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Publication: The Use of Alternative Data in Credit Risk Assessment: Opportunities, Risks, and Challenges
Data Analytics
Digitalization accelerated by the pandemic has exponentially increased the number and variability of alternative data sources. The stay-at-home requirements during the pandemic forced several business models to be digitized. This helped spur the digitization that had been ongoing pre-pandemic, largely driven by governments as countries sought to leverage the benefits of the digital economy. Advances in technological innovations are also facilitating the development of advanced credit underwriting models and the use of structured and unstructured data to assess creditworthiness. This has enabled the financial industry to actively integrate alternative data to gain a competitive edge. This study examines the evolution...Read more
Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN), Yemen's microfinance institutions association, an NGO co-funded by UNDP and SFD, joins the SME Finance Forum
Financial Education
Financial Inclusion
Washington D.C, March 7, 2025 – Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN) , Yemen's microfinance institutions association, an NGO co-funded by UNDP and SFD 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 Yemen's microfinance institutions association. It is with great pleasure I welcome Yemen Microfinance Network to SME Finance Forum. Yemen Microfinance Network's efforts in strengthening...Read more

Kifiya

Founded in 2012, Kifiya's vision is creating equitable access to market and finacial services for micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs), smallholder farmers (SHFs) & low and middle-income individuals. 
 
At the center of our technology stack are: 1) an AI driven alternative data-based scoring plateform that enables MSMEs, SHFs, and Individuals to be credit scored, and 2) an embedded finance infrastructure supporting credit, payment, insurance, and wallet services that drive the development of nine platforms. Together, these technologies enable FIs, MFIs, and FinTechs to offer various types of micro and small credit, micro insurance, and payment products and services. 
 
One of our key platfoms released 18 months ago is Qena, our intelligent financial services platform with KYC+ loan origination, complete credit management and collection modules. It leverages the credit scoring platform to enable banks and MFIs provide uncollateralized digital micro and small credit to MSMes, SHFs & Individuals.
 

M1xchange

M1xchange is a TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting) exchange that started in April 2017. M1xchange facilitates the financing of trade receivables of MSMEs from corporate buyers through ‘factoring’ or ‘invoice discounting’ by financiers (Banks and NBFC). In a short span of time, M1xchange has onboarded 65+ Banks, 2000+ corporates, and 48,000+ MSMEs and has facilitated discounting of invoices of more than Rs 160,000 Crores. Transactions on the TReDS platform happen digitally and start when the MSME Supplier of Goods & Services raises the invoice, and the Buyer validates the same. This permits the financiers (Banks/ NBFCs) to bid against the verified and approved invoice. Once the supplier accepts the bid, the payment is processed in 24 hrs. and credited to the MSMEs bank account. Through this platform, M1xchange promises MSMEs greater access to finance" at competitive rates and without providing any collateral. Further, the financing is without recourse. MSMEs pass on the risk of receivables to the financiers (NBFCs/Banks) by selling their receivables.

Business Partners

Business Partners was established in South Africa 1981, and to date has unlocked business value in over 71 000 business finance transactions, providing customized finance solutions to SMEs using debt, equity and blended finance as well as providing comprehensive technical assistance to help portfolio companies grow. Apart from our extensive experience in South Africa, Business Partners has also invested and managed various funds in East and Southern Africa over the last 20 years. The Global SME Finance Awards named Business Partners the 2019 Gold winner in the SME Bank of the Year – Africa.

