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G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion - Action Plan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Financing Join us on June 30th, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST for an insightful discussion of country initiatives in alignment with the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Action Plan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Financing, recently released. The Action Plan The G20 GPFI Action Plan for MSME Financing is a call to action for G20 and non-G20 countries to intensify their efforts to close the MSME financing gap given the potential impact on productivity, job creation and achieving the sustainable development goals...Read more
Supply & Value Chain Finance
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt and the Banking Association, FMO, IFC, and the SME Finance Forum are hosting a half-day workshop designed to onboard banking stakeholders on Supply Chain Finance (SCF) programs. This event aims to deliver a comprehensive understanding of SCF, focusing on global standards, innovation, enabling environments, key models, and successful case studies. The workshop will highlight the significance of SCF in enhancing access to finance for MSMEs and bolstering economic resilience in Egypt. Detailed Agenda 9:45 – 10:00: Opening Remarks Speakers: IFC Country Head, Manar Korayem (IFC Financial Institutions Group Advisory Services Country Lead),...Read more
Financial Inclusion
Advancing MSME Finance: Insights from the G20 Global Partnership Action Plan for MSME Financing Webinar The IFC and World Bank , in collaboration with the SME Finance Forum, and OECD, recently convened a virtual session to present the G20 Action Plan for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Financing . This note synthesizes key...Read more
Fintech
Washington D.C, June 4, 2025 – Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) , a Global Forum Driving Collaboration and Growth has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation. "SME Finance Forum is proud to welcome the Africa Fintech Summit to our global network. This partnership aims to drive financial inclusion, foster innovation, and create opportunities for collaboration across sectors and geographies. Together, we...Read more
Fintech
Washington D.C, May 23, 2025 – ezee.ai , a global leader in digital lending technology has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who 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 ezee.ai. It is with great pleasure that I welcome ezee.ai to the SME Finance Forum. ezee.ai’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with our mission to expand access to finance for small and...Read more
Gender Finance
Digital Transformation
Highlights Women represent a distinct and profitable customer segment that is often underserved by traditional financial products and services. Financial institutions must identify, acknowledge, and address gender biases rooted in cultural norms, stereotypes, and institutional processes. A structured approach, including understanding gender dynamics, building organizational capacity, and designing inclusive products, helps integrate a gender perspective into their operations. This report presents ten guidelines that financial institutions can follow to adopt a more intentional strategy towards the financial inclusion of women.Read more
Digital Transformation
Amsterdam, 4 April 2025 – In a bold move reshaping the future of finance, Topicus proudly announces the launch of Akkuro , a cutting-edge composable banking platform set to revolutionize how financial institutions innovate, scale, and serve their customers. This strategic debut unifies the deep capabilities of Five Degrees, including its Matrix CRM and Neo Core Banking products and Topicus finance solutions such as Fyndoo Lending as well as solutions within the domains: Mortgages, Pension & Wealth and Connected Finance. All under one powerful brand: Akkuro, by Topicus. This consolidation presents a cohesive, world-class proposition to the global market and...Read more
Alternative Financing
Washington D.C, May 23, 2025 – Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance , a leading research hub at Cambridge Judge Business School dedicated to advancing alternative financial systems, has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation. "SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) to our global network. CCAF has been at the forefront of advancing knowledge in alternative...Read more
Trade Finance
Washington D.C, May 20, 2025 – Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) , the global multimedia and thought leadership platform for liquidity and risk management, has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation. "SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes Trade Treasury Payments. Trade Treasury Payments’ expertise and commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and breaking down barriers in the financial ecosystem align perfectly with our...Read more
Washington D.C, June 3rd., 2025 – Cascade Debt , a global cutting-edge platform revolutionizing private credit has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who 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 Cascade Debt. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Cascade Debt to the SME Finance Forum. Cascade Debt’s cutting-edge technology platform, which is revolutionizing private credit and...Read more
