Events

de abril
24
SME FINANCE FORUM
Fair and Accessible Credit for Small Business and the Impact of AI
WEBINAR
Add to Calendar 2024-04-23 20:00:00 2024-04-23 20:00:00 Fair and Accessible Credit for Small Business and the Impact of AI Our member Uplinq Financial Technologies invites you to the webinar on "Fair and Accessible Credit for Small Business, and the Impact of AI" The webinar will cover topics on how banks and credit unions can leverage AI technology and alternative data to expand lending opportunities for small businesses, highlighting challenges in lending to minority and protected class segments.  Learn what potential solutions can be leveraged that can change the landscape and enable access to fair lending for underserved segments within small business, while helping lenders profitably manage risk.    The webinar will feature the following distinguished speakers:    Ron Shevlin (Moderator) - Chief Research Officer, Cornerstone Advisors Jane Prokop - EVP and Global Head, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard Qamar Saleem - Global Head, SME Finance Forum / World Bank Group Patrick Reily - Co-founder, Uplinq Financial Technologies  Mark Valentino - President and Head Business Banking, Citizens Bank         About Uplinq                                                                                                                As the first global credit & scoring assessment platform for small business lenders,    Uplinq is a purpose driven company with a mission to help small business owners gain access to fair and ethical credit, while enhancing SMB lending practices for all lenders globally. Uplinq's breakthrough technology empowers lenders to approve and manage risks on loans they would have otherwise declined based on traditional loan underwriting criteria, while incorporating environmental, market & community data to better understand the specific loan applicant. Its technology has served as a foundation for more than $1.4 Trillion in underwritten loans. Learn more about Uplinq at uplinq.co and connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube. WEBINAR SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public
de abril
24
SME FINANCE FORUM
Inaugural Information Session Global SME Finance Awards 2024
Add to Calendar 2024-04-23 20:00:00 2024-04-23 20:00:00 Inaugural Information Session Global SME Finance Awards 2024   BE RECOGNIZED, SHARE IMPACT IN SME FINANCE The SME Finance Forum organizes the Global SME Finance Awards (The Awards) as a core part of its mission to create a unique platform for peer connections, knowledge dissemination, and innovations in SME Finance. The Forum’s extensive 240+ global network, crowds in financial institutions, fintech companies, development banks, policymakers, and industry experts from across the globe, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership building on a global scale. Hence, the Global SME Finance Awards has evolved into a pinnacle of global recognition for those making a real impact in the SME finance landscape.   Since its launch in 2018, The Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of financial service providers in delivering exceptional products and services to scale SME finance in their respective markets. It provides an opportunity for institutions to highlight and share good practices, impact, knowledge, and be recognized amongst the global peer group of world leaders in SME finance and services.     We are rolling out a series of Information Sessions during the 2024 Awards Season to share with Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and Industry Stakeholders the role and importance of The Awards in showcasing remarkable achievements and impact in the industry. The sessions also aim to provide information on the application process, respective awards categories, and related information on the awards. Speakers include industry leaders and practitioners from the Forum’s global network, as well as past applicants and winners.  This inaugural information session will focus on the entire Awards Program, its role, importance, and value to Financial Service Providers (FSPs). Winners and applicants from prior years will also discuss their innovations, impacts, and application experience. The session will include a moderated Q&A to address specific questions from entrants.    Objectives:  Share the role and importance of the Global SME Finance Awards in facilitating impact and spurring innovations in SME Finance  Entrants Incentives and Benefits  Provide information on respective Award Categories, Application Process and Judging Criteria  Highlight What’s New in the 2024 Season  Share experiences and highlight innovations and achievements of Past Winners/ Applicants  Address specific questions from existing and prospective entrants.    