Fauree, UAE’s Leading Supply Chain Finance & Working Capital Solutions Provider, Joins SME Finance Forum
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Washington D.C, March 12, 2025 – Fauree , UAE’s leading provider of supply chain finance and working capital solutions, 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. "The SME Finance Forum is delighted to welcome UAE’s leading provider of supply chain finance and working capital solutions. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Fauree to the SME Finance Forum. Fauree's...Read more
Non Financial Services Innovation Hub - Solution Clinic
Non Financial Services
While there are many challenges for SMEs, there are important steps SMEs can take to build resilience, including improvements in financial literacy to navigate uncertainty. Business decisions can be challenging for SMEs if they fail to identify key metrics to measure performance and report relevant data to financial service providers. This hub will discuss how to help SMEs improve financial understanding and awareness, get relevant business advice and effectively manage liquidity and debt. On the other end, members will also tackle how financial service providers can improve their own understanding of digital disruptions in financial services​ so they can implement...Read more
G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion - Action Plan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Financing
G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion - Action Plan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Financing Join us on May 29 th , 2025 , at 8:00 AM EST for an insightful discussion of 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 for MSME Financing Action Plan 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. The credit...Read more
Convergence Blended Finance, the Global Blended Finance Network Driving Private Investment in Developing Countries, joins the SME Finance Forum.
Equity
Data Analytics
Washington D.C, March 26, 2025 – Convergence Blended Finance , the global blended finance network driving private investment in developing countries, 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 Convergence Blended Finance (Convergence). Convergence’s expertise in blended finance and commitment to increasing private sector investment in developing countries align perfectly with our mission to expand financial...Read more
Vayana, India's largest Supply Chain Finance Network, joins the SME Finance Forum
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Washington D.C, April 7, 2025 – Vayana , India's largest Supply Chain Finance Network 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 India's largest Supply Chain Finance Network. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Vayana to the SME Finance Forum. Vayana’s pioneering efforts in operationalizing the ITFS platform demonstrate their dedication to...Read more

Seu Ativo

Seu Ativo, founded by seasoned professionals with expertise in investments, payments, and technology, aims to develop Brazil's invoice financing market amidst regulatory transformation by the Brazilian Central Bank. Focused on MSMEs and e-invoice issuers, Seu Ativo offers a fully digital process ensuring legitimacy and unicity for e-invoices and receivables. In association w/an Payment Institution, Seu Ativo have created a unique settlement process to ensure payments reach the true owner of the receivable.

Side event on enhancing SMEs’ integration in regional value and supply chains for job creation and sustainable growth in African vulnerable countries
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Sustainable Finance
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are central to Africa’s economic transformation, representing a significant share of employment, innovation and GDP. However, their integration into regional value and supply chains remains limited, particularly in vulnerable countries. This virtual side event emphasizes the importance of strengthening SMEs’ participation in regional markets as a pathway to job creation and inclusive economic growth, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Co-organized with the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, this side event will take place during the Eleventh Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) to address the critical role of...Read more
Policy & Regulation
