focus areas:
• The rise of digital and alternative lenders powering SME growth
• Boosting cross-border trade opportunities
• Fuelling SME growth to create jobs
• Leading in an AI-driven world

Hear directly from the decision-makers, from across the world, shaping the future of SME finance — sustainably, responsibly, and with proven impact.

When: Feb 11, 2026 at 8:00am EST
Register here: 👉bit.ly/4kmBOWu
Who should join: SME CEOs, SME, Fintechs, Policymakers, and anyone investing in SME growth.

Beyond Debt: Why equity matters for SME growth in emerging marketsSMEs power economies—often 40%+ of GDP and up to 60% o...
01/21/2026

Beyond Debt: Why equity matters for SME growth in emerging markets
SMEs power economies—often 40%+ of GDP and up to 60% of jobs—yet face a $5.7T finance gap. Debt remains essential, but growth demands patient, risk‑sharing equity.

Join our upcoming webinar to explore how equity alongside smart debt can:
Strengthen balance sheets and reduce rollover risk

Fund innovation and market expansion with flexible, growth‑oriented capital
Diversify portfolios for investors seeking real‑economy impact

You’ll hear DFIs and seasoned asset managers unpack real deals and non‑bank solutions that have accelerated SME expansion and job creation. We’ll also get practical on risk pricing, diligence costs, exits, and regulation—with tested strategies to mitigate risk and deliver sustainable outcomes.

29 January 2026 - 8:00am EST
Register here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/e79_8npG

Who should join: DFIs, asset managers, banks, fintechs, policymakers, and anyone investing in SME growth.



International Finance Corporation - South Asia

🚀 Joins the SME Finance Forum!We’re thrilled to welcome Kulana as the newest member of the Forum.Kulana is an innovativ...
12/16/2025

🚀 Joins the SME Finance Forum!
We’re thrilled to welcome Kulana as the newest member of the Forum.

Kulana is an innovative and fast-growing technology company that strengthens the SME finance ecosystem by optimizing systems for banks, fintechs, and SMEs, helping reduce operational burdens and drive efficiency. Their focus on tailored technologies, organizational agility, and rapid adaptation to market dynamics aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate SME finance globally.

“Kulana’s expertise and commitment to innovation will bring valuable insights and significant contributions to our shared goals.” — Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum

🔗 Learn More https://lnkd.in/ehbSc72P

🌍 Thrilled to share what happened today: We launched the SME Finance Forum Africa Regional Chapter!Building on the momen...
12/16/2025

🌍 Thrilled to share what happened today: We launched the SME Finance Forum Africa Regional Chapter!

Building on the momentum of the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 in Johannesburg, this inaugural roundtable convened banks, fintechs, DFIs, NBFIs, and industry networks to scale SME finance, accelerate innovation, and strengthen a cohesive ecosystem across Africa.

✅ What we addressed
• Strategic priorities for SME finance in Africa
• Innovations from leading banks and institutions
• Inclusion for women, youth, and rural SMEs
• Shaping the Africa Chapter’s 2026 agenda

🧭 Agenda Highlights
• Introduction & Chapter Vision
• Africa Regional Perspectives: IFC strategic focus, MSME gap insights
• Deep-Dive Segments:
– Banks & leading innovations
– Underserved communities & NBFIs/MFIs
– Development finance & risk mitigation
– Trade & value chains for SMEs

👥 Featured Speakers
Qamar Saleem (SME Finance Forum), Minerva Kotei (SMEFF Africa), Riadh Naouar, Frank Douamba & Colin Shepherd (IFC Africa),
Andiswa Bata (Nedbank), Collins Wanyonyi (Equity Bank Kenya), Innocent Enock Yonazi. (CBCP) (NMB Tanzania), Mikhail Velichko (AccèsBanque Madagascar), Angela M Wambugu (Women's World Banking), Ayodele Ojosipe (Development Bank of Nigeria); Saïd Jabrani (Tamwilcom), Habiba Ben Barka (UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ody Akhanoba (African Export Import Bank - Afreximbank), Francesca Aliverti (Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)), Zekarias Amsalu Dubale, FCCA (Africa Fintech Summit).



IFC - International Finance Corporation

🚀 Exciting News! IPDC Finance, Bangladesh’s pioneering non-bank financial institution, has joined our network dedicated ...
12/02/2025

🚀 Exciting News! IPDC Finance, Bangladesh’s pioneering non-bank financial institution, has joined our network dedicated to advancing and global financial inclusion.

Founded in 1981, IPDC Finance has played a transformative role in Bangladesh’s financial sector, empowering youth, women, and underserved communities through innovative products and responsible finance. As a member of the , IPDC Finance PLC will connect with 250+ institutions from 190 countries, gaining access to peer learning, innovation hubs, and global best practices.

Welcome to the community, IPDC Finance PLC! Together, we’re building a more inclusive financial ecosystem for worldwide.

Learn more: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/post/ipdc-finance-plc-joins-sme-finance-forum-advance-global-sme-financial-inclusion

IFC - International Finance Corporation

Stablecoins promise speed, efficiency, and global reach for SMEs—but the story doesn’t end there.Behind the headlines ar...
11/19/2025

Stablecoins promise speed, efficiency, and global reach for SMEs—but the story doesn’t end there.

Behind the headlines are critical questions:
🔍 How do we ensure compliance across borders?
🔍 Can banks and fintechs collaborate to scale adoption?
🔍 What lessons can regulators learn from early movers?

To answer these, we’ve assembled a powerhouse panel:
✅ Qamar Saleem – SME Finance Forum
✅ Harish Natarajan – The World Bank
✅ Camilla Bullock – Emerging Payments Association Asia
✅ Nicole Sandler - Ubyx
✅ Rob Downes – Absa Group
✅ Amira Karim – Amazon
✅ Elie Bertha – Thunes
✅ Lauren Cassells – AIR

From clearing systems to compliance models, from global marketplaces to African banks, this discussion will unpack opportunities and risks shaping SME finance in the digital era.

If you care about the future of cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and innovation—this is the conversation you can’t miss.

📅 November 26h 🕒 8 AM to 9:30AM EDT

Registration Link - https://worldbankgroup.webex.com/weblink/register/r1cbbc0fe3dd2661b75133fec65cdeb26

More information - https://www.smefinanceforum.org/event/stablecoins-smes


IFC - International Finance Corporation

Exciting News! 🎉Biz2X has officially joined the SME Finance Forum, our global network dedicated to accelerate access to ...
11/06/2025

Exciting News! 🎉

Biz2X has officially joined the SME Finance Forum, our global network dedicated to accelerate access to financial services for SMEs worldwide by promoting knowledge exchange, policy change, and new connections.

Biz2X is a leading AI-driven lending platform that helps banks and financial institutions originate loans faster and more efficiently. Built on over a decade of Biz2Credit’s lending expertise, Biz2X empowers lenders to digitally transform credit decisioning and risk management, making lending more inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable.

Through this partnership, Biz2X and SME Finance Forum will work together to foster innovation, and create opportunities for SMEs.
Welcome Biz2X!!!

Learn more about Biz2X: https://www.biz2x.com
Explore SME Finance Forum Membership: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/become-a-member

IFC - International Finance Corporation

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20433

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SME Finance Forum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to SME Finance Forum:

Shortcuts

Share

Category