Speakers/ Discussants: Rajeev Chalisgaonkar - Executive Vice President, Head of Business Banking & NeoBiz/ Moderator. Leadership roles in Digital transformation, Corporate Banking, SME Banking, and Cash Management. Geographic experience across Central Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Hands-on P&L management of large SME banking businesses, digital transformation of SME lending, client onboarding and other core banking processes. Development of new lending models based on alternative data. Extensive experience in forging partnerships with large data-driven partners for business expansion, and in working with Fintechs to transform traditional businesses. Acknowledged as a thought leader in the SME Banking and SME Fintech industry. Syed Abdul Momen - DMD & Head of SME, BRAC Bank /Discussant   Syed Abdul Momen took on the role of Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank on July 13, 2017. With over 13 years of experience in banking, he has held various leadership positions, including overseeing technology infrastructure restructuring and leading the expansion of SME business in Afghanistan. His expertise also extends to managing large small business portfolios. Momen began his career at ANZ Grindlays Bank in 1999 and holds a degree in Computer Communications from Middlesex University, UK.   Hosted by  Qamar Saleem - Head, SME Finance Forum/ Host  Prior to this role, Qamar was the Manager Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services for Asia and Pacific driving leading a large team across 20 countries aimed at providing integrated investment/advisory client solutions across mainly MSME, Gender, Climate, Digital, Housing, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance. Qamar has been with IFC since 2012 and served in his previous roles as global technical lead for SME and Supply Chain Finance as well as regional SME Banking lead for EMENA.  Qamar has 30+ years of global financial services experience having worked across 60+ countries internationally managing large business lines while leading multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. He is a recognized thought leader, featured speaker, and an industry mentor in SME Finance. Prior to joining IFC, Qamar was associated with international organizations like HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank as well as large regional banks while serving in several emerging markets where he also led SME Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions.  Qamar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and carries several certifications in the areas of Strategy, Climate Finance, Digital Banking, Business Transformation, Social Impact, MSME Banking, Team Leadership, Supply Chain Finance, Credit, Risk, Trade, Sales Effectiveness, Transaction Banking and Project Implementation.  SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public
Feb
24
SME FINANCE FORUM
Unlocking Growth: The WE Finance Code Empowers Women-led SMEs
Add to Calendar 2024-02-13 19:00:00 2024-02-13 19:00:00 Unlocking Growth: The WE Finance Code Empowers Women-led SMEs Joint Event between SME Finance Forum, Women’s World Banking and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.   In October 2023, the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) launched the WE Finance Code (or simply, the Code), a global framework designed to drive commitment, leadership, and innovation to close the gender financing gaps and enable women to succeed as entrepreneurs. This session will introduce financial service providers that are members of Women’s World Banking and the SME Finance Forum to the WE Finance Code and share how the Code can be used to grow financing for women entrepreneurs. Financial service providers, regulators, development banks, and other financial ecosystem players can participate in the Code in a growing number of pilot countries.  In this session, we will share an overview of the Code and explain how FSPs can participate in the initiative and what this means for them. The event will also feature practical perspectives from the financial sector, along with comments from implementation, policymaking, and ecosystem participants. The Code has already been launched in the Dominican Republic and Indonesia, and the Netherlands has launched “Code-V” an associated initiative with over 60 signatories. Moreover, 26 countries are expected to launch their WE Finance Codes in the coming months, many around International Women’s Day in March. At the global level, leaders of six multilateral development banks signed a joint statement endorsing the Code, and Standard Chartered, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, the Financial Alliance for Women, Women’s World Banking and the World Savings & Retail Bank Institute have become signatories, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has joined, We-Fi as a supporter of the Code. The following questions will be addressed in the webinar: What is the Code and how does it aim to close financing gaps for women entrepreneurs? How can FSPs participate in the Code? Why should FSPs commit to the Code? What are potential benefits for FSPs? What are potential learning opportunities for FSPs?   