Global Symposium on Credit Guarantee May 29 – 30, 2025 Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) (Setup by Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India and SIDBI) This symposium organized by CGTMSE, a subsidiary of our member SIDBI. This is by invitation only for SME Finance Forum members and if you are interested in joining, please reach out to us at smefinanceforum@ifc.orgRead more
C2FO: Connecting SMEs with Equitable Access to Working Capital
Supply & Value Chain Finance
IFC and C2FO are working under a strategic partnership to bolster job growth and economic prosperity in emerging markets and developing economies. The first initiative will work to enhance financing for local enterprises in Africa by developing a specialized, web-based multinational working capital platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is IFC's first dedicated supply chain financing facility in Africa for smaller businesses, and aims to provide much-needed liquidity to MSMEs without the need for risk-based underwriting. C2FO won the SME Financier of the Year Award at the Global SME Finance Forum Awards 2024 , the...Read more
FaturamPara, Turkey's first company with both RegTech and FinTech features, has joined the SME Finance Forum
Supply & Value Chain Finance
Washington D.C, April 3, 2025 – FaturamPara , Turkey's first company with both RegTech and FinTech features 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 Turkey's first company with both RegTech and FinTech features. It is with great pleasure I welcome FaturamPara to SME Finance Forum. As the exclusive authorized risk...Read more
OECD Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs Scoreboard: 2025 Highlights
Policy & Regulation
The OECD Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs Scoreboard: 2025 Highlights tracks financing trends, conditions and policy developments across nearly 50 countries. The paper provides official data on SME financing from 2007 to 2023, with additional insights for 2024 and early 2025, covering debt, equity, asset-based finance and overall financing conditions. It shows that SMEs continue to face a restrictive financing environment, with high interest rates and economic uncertainty leading to sharp declines in SME lending. Other financing sources, such as factoring and leasing, also showed weak performance, while venture capital investments fluctuated across markets and sectors. The shift towards smaller-scale, short-term...Read more
SME Finance Virtual Marketplace
Fintech
Empowering SMEs with Simplified ESG reporting Fintech Solutions About the Virtual SME Marketplace   Each month we are running  sessions  featuring leading small business lenders and SME growth facilitators who present their MSMEs offerings in a 7-minute pitch to an audience of potential financial institution clients and partners looking for impactful fintech solutions. Through those sessions - run by the SME Finance Forum - we foster collaboration between financial institutions, fintech companies, development finance institutions and investors. We have featured 150+ companies active in many different markets, attracted +2000 participants and generated many business leads, leading to investments, partnerships, and innovation advancement.  Topic ESG (Environmental, Social,...Read more
Information Session on Sustainable SME Financier of the Year, Global SME Finance Awards 2025
Sustainable Finance
Global SME Finance Awards 2025 Information Session on Sustainable SME Financier of the Year 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, th e Global SME Finance Awards has evolved into a pinnacle...Read more
ADAPTA, US Tech Firm Expanding AI-Driven Risk Management in Global Agriculture, has joined the SME Finance Forum
Data & Cybersecurity
Washington D.C, April 2, 2025 – ADAPTA , US Tech Firm Expanding AI-Driven Risk Management in Global Agriculture 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 the US tech firm expanding AI-driven risk management in global agriculture. It is with great pleasure I welcome ADAPTA to SME Finance Forum. ADAPTA’s pioneering work in AI-driven,...Read more
Sustainable Finance
The two days program offers great insights into AKBANK’s remarkable efforts and achievements in digital design and innovation especially how the bank integrates digital technology including AI to deliver customer experiences. Serving almost one third of the SMEs market in Turkey, some of the key factors driving the bank’s significant growth in market share include: Automation and digitalization - The bank has heavily invested in automating its marketing, credit approval, and customer engagement processes, which has enabled it to be more efficient and responsive. Focus on qualified customers - The bank has deliberately targeted customers with higher credit scores and...Read more

