Washington D.C, March 24, 2025 – First Finance, a leading SME financial services provider in Iraq which adheres to international best practices to support and empower small and medium-sized enterprises has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum operate in 190 countries and share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
"SME Finance Forum is delighted to welcome First Finance. We appreciate First Finance's commitment to providing financial services to small and medium enterprises. This will significantly contribute to our shared goal of empowering SMEs and creating livelihoods," said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
First Finance is a registered financing institution established as a private joint-stock company and licensed by the Central Bank of Iraq and its one of ZK holding Group company based in Abu Dhabi - UAE . FFC provides financial services to targeted groups and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accordance with the best global practices followed in the microfinance industry. The company employs financial inclusion to provide optimal solutions for its customers towards sustainable improvement of living conditions.
"First Finance is thrilled to announce our partnership with the SME Finance Forum. We believe that the forum provides an exceptional platform for collaboration, learning, and growth, enabling us to make a meaningful contribution to the global SME landscape. We are looking forward to expanding our network, gaining industry insights, promoting thought leadership, accessing valuable resources, and demonstrating our commitment to SME development.," said Mr. Manar AI-Obaidi, CEO at First Finance.
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 300+ 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 member, 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.)
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates:
About First Finance
First Finance is a registered financing institution established as a private joint-stock company and licensed by the Central Bank of Iraq. We provide financial services to targeted groups and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accordance with the best global practices followed in the microfinance industry. We employ financial inclusion to provide optimal solutions for the company's customers towards sustainable improvement of living conditions.
Learn more:
Website: https://www.ffc.iq/