Presenters: Chantal Korteweg, Director Inclusive Banking at ABN AMRO. Trained as a lawyer, Chantal feels strongly about social justice. She is a strategic executor and contributes to making our world a better, inclusive and more sustainable place. She is a proud mother of a son and daughter and has become an all-round professional. She started her career as an attorney-at-law, and then worked for FMO, the Dutch Development bank for 13 years in different roles as development banker and later as Director for Strategy and Stakeholders and ExCo member responsible for different teams and running change programs. She grew up in England and the Netherlands, which sparked her love for travel, culture and different perspectives. She was privileged to work on many investments and transformational initiatives in emerging markets. During the past 10 years she passionately worked on female leadership and gender finance. She initiated the Fempower Your Growth partnership, a Dutch Financial Sector initiative, connecting the worlds of bankers and female entrepreneurs. She is an advisory board member at NABC (Netherlands Africa Business Council) and AIF (Amsterdam Institute of Finance). Currently, she works as Director Inclusive Banking at ABN AMRO to make banking products and services more inclusive and accessible for women and other groups facing barriers. In addition, she is a member of ABN AMRO’s ethical committee. In 2022 Chantal was nominated as 1 of the 50 Dutch female leaders in sustainable finance and as 1 of the 30 Dutch inclusive leaders (Sprout). In 2023 Chantal is the women’s representative of the Netherlands and delivered a speech in the UN General Assembly. Dalma Hernández, Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana, Inc. (ABA), Manager of Social Banking and Private Inter-Institutional Relations. Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Pontifical Catholic Mother and Teacher University (PUCMM). She holds a Master's degree in Applied Economics from the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, China. With over 10 years of experience in economics and social-economic development. Currently, she serves as the Coordinator of Economic Studies at the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic, INC. (ABA), where she also holds the position of Manager of Social Banking and Private Inter-Institutional Relations.   Marina Dimova, Global Head of Financial Industry & Network Advocacy Woman World Banking. Marina leads the efforts to support Network Members and financial services providers across the industry to adopt best practices, share know-how and take tangible actions to advance women’s financial inclusion. In her previous position as Managing Director of Design & Innovation, she focused on identifying and designing innovative financial solutions for women and girls. Marina is a designer with over 16 years of experience developing, implementing and scaling innovative solutions to social problems. Previously, Marina was a Vice President at ideas42 and Associate Research Director at Ikatu International. She has also worked on agricultural value chains and private sector development at the World Bank, and in finance and healthcare consulting. Marina holds an MPA in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School, and a B.A. in Economics and Government from Franklin & Marshall College.   Wendy Teleki, Head, We-Fi Secretariat in the World Bank Group. Wendy is responsible for supporting the We-Fi Governing Committee in the allocation and supervision of We-Fi funding as well as communications, advocacy, and learning focused on strengthening opportunities for women entrepreneurs in collaboration with the GC, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders.  Ms. Teleki joined We-Fi in May 2019.  Prior to that, Ms. Teleki worked with the International Finance Corporation leading numerous activities and initiatives focused on small and medium enterprise development in emerging markets around the world.   This included several blended finance, investment and advisory programs, including IFC’s We-Fi program and the Global SME Finance Initiative.  Wendy has an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and an MA in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.   Hosted by  Qamar Saleem, CEO, SME Finance Forum Prior to this role, Qamar was the Manager Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services for Asia and Pacific driving leading a large team across 20 countries aimed at providing integrated investment/advisory client solutions across mainly MSME, Gender, Climate, Digital, Housing, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance. Qamar has been with IFC since 2012 and served in his previous roles as global technical lead for SME and Supply Chain Finance as well as regional SME Banking lead for EMENA.  Qamar has 30+ years of global financial services experience having worked across 60+ countries internationally managing large business lines while leading multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. He is a recognized thought leader, featured speaker, and an industry mentor in SME Finance. Prior to joining IFC, Qamar was associated with international organizations like HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank as well as large regional banks while serving in several emerging markets where he also led SME Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions.  