ADAPTA

ADAPTA is a US-based technology company operating in East Africa, Latin America, and soon Asia. It offers an AI-driven, cloud-based risk management software solution that equips financial intermediaries with the necessary data and insights to assess and mitigate climate, soil, water, and biodiversity risks in agricultural loans and investments. Through its innovative technology, ADAPTA has received support from the Climate Catalytic Finance Facility to launch the Climate Finance Facility—a unique bank of banks providing technology, blended finance, and capacity-building to scale nature-based agricultural practices globally.

Agrifinance Innovation Hub - [Solutions Clinic]
Rural & Agriculture Finance
Agrifinance plays a very significant role in providing crucial access to capital for farmers and SME agribusinesses, allowing them to invest in necessary equipment, land, and seeds, enabling them to enhance their productivity, yields, and grow their operations and income. Due to the inherent uncertainties in agriculture, especially volatile weather patterns, unpredictable crop yields, unstable commodity prices, and access to input and output markets, which can considerably impact on the ability of farmers and agribusinesses to repay loans, creating the perception of a high-risk investment for lenders, particularly banks, compared to other sectors. This upcoming innovation hub on agrifinance, scheduled...Read more
Viet Nam: Creating Pre-Conditions for a Nonperforming Loan Market
Credit Risk & Scoring
Since 2020, #VietNam has experienced a surge in nonperforming loans (NPLs). Not only does the growing number of NPLs reduce the stability of the banking system, but each one represents a borrower excluded from credit markets. Many of the NPLs are consumer debts, meaning poorer households are particularly hard hit. IFC - International Finance Corporation ’s collaboration with The World Bank , SECO Economic Cooperation and Development , and local Vietnamese partners has led to the creation of specialized bankruptcy courts and increased private sector investment. IFC's investment aims to strengthen Viet...Read more
AI in SME Finance: Opportunities and Threats
Digital Financial Services
Fintech
Payments
AI technology plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing SME finance by offering many benefits and transforming traditional practices. It brings new opportunities for the financial and non-financial institutions by automating operational workflows, harnessing alternative data sources, and building new forecasting and credit models to serve previously excluded MSMEs. Nonetheless, the integration of AI technology also poses its own set of challenges. The utilization of AI within their respective organizations, both internally and in their interactions with SME clients; How their institutions operationalize AI for maximum gain; How their institutions navigate the inherent risks associated with the implementation of AI. Keynote...Read more
Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), which enhances market transparency and combats financial crime through the implementation and use of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), joins the SME Finance Forum
Data Analytics
Washington D.C, March 26, 2025 – The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) , which enhances market transparency and combats financial crime through the implementation and use of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) 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 the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), which enhances market transparency and combats financial crime...Read more
 What is the Role of Modern Law on Warehouse Receipts in Increasing Investable Opportunities
Rural & Agriculture Finance
What is the Role of Modern Law on Warehouse Receipts in Increasing Investable Opportunities? [Open Webinar] - April 14, 2025 Click here to join the meeting Modern regimes or laws for warehouse receipts are necessary to facilitate agricultural finance and transactions with commodities. Many States have outdated or non-existent warehouse receipts laws that increase the cost of transactions and credit, exacerbating risks within the ecosystem. The 2024 UNCITRAL-UNIDOIT Model Law on Warehouse Receipts provides a framework for States to modernize their regimes, including enabling the use of electronic receipts, establishing registries, and operationalizing exchanges. This webinar...Read more
First Finance, a leading SME financial services provider in Iraq, adheres to the best international practices to support and empower small and medium-sized enterprises, joins the SME Finance Forum
Financial Inclusion
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...Read more
Ghana: Updating the collateral registry system to increase access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
MSMEs employ more than 80% of the workforce in #Ghana and account for over 70% of GDP. The majority of these enterprises are informal, consisting mainly of micro and sole enterprises operated by women and young entrepreneurs. While these small businesses play a critical role in economic growth and job creation, lack of information and collateral constraints limit their access to finance from formal financial institutions. With support from SECO Economic Cooperation and Development , IFC - International Finance Corporation worked closely with the Bank of Ghana to enhance the collateral registry...Read more
Is the rise of alternative data making credit bureaus obsolete? Not quite…
Credit Risk & Scoring
As digitalization accelerates, the use of alternative data should be seen as a complement rather than a threat to the traditional global credit bureau industry. A new blog by IFC - International Finance Corporation ’s Collen Masunda - (FCCA, CDFA, RPAC, Fulbright Fellow) explains that leveraging alternative data can significantly enhance access to credit for underserved individuals and micro, small, and medium enterprises ( #MSMEs ). Learn more about how integrating alternative data could boost financial inclusion and economic growth: https://lnkd.in/e4C-cVX3 This work is supported by the SECO Economic...Read more
Insurance Opportunities to Support Small Business Growth
SME Insurance
During our webinar on March 19th - organized in partnership with Berne Union - our guest speakers discussed the critical role of i nsurance for SMEs . Insurance acts as a shock absorber of adverse events, provides critical risk mitigation services, encourages saving, improves access to credit, and helps attract private capital to economies. They highlighted how insurers and other players in the sector each bring their expertise   to help reach SMEs in Emerging and De veloping markets (EMDC)...Read more
Launch of the OECD Financing SMEs and Scoreboard: 2025 Highlights
Credit Risk & Scoring
Unlocking SME Finance for Resilience and Competitiveness Launch of the OECD Financing SMEs and Scoreboard: 2025 Highlights REGISTER HERE SMEs and entrepreneurs are at an important crossroads. In recent years they have faced a series of challenges, from pandemic shutdowns to high inflation and historically rapid increases in interest rates. In 2023 alone, the cost of credit for SMEs rose by 6%, and bank lending to SMEs fell by 9%, a drop not seen since the Great Financial Crisis. While some of these pressures have begun to abate, financing conditions remain relatively tight, and uncertainty about the...Read more
First Gender Bond in West Africa: Ecobank Cote d'Ivoire
Gender Finance
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, March 11, 2025 – To boost access to finance for women-led SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire, IFC and the Africa Local Currency Bond Fund (ALCB Fund) today announced an anchor investment in a gender bond from Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, the first gender bond to be issued in the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Proceeds from the bond will help Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire provide almost 1,200 loans to women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs) in Côte d’Ivoire, supporting growth and job creation and helping to address the large credit gap women-owned businesses face in the country. Ecobank’s gender...Read more

