Events
Oct
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
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
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
Jul
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
Jun
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
WEBINAR
Add to Calendar
2023-06-27 20:00:00
2023-06-27 20:00:00
Partnering SMEs in responding to Climate Change
Climate change is leading to profound changes in the way businesses operate. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), these changes will accelerate as stakeholders, regulators and competitors respond to the global challenges of climate change. Financial institutions (FIs) have an instrumental role in facilitating the transition for SMEs while adapting their own business models to meet the growing demands for climate financing. In this webinar, IFC will share insights on the changing realities faced by SMEs, discuss the implications for FIs, and provide some practical tools that can be deployed by FIs to meet the growing demand for finance to address the impacts of climate change.
Speakers
William BELOE IFC Financial Institutions Group – Acting Head of Climate
Will works with IFC’s Financial Institutions Group with the mandate to grow IFC’s climate commitments to an average of 35% of its portfolio between 2021-25. He has been responsible for developing specific climate focused product areas including Green Buildings Finance (over $400m booked in FY22) and for supporting clients grow their portfolios with climate smart strategies (both grasping opportunities and managing risks). He is also responsible for ensuring IFC’s portfolio of FI investments are Paris Aligned. In 2017, Will moved to DC from Beijing where he led IFC’s work supporting financial markets on issues relating to climate change across Asia since 2012. Prior to this role, Will led IFC’s Sustainable Business advisory programs for South Asia out of Delhi. Will began his career in London as a derivatives trader before moving to Asia. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from INSEAD and speaks Mandarin Chinese.
Jeremy LEVIN IFC Global Manufacturing – Thematic Lead
Jeremy has more than 25 years of experience working with a wide range of private sector, government clients and other stakeholders providing technical, operational and project management in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change efforts. He currently leads several IFC engagements with Global Brands who are seeking to address sustainability challenges in their supply chain. Prior to joining IFC, Mr. Levin was a task team leader at the World Bank, where he led operations deploying a variety of financing mechanisms to support increased use of energy efficiency and renewable energy options in developing countries. Mr. Levin holds a BA with Distinction in Economics and Environmental Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Erdenedelger (Degi) BAVLAI First Deputy CEO, Khan Bank
Erdenedelger (Degi) is the First Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Khan Bank of Mongolia. She joined Khan Bank in 2010 as the Head of the Treasury Department, advancing to Director of Treasury and Investment Banking in 2012, Vice President of Corporate Banking in 2017, and Deputy CEO in 2020. She manages business lines, investor relations, and the bank’s business and digital strategy. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Indiana University of the United States.
Eric NAIVASHA Associate Director, Energy, Environment & Climate Change at Equity Group
Eric is the Associate Director, Energy, Environment & Climate Change at Equity Group. He has great passion for climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives especially promoting resilience and adaptive capacity in agriculture, clean energy transitions & environmental conservation. Mr. Naivasha has over 22 years of experience in finance and business consulting in different markets across Africa. For the last 10 years, Mr. Naivasha has implemented projects in Climate Smart Agriculture, agro-forestry, Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Waste Management and also developed appropriate financing structures for mitigation & adaptation.
Moderator
Cheryl WANG IFC Financial Institutions Group – Associate Investment Officer
Cheryl works in the IFC Financial Institutions Group as an Associate Investment Officer in the Climate Finance team. She contributes to the team’s work primarily in the Capital Markets and Funds space. Cheryl started her career in Singapore in corporate strategy and transactions. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from IMD Business School.
Host
Khrystyna Kushnir Knowledge Management Lead at the SME Finance Forum
Khrystyna has over ten years of experience in private enterprise and financial sector development. Before joining the Forum, Khrystyna worked as an operations analyst at the Development Economics of the World Bank Group. Before working for the Group, she was a Research Assistant for Central and Eastern Europe at the Heritage Foundation. Kushnir holds MA in International Economic Relations from the American University and is a Fulbright scholar.
If you have additional questions, please write to us at SME Finance Forum.
WEBINAR
SME FINANCE FORUM
ronyg@panapps.co
America/New_York
public
Jun
23
SME FINANCE FORUM
WEBINAR
Add to Calendar
2023-06-04 20:00:00
2023-06-04 20:00:00
Climate Disclosure Training: TCFD for the Financial Sector
In order to provide financial institutions, issuers and preparers of financial filings with high-quality training on climate disclosure and provide an overview of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, the SME Finance Forum and the IFC (facilitated by UN SSE) are providing a multifaceted, certified course.
The objective is to facilitate a multistakeholder dialogue on TCFD disclosure and provide an understanding of the importance of climate-related disclosure.
The course consists of 2 modules of 120 minutes and is CDP certified (participants will receive a certificate upon completion, enabling individuals with professional body membership to use the training as part of continuing professional development requirements).
The training will be virtual and Members of the SME Finance Forum are welcome to sign up for the sessions.
Session of Day 1 provides an overview of what climate-related reporting is and why it is important. It will also provide participants with the global and regional context and focus on the initial steps on how to address the TCFD recommendations.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: Explain the financial risks & opportunities associated with climate change, and the importance of climate-related financial disclosure.
Understand the key elements of climate-related financial disclosure and outline the characteristics of good practice
Identify the initial steps organizations need to take to implement the recommendations of the TCFD.
If you missed the sessions you can relive the event here:
Day 1 - June 5th: RECORDING
Day 2 – June 6th: RECORDING
Facilitators:
Tiffany Grabski (SSE)
Vanina Vegezzi (SSE)
Maheen Arshad (UNEP-FI)
Wenmin Li (UNEP-FI)
---------------------------------------
By registering for this event, you agree to the SME Finance Forum/IFC Event Privacy Notice.
WEBINAR
SME FINANCE FORUM
ronyg@panapps.co
America/New_York
public
de mayo
23
SME FINANCE FORUM