Qamar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and carries several certifications in the areas of Strategy, Climate Finance, Digital Banking, Business Transformation, Social Impact, MSME Banking, Team Leadership, Supply Chain Finance, Credit, Risk, Trade, Sales Effectiveness, Transaction Banking and Project Implementation.    The event will be recorded to serve as a resource for interested parties unable to attend.   More About 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. The Forum works to scaling finance, creating livelihood, achieving impact – powering SMEs and economies. It operates a global membership network of +240 members that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. Women’s World Banking designs and invests in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments in emerging markets to create greater economic stability and prosperity for women, their families, and their communities. With a Global Network of 74 partners in 34 countries serving more than 178 million women clients, Women’s World Banking drives impact through its scalable, market-driven solutions; gender lens private equity fund; and leadership and diversity programs. Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) is a financial intermediary fund housed in the World Bank. Launched in 2017 with contributions from 14 donor governments totaling over $360 million, We-Fi works with six multilateral development banks – ADB, AfDB, EBRD, IsDB, IDB, and WBG as Implementing Partners. Its objective is to support women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in developing countries by enhancing their access to finance, markets, and skills. Additionally, We-Fi works towards facilitating legal and policy reforms that create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive. As of 2023, We-Fi has helped get more than $3 billion in financing into the hands of women-led businesses, reaching over 150,000 WSMEs in 67 developing countries with financing and non-financial services. Notably, each donor dollar invested in We-Fi crowds in 10 times in co-funding from the public and private sectors. SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public
Feb
24
SME FINANCE FORUM
Training: Sustainable MSME finance into practice and profit
Add to Calendar 2024-02-05 19:00:00 2024-02-05 19:00:00 Training: Sustainable MSME finance into practice and profit How to use the Sustainable MSME Finance Reference Guide for emerging market financial institutions. Description MSMEs financing needs are usually of small amounts and for operational expenditures, different than the large capital expenditure projects of bigger companies. Green and social eligible expenditures are, thus, unique in the context of banks’ operations with MSMEs. IFC’s Sustainable MSME Finance Reference Guide – the first ever on the market – was designed to help financial institutions deploy sustainable finance for MSMEs and, thus, integrate MSME financial products with sustainability objectives and strengthen their own funding through the issuance of sustainable debt. To provide insights into sustainable MSME finance and make a deep dive into the Guide, the IFC’s Green Bond Technical Assistance Program (GB-TAP) launched, for the first time this highly practical exclusive virtual program on how financial institutions can implement sustainable finance when lending to MSMEs. The program contains learning materials and dynamic learning components, such case studies and interactive discussions. The session is designed specifically for emerging market financial institutions interested in applying sustainable finance in loans to MSMEs. The webinar was delivered by Francisco Avendaño, leading market practitioner from the IFC. The program seeks to strengthen the participating bank staff's foundational skills in green and sustainable finance in the context of MSMEs. Participants were presented with a step-by-step approach to implementing sustainable MSME finance and distinct use of proceeds for sustainable MSME finance. Pre-requisites include reading the Sustainable MSME Finance Reference Guide for emerging market financial institutions. This virtual program is non-assessed, and participants will not receive a certificate of attendance. Presenter: Francisco Avendano, IFC Climate and Sustainable Finance Senior Operations Officer. Francisco is a lead practitioner on Climate and Sustainable Finance with substantial expertise at the interface between investment strategy, business development, policy, decarbonization, biodiversity, and broader sustainability areas. Extensive experience in fixed income, intermediary finance, infrastructure financing, green bonds, green loans, sustainability-linked bonds/loans, ESG integration, and metrics, integration of funding, corporate policies, and sustainability for international banking, manufacturing, ICT, energy, chemical, and infrastructure assets.   Helena Dill, IFC Consultant – Sustainable and Climate Finance. Helena is a sustainable finance specialist with 12 years of experience working globally on finance, capital markets, investment projects, and public policy. Prior to joining IFC, Helena worked for the World Bank’s Treasury advising countries on sustainable finance instruments and solutions to manage financial, disaster, and commodity risks. Before that, she served as an advisor at Brazil’s Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Finance, structuring public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects and advising on regulatory reforms of financial markets and other industries. She was also a Manager at the Brazilian National Treasury, negotiating and approving investment loans. Helena has a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Development Economics from Brazil.   