The Supply Chain Finance Innovation Hub develops a supportive and innovative community of SME finance professionals dedicated to expanding access to financing for SMEs through Supply Chain Financing solutions. The Community focuses on

(i) supporting members in problem solving and achieving scale in SCF solutions through sharing of industry best practices,

(ii) Synergizing expertise within the SCF Innovation Hub community while integrating industry level expertise,

(iii) Supporting forward looking innovation, pilots, and content development.

Just to recap, the topics we have covered so far are in earlier solutions clinics are:

Date/Venue: Sept 16, 2024, Sao Paulo, Brazil (In person workshop Solutions Clinic)

Problem Statements:

1. How can fintech partnerships with banks be made simpler and easier to integrate  
2. If there was one regulatory barrier to resolve, which one to focus on
3. How can data be leveraged better to go beyond traditional SCF products? 

Date/Venue: Nov 20, 2024 (Virtual)

Problem Statements:

1. Regulation with particular focus on data
2. Technology and role of Fintechs    
3. SCF products and Role of Data/AI

Together with our co-chairs and affiliates, we have decided to narrow it down to one topic in the next clinic on Feb 19, 2025. The premise being that while technology and product enablers can be put in place, lack of enabling environment is the main impediment especially in emerging markets. Also, as private sector organizations, how can you be better equipped with compelling examples to carry out the right conversations with regulators and enabling environment stakeholders.

Hence the topic of next Solutions and agenda is as below:

Topic: A model enabling environment in scaling SCF for SMEs and challenges to overcome

Segment 1: Expert Insights and Use Cases

1. Solutions Clinic: Key pillars, learnings from a global perspective
   • Neal Harm, Secretary General FCI: Key regulatory pillars in SCF for SMEs
2. Why It Matters: Financial Inclusion in Trade Road Map
   • Michael Vrontamitis, (Deputy Chair, World Trade Board): Discussion on the World Trade Board Publication
3. Use Case 1: Morocco Experience
   • Eva Degenhart and Fahd Djouri (IFC, SCF Specialists, Africa): Presentation of the Moroccan program
     • Project Objective
     • The global framework designed to enable SCF development
     • Focus on Legal, Regulatory, and Financial Infrastructure
4. Use Case 2: Mexico Experience in Scaling SCF for SMEs
   • Patricia Martinez (SCF Independent Expert, Mexico): Presentation of the Mexican program
     • Objective
     • Key achievements in legal and regulatory framework
5. Use Case 3: Europe Experience in Building a Robust SCF Business
   • Eugenio Cavenaghi (European head, Working Capital and Trade Finance, Santander): Sharing experience about the successful SCF program in Europe
     • Contribution of regulation and legal development
     • Cross-border aspects and collateral (if available)
6. Use Case 4: Connecting SMEs Globally and Available Solutions
   • Brian Pallas (CEO & Founder at Opportunity Network): Ensuring SME perspectives in cross-border environments
     • Highlighting solution opportunities enabled by the network
7. Affiliate Resources
   • Michael Bickers (CEO, BCR Hub): SCF hub affiliates highlight potential tools, resources, and venues to assist members

Discussant Experts:

• Anil Walia (EMEA, Supply Chain Finance lead, Deutsche Bank);
• Peter Mulroy (Ex FCI Secretary General)

Segment 2: Open Discussion

1. Participant Discussion
   • Defining potential steps and activities to promote a sustainable and favorable enabling framework
2. Agreement on Next Steps
   • Determining actions as part of the SCF innovation hub

Discussant SMEFF SCF Innovation Hub co-chairs:

• Ketan Gaikwad – CEO, RXIL;
• Gavin Tarr, Head of Working Capital Solutions, FNB;
• Basant Kaur, COO, C2FO;
• Chioma K Ogwo, Head Products and Segments, Access Bank

Our solutions clinics are member-only interactive, roundtable-style events, in which we crowd-in expertise from across the SMEFF membership to answer questions from members of the innovation hub.

This is a member and affiliate only event. If you have not received an invitation to join, register through the member portal.