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SME Finance Virtual Marketplace - Digital Lenders for Small Entrepreneurs
Digital Financial Services
During our latest Marketplace on March 12 th , the fintech invited highlighted how they serve small businesses in emerging markets to address the needs of underserved segments . Either through direct lending operations or partnering with financial institutions, Prestamype , Validus Q- lana , Vexi and Kaleidofin are strategically targeting small entrepreneurs to facilitate their access to finance and foster financial inclusion . The services they offer help SMEs overcome traditional barriers to credit, improve their...Read more
GBAC Green Banking Webinar Series [In Spanish]
Alternative Financing
Sobre el evento Las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PyMEs) son un pilar fundamental para el desarrollo económico en México y el mundo. A nivel global, representan más del 90% de las empresas y generan aproximadamente el 50% del empleo. En América Latina y el Caribe, constituyen cerca del 99% de los negocios y aportan alrededor del 30% del PIB. En México, las PyMEs generan el 52% del PIB y el 72% del empleo formal. Sin embargo, la brecha de financiamiento para las PyMEs en América Latina y el Caribe se estima en más de 1.2 billones de dólares, lo que...Read more

Fauree

Fauree is a leading provider of supply chain finance and working capital solutions, leveraging technology to boost efficiency and cut costs. Fauree's Supply Chain Finance, where we empower SMEs through transparent, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Our cutting-edge platform supports local suppliers, fortifies supply chains, and fosters economic diversification and workforce development. By offering superior financing options and enhancing cash flow, we enable businesses to flourish and significantly contribute to broader economic and social ICV policy objectives. Our cloud-based platform provides real-time reporting and customizable workflows, optimizing financial operations and working capital management. With an extensive suite of services—including supply chain financing, receivable financing, distributor finance, dynamic discounting, and Sharia-compliant products—Fauree meets diverse industry needs on a global scale.

FaturamPara

FaturamPara is the exclusive authorized risk center for the Electronic Document Registration Center and is the Regulatory Technologies company that implemented the central software, which is the first global application of the United Nations Trade Commission's Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, issued in 2017.
 
FaturamPara, which has developed an innovative system that transforms an innovative payment system based on e-invoices, is a pioneer in the world by enabling payment, insurance, credit, collateral, and accounting transactions for electronic invoices in a 360-degree closed loop. By contributing to sustainable supply chains, FaturamPara are leading the way in empowering SMEs to grow without boundaries.

Beltone SMEs

Beltone SMEs offers tailored financing solutions for a wide range of products and services. Committed to client-centricity and innovation, Beltone SMEs empowers small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in today's dynamic market. The company's mission is to support SME growth and development by providing the necessary financial tools and resources to achieve their goals. In Augst 2024, Beltone SMEs received a Small to Medium Enteirprises Finance License from the Financial Regulatory Authority.

BCP

Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP) is the largest bank and the largest supplier of integrated financial services in Perú with approximately US$40 billion in total assets and a market share of 30.4% in total loans and 33.5% in total deposits. BCP has been leading the national financial system for more than 130 years. Throughout all this time BCP have contributed to the economic development of Perú, transforming plans into reality.

Pak Oman Investment

Pak Oman Investment Company Limited (POIC) is a Development Financial Institution (DFI) dedicated to providing corporate banking, SME Finance and investment banking services. The company's core objective is to foster economic growth in both Pakistan and Oman by facilitating industrial development and promoting agro-based industries on a commercial basis. Operating from its headquarters in Karachi, POIC extend its reach through a branch office in Lahore and representative offices in Islamabad, Gwadar, and Muscat. POIC's stable ratings are bolstered by its joint venture shareholding structure, with equal ownership by the Government of Pakistan (GoP) and the Sultanate of Oman.