Jeanne Massé, IFC Consultant – Sustainable Finance. Jeanne has 15 years of experience in finance dedicated to emerging and developing countries. She joined the World Bank Group in 2019 to improve access to climate finance for the livestock sector and financing solar and wind energy projects. Since 2022, she has worked with the IFC's Climate Finance team to coordinate projects related to green, social, and sustainability bonds, including the Green Bond Technical Assistance Program (GBTAP). Before joining the World Bank Group, Jeanne began her career as an equity derivatives trader at Commerzbank in London, specializing in emerging markets. After working for the United Nations Capital Development Fund in New York, she joined the impact investment fund MISSIO Invest, which finances climate-smart agricultural projects on the African continent. Jeanne holds a master's degree in business from NEOMA, in Reims, France, a master's degree in finance from Paris Dauphine University, and a master's degree in international development from Columbia University in New York.   Hosted by  Qamar Saleem, CEO, SME Finance Forum Prior to this role, Qamar was the Manager Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services for Asia and Pacific driving leading a large team across 20 countries aimed at providing integrated investment/advisory client solutions across mainly MSME, Gender, Climate, Digital, Housing, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance. Qamar has been with IFC since 2012 and served in his previous roles as global technical lead for SME and Supply Chain Finance as well as regional SME Banking lead for EMENA.  Qamar has 30+ years of global financial services experience having worked across 60+ countries internationally managing large business lines while leading multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. He is a recognized thought leader, featured speaker, and an industry mentor in SME Finance. Prior to joining IFC, Qamar was associated with international organizations like HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank as well as large regional banks while serving in several emerging markets where he also led SME Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions.  Qamar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and carries several certifications in the areas of Strategy, Climate Finance, Digital Banking, Business Transformation, Social Impact, MSME Banking, Team Leadership, Supply Chain Finance, Credit, Risk, Trade, Sales Effectiveness, Transaction Banking and Project Implementation.  Unlock the potential of your institution to operate sustainable finance with MSMEs. Limited spaces – register now! This training is also available in Spanish: When - Thursday, February 8th, 2023 Time - From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST    SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public
Oct
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
WEBINAR Sustainability in Supply Chain Finance: Need, Challenges and Opportunities
WEBINAR
Add to Calendar 2023-10-24 20:00:00 2023-10-24 20:00:00 WEBINAR Sustainability in Supply Chain Finance: Need, Challenges and Opportunities     Supply chain finance (SCF) is important for SMEs for several reasons, such as improving cash flow, expanding access to capital, and strengthening supplier relationships.    Key stakeholders, including large companies, financial institutions, and technology platforms, can play an important role in designing solutions to support SME clients in creating tools to boost the sustainable transition throughout the supply chain, leveraging on financing, capacity building, and sustainability initiatives. The sustainability-linked supply chain finance applies a pricing benefit to suppliers who meet predefined sustainability criteria – GHG emissions and/or other ESG KPIs – which promotes the idea of turning supply chain finance into a tool to finance and help buyers incentivize the suppliers’ transition to sustainability. During this session, the speakers shared the following topics: The need for sustainability in supply chain finance: Benefits to buyers and suppliers, especially SMEs; Opportunity for FIs to offer differentiated offerings to their large corporate clients; Challenges and opportunities in transforming supply chains to sustainable supply chains; Integrating ESG and green finance with SCF to achieve social, climate, and environment-friendly benefits. The panelists shared their views on global trends in sustainable supply chains, best practices, and success stories.  In addition, a new Community of Practice on Supply Chain Finance was launched at the webinar. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please send an email to Khrystyna L. Kushnir. Opening Remarks Wagner Albuquerque de Almeida, Director, Global Manufacturing‚ Agribusiness, and Forestry, IFC Wagner is a Brazilian national, Wagner joined IFC in 2010 and had several roles covering different Industries and Regions (Global Director of MAS since November 2022; acting Director of the Credit and Investment Risk Department between April - November 2022; Regional Chief Risk Officer (RCRO) for LAC, Europe, Central Asia, and Türkiye, based in Washington DC between December 2020 - November 2022; RCRO for Africa and MENA between November 2015 - November 2020; and as the Chief Credit Officer covering Financial Institutions Group and Manufacturing‚ Agribusiness and Services industries based in Africa between March 2010 - October 2015). Wagner started his international career 30+ years ago and prior to IFC worked in Sao Paulo, New York, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Johannesburg in well-regarded Global Financial Institutions such as ABN AMRO (10 yrs), Deutsche Bank (8 yrs), and Banco Itau (4 yrs), and at Monsanto (1 yr).   Speakers: Angel G. Blanco, Managing Director, Head of Platform Solutions at Demica. Angel joined Demica in 2016, when it was still in start-up phase. He came with a strong conviction that technology can be a key enabler to Trade Finance, given the particular characteristics of this asset class, but that significant development was required. He has been proven correct, and the company has grown hugely since then, with Angel currently a Managing Director and Head of the Platform Solutions Team. The Team provides technology solutions in the Trade Finance and Working Capital space to some of the largest multi-national financial institutions and corporates in the world. In this role, Angel has successfully bridged the gap from a background in Finance, to influential Technologist in this area. He previously worked at Banco Santander across different countries and business segments, including over 10 years in Corporate and Investment banking, performing different management roles in Structured Trade Finance and Working Capital Solutions. Angel is a busy father of three young boys, still a dedicated footballer and a wildlife enthusiast. Anil Walia, EMEA Supply Chain Finance – Payables, Deutsche Bank Anil, after completing his Master’s Degree in Plasma Physics some decades ago, took the not-so-obvious career decision in banking. The journey took him through India, the Middle East and finally to Germany. He has headed sales for trade finance and gained experience at various stages in his career in the south-east Asian, eastern European and European markets. He picked up an MBA in financial management on the way. Anil is a SCF veteran who got his wings in the fledgling days of SCF in 2000 at JP Morgan. He has been a key contributor to the growth of SCF, as technology and documentation evolved, accompanying the first transactions in Europe. Anil is a key contributor to the public discussion on matters pertaining to supply chain finance – from accounting regulations to sustainability. Eugenio Cavenaghi, head of Working Capital Advisory and Structured Trade at Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB). Eugenio was formerly the regional Product Head of Trade and Working Capital for Barclays in Europe. Prior to this, he has also worked as Global Head of Trade Product at UniCredit and as Global Product Manager in the Trade and Cash Divisions at Deutsche Bank. Before entering the field of banking, he gathered direct experience in the corporate world working for multinationals like Procter & Gamble and Chicco-Artsana Spa.     Javier Vázquez-Durán, Head of Financial Institutions, Bancomext & Nafin Mexico. Javier has a sound career of +18 years promoting finance for economic development. With a strong passion for public service, he is committed with financial inclusion, gender equality and value creation. From senior positions at Development Banks and the Federal Government, Mr. Vázquez-Durán has lead several programs for MSMEs, entrepreneurs and households. Earlier in his career, he served as financial researcher at the Bank of Mexico. He holds a BA degree in Economics and an Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy.   Steven Beck, Head of trade and Supply Chain Finance at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Steven has led the program to significant growth and launched initiatives to promote sustainable and responsible trade. Beck is known for reshaping trade finance regulations during the 2008 Financial Crisis and for advocating for addressing global unmet demand for trade finance. He has also played a key role in promoting digitalization in global trade and gender diversity in banking. Beck serves on various industry bodies and has a background in international trade and finance. He holds an M.A. from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a B.A. from Queen's University, Canada.   