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Overview The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (“CIIP”), a non-profit entity established by Temasek Trust, embarked on this report to study the role of Southeast Asian MSMEs in global supply chains. Throughout the course of this study, CIIP engaged and sought the views of Khazanah Nasional Berhad as we have a shared interest in understanding the challenges faced by MSMEs in a world where sustainability considerations have become increasingly important. Yet, they are not getting any easier to navigate, especially for resource-stretched MSMEs. This report is the second of a comprehensive two-part study, building on the foundational report prepared...Read more
Equity
Gender Finance
Rural & Agriculture Finance
Sustainable Finance
Policy & Regulation
This report offers strategic and actionable guidance to policymakers in strengthening their access to finance policies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This report emphasizes the need to improve the enabling environment for SME debt and equity financing. It outlines a roadmap of eight key actions to guide policymakers in achieving this. While such reforms are necessary, they are often insufficient to fully address SME financing constraints. Targeted financial programs thus remain essential to bridge the financing gaps effectively. This report outlines seven actions to improve the design and implementation of these interventions to maximize their impact and the effective...Read more
Non Financial Services
Background: SMEs are the backbone of economies worldwide and contribute significantly to job creation. Access to financial services is cited as the key barrier to most SMEs inhibiting their growth. Financial Institutions have a significant role to play, especially in the face of the $5.7 trillion MSME finance gap. Objective: As we have seen across multiple financial institutions, when the SME finance business is driven by the CEOs of the institutions, it gets the right focus, builds strong business momentum and delivers lasting market impact. Hence, we plan to bring together CEOs from members institutions of the SME Finance Forum...Read more
Fintech
During our latest Marketplace on May 21st , the fintech s who were invited highlighted the tools they provide SMEs to help them gather and report ESG data more efficiently. Those solutions range from ESG reporting software , to data integration and collection tools, and monitoring and tracking software. The Role of GB-TAP and IFC in Supporting SMEs ...Read more
Financial Education
Digital Financial Services
CARE’s new Strive Women report finds digital divide, financial stress and household responsibilities limit business success in emerging markets Atlanta, May 12, 2025 – Women entrepreneurs in emerging markets face considerable barriers that hinder their long-term success. While difficulties accessing small business credit and training are frequently cited challenges by small business owners, CARE’s latest Strive Women report —based on the experiences of nearly 2,500 businesswomen in Pakistan, Peru, and Vietnam—highlights that access to finance during a crisis, digital tools, and support networks are equally crucial factors for woman entrepreneurs’ business growth. The report uncovers how business outcomes for...Read more
Financial Inclusion
Sustainable Finance
Washington D.C, May 14, 2025 – Dalberg , a global leader in inclusive and sustainable development, has joined the SME finance forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation. "SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes Dalberg. Dalberg’s innovative approach—spanning advisory, investment, research, analytics, media, and design—aligns perfectly with our mission to expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises worldwide," said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME...Read more
Financial Education
Financial Inclusion
Non Financial Services
Global Finance & Technology Network and the SME Finance Forum j oin f orces on SME financing across developed and emerging markets 18th May 2025 – The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore head - quartered G lobal F oru m s , A dvisory and Investment company and the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the G20 and managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are partnering to further organize and grow the annual Global SME Finance Forum event and create value-added services to enhance the SME knowledge bank and digital services offered by the...Read more
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Washington D.C, Apr 16th, 2025 – M1xchange revolutionizes MSME Financing in India with Digital TReDS Platform, Facilitating Over Rs 170,000 Crores in Invoice Discounting has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who 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 M1xchange. By enabling digital transactions that streamline the process from invoice raising to payment within 24 hours, M1xchange has significantly enhanced...Read more
![Sustainable Innovation Hub [Solution Clinic]](https://smefinanceforum.org/sites/default/files/Sustainable_SME_Finance_Innovation_Hub__Website_720_x_480_px_0.png "Sustainable Innovation Hub [Solution Clinic]")
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Sustainable Finance
The Sustainable SME Finance hub focuses on the challenges and opportunities of extending green finance to the SME sector. Session cover all aspects of environmentally sustainable SME finance, including green finance, blue finance, and finance for climate change resilience. The community discusses innovative technologies for monitoring and verification, maps sources of DFI and government support for green finance, and showcases members’ work in terms of sustainable SME finance in practice. This group is a place for exchanging ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions in Sustainable SME Finance. Registration is open for members on the ...Read more