Esquire Financing

Founded by Rajan Uttamchandani, EFI’s Chairman and CEO, Esquire Financing Inc. started its operations in 2011 and quickly became the trusted non-bank SME financing company in the Philippines. Our advocacy is to help MSMEs take their business to the next level by providing access to financing and sound advisory services for them to reach their full potential.
What separates us from our peers is our flexible loan terms with minimal documentary requirements and 3-days turnaround time. Understanding that each business owner has their own unique requirement, we tailor-fit our business loan based on cash flow analysis.

MonetaGo

MonetaGo is a provider of best-in-class fraud detection and prevention solutions. Its Secure Financing systems enables banks, traditional financiers, non-bank financial institutions, fintechs, and trade finance funds to check for duplication and authentication of financing requests linked to invoices, bills of lading, air waybills, warehouse receipts, purchase orders, and other trade-related documents. Since entering full production in 2018, Secure Financing has processed millions of transactions and has been integrated into Swift's API-enabled infrastructure as the first third-party service on Swift, providing its member institutions with an important tool to combat duplicate financing fraud in trade and supply chain finance. Secure Financing is available to all financiers globally via Swift, API, web-based UI and partners.

Cooperative Bank of Oromia

Cooperative Bank of Oromia is commercially licensed in October 2004 and commenced operations in March 2005. The bank’s formation was realized with majority of shareholders being the cooperative societies. Reluctance and low capacity of the formal financial institutions in the country to serve rural community, a demand-supply gap prevailed in financial market especially in rural areas, coupled with farmers’ awareness to be organized into cooperatives and the increasing need to finance cooperatives called for establishment of a cooperative bank. Furthermore, finance appeared to be the critical bottleneck to sustain the cooperative institutions and ultimately the farmers. It was all these glitches that initiated the inception and establishment of Cooperative Bank of Oromia. The Bank has broad ownership base and diversified ownership structure. It comprises Cooperatives and Non-Cooperative members. Cooperative member includes Primary Cooperatives, Cooperative Unions and Cooperatives Federation whereas, non-Cooperative members includes Organizations, Associations and individuals.

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.

Scaling MSME Finance in Creative Industries
Alternative Financing
During our webinar on February 26th , our guest speakers highlight ed the immense potential of creative industries in driving economic growth, creating employment, and fostering innovation. They underscore d the financing challenges faced by this sector despite its potential and the need for tailored financial products, de-risking mechanisms, and collaborative efforts to unlock capital for creative SMEs. The discussion also emphasize d the importance of integrating creative industries into broader economic planning and policymaking to ensure sustainable growth...Read more
Beltone SMEs, a subsidiary of Beltone Holding, joins the SME Finance Forum
Financial Inclusion
Washington D.C, Feb 27, 2025 – Beltone SMEs , a subsidiary of Beltone Holding - 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 the distinguished subsidiary of Beltone Holding, It is with great pleasure I welcome Beltone SMEs to SME Finance Forum. Beltone SMEs's unwavering commitment to expanding its operations and supporting Egypt’s vibrant...Read more
Cenfri, a not-for-profit development consultancy and think tank that enhances the contribution of the financial sector and digital transformation to sustainable economic development, joins the SME Finance Forum
Washington D.C, Jan 10, 2025 – Cenfri , a global think-tank and not-for-profit enterprise with offices in South Africa and Rwanda 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 Cenfri, as this aligns with our strategy to deepen our engagement in emerging markets for impact," said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum. By facilitating better...Read more
Supply Chain Finance Innovation Hub - [Solutions Clinic]
Supply & Value Chain Finance
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...Read more
Information Session on Product Innovation, Global SME Finance Awards 2025
Digital Transformation
Global SME Finance Awards 2025 Information Session on Product Innovation 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, th e Global SME Finance Awards has evolved into a pinnacle of global recognition for...Read more
Information Session on SME Financier of the Year, Global SME Finance Awards 2025
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Global SME Finance Awards 2025 Information Session on SME Financier of the Year 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, th e Global SME Finance Awards has evolved into a pinnacle of...Read more