Closing Remarks  Nathalie Louat, Global Director of Trade & Supply Chain Finance in the Industries Vice-Presidency at IFC. Prior to this role, Nathalie was Global Senior Manager in charge of Innovation, Capital Markets, Insurance and Distressed Assets from 2014 until 2020. She was previously a Senior Manager for East Asia and the Pacific Portfolio Operations, supporting IFC's clients in the financial sector, based in Hong Kong from 2010 until 2014. Nathalie also worked in IFC's Structured Finance Department within the Treasury Vice-Presidency, in Washington and in Hong Kong. Nathalie received the World Bank Group's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award. Prior to joining IFC, Nathalie pursued a career with Credit Lyonnais Investment Banking after spending several years with the French Ministry of Finance. She holds a degree from the French School of Statistics and Economics and graduated as an Actuary from the Paris Institute of Actuarial Studies. Moderator  Rajesh Mehra, Practice Lead for Trade & Supply Chain Finance, Financial Institutions Group covering Asia and Pacific at IFC. Rajesh leads client engagements and advisory projects covering Supply Chain Finance, Trade and Transaction Banking across the region. Rajesh is a seasoned Transaction Banker with over 30 years of experience in Corporate Banking, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance, covering Sales, Product Management, and Operations primarily with Standard Chartered Bank. He has worked in leadership roles in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa managing business across a wide footprint. Rajesh specializes in Open Account Trade, Documentary Trade, Receivable Purchases, Distributor and Supplier Finance Solutions, Structured Warehouse Financing, and SME Banking. In his Group and Regional Trade Finance roles, Rajesh was instrumental in developing and growing documentary and commodity-based products such as Structured Warehouse Finance and Agri Finance. In Africa, Rajesh developed and implemented a strategy to materially shift the business from traditional lending to Open Account and Documentary Trade Finance. He was also instrumental in launching and growing the Supply Chain Finance business for Standard Chartered Bank in India. Rajesh is an Honours Commerce Graduate from Calcutta University and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. Hosted by  Qamar Saleem, SME Finance Forum CEO, the world’s leading center for knowledge exchange, good practice promotion and public-private dialogue in this field. Prior to this role, Qamar was the Manager Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services for Asia and Pacific driving leading a large team across 20 countries aimed at providing integrated investment/advisory client solutions across mainly MSME, Gender, Climate, Digital, Housing, Trade, and Supply Chain Finance. Qamar has been with IFC since 2012 and served in his previous roles as global technical lead for SME and Supply Chain Finance as well as regional SME Banking lead for EMENA.  Qamar has 30+ years of global financial services experience having worked across 60+ countries internationally managing large business lines while leading multi-cultural and cross-functional teams. He is a recognized thought leader, featured speaker, and an industry mentor in SME Finance. Prior to joining IFC, Qamar was associated with international organizations like HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank as well as large regional banks while serving in several emerging markets where he also led SME Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions.  Qamar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and carries several certifications in the areas of Strategy, Climate Finance, Digital Banking, Business Transformation, Social Impact, MSME Banking, Team Leadership, Supply Chain Finance, Credit, Risk, Trade, Sales Effectiveness, Transaction Banking and Project Implementation.  WEBINAR SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public
Sep
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
2023 SME Finance Forum in-person Members’ Meeting
Mumbai
Add to Calendar 2023-09-11 20:00:00 2023-09-11 20:00:00 2023 SME Finance Forum in-person Members’ Meeting MEETING MINUTES and VIDEO RECORDING  are available below. Please sign in the Member Portal to get access. -------------------------- The second 2023 Members Meeting of the SME Finance Forum will take place in person in Mumbai, during the Global SME Finance Forum 2023.   The meeting will happen on September 12th from 9AM to 12PM local time in the Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences. The room assigned to the meeting is the Main ballroom.  Members joining us in Mumbai, should RSVP to attend that session on the event website. Those joining virtually will be provided a WEBEX link. -------------------------- Join this exclusive and interactive session to meet members, hear their success stories, provide your input on our 2024 services, and get to know our new CEO, Qamar Saleem.  AGENDA OUTLINE Opening remarks by Matthew Gamser and introduction of incoming CEO Qamar Saleem.  Inspiring Member Stories  Overview of 2023's Member services and 2023 survey results.  Breakout sessions on Sustainable Finance, Inclusive Finance, Supply Chain Finance, AgriFinance, Digital Transformation, and Data risk and Regulation.  ->> Share your insights through interactive polls and guide the Forum’s 2024 offerings.    Mumbai SME FINANCE FORUM ronyg@panapps.co America/New_York public