Even in today’s interconnected world, SMEs and MSMEs struggle with a myriad of challenges: Limited access to financial and technological resources, a lack of financing, and new challenges such as climate-related risks.
To thrive and drive sustainable growth, SMEs can harness the power of responsible AI and digitisation—but this journey requires a collective effort from various stakeholders.
The upcoming Global SME Finance Forum will propose solutions for SMEs and MSMEs in its first Latin American and Caribbean event this September in Sǎo Paulo, Brazil.
This invite-only gathering—backed by the G20 Brazilian Presidency and managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank Group—will explore how AI can move the needle on digital and sustainable transitions through areas such as AgriFinance, supply chain finance, sustainable finance, women’s entrepreneurship, and climate risk.
Our strategic partnership with the SME Finance Forum represents our dedication to bridging the SME financing gap and sharing our expertise to empower SMEs worldwide.
Domestic Financing: A Fix for Our Climate Challenge?
Vivek Pathak, Regional Chief Risk Officer (APAC) at IFC, explores the fundamental barriers that SMEs in emerging markets face—particularly when it comes to securing funding for important sectors such as clean energy. Learn why he believes domestic financing could be the answer:
MSMEs are the backbone of the world’s economy, representing 90% of the workforce and up to 60% of the GDP for most nations. Yet the funding gap persists: Lenders favour SMEs when building credit solutions, and 1/5 of MSMEs are cash-only. Ajit Raikar, Co-founder and Advisor at Validus Capital, proposes solutions in this op-ed:
The latest policy, tech and finance news that stirred the industry
To improve credit access to Thailand’s SMEs, the Thai Cabinet has given in principle approval of the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Agency—a new facility that will provide financial risk guarantees for smaller businesses seeking loans.
Green data centres and the energy transition sectorare among the most promising growth areas in sustainable financing, according to UOB. Its sustainable loans issued in the first half of FY2024 stood at S$44 billion, up from S$39 billion for FY2024 and S$23 billion for FY2023.
Education
Upskill with certificate programmes developed alongside our education partners
Learn how our financial system is being reshaped for good.Some 1.4 billion people globally remain unbanked today, the result of costly and inefficient financial services. To that, how are digital technologies being used to create a more inclusive and sustainable financial system? This online course will cover:
Elevandi is proud to collaborate with and support the Global SME Finance Forum 2024.
To register your interest for a complimentary pass, email gsmeff@elevandi.io by 6 Sep, 2024.
Keep up with the latest from Global SME Finance Forum: LinkedIn | X
November: Insights Forum
4 - 5 Nov, 2024 Singapore
This by-invitation, two-day Forum gathers our community of senior policymakers, regulators and C-level participants to consider emerging challenges and develop collaborative solutions.
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