19th May 2025 – The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore head-quartered Global Forums, Advisory 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 organise 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 SME Finance Forum.
By uniting GFTN’s expansive international network with the SME Finance Forum’s deep expertise and leadership, this collaboration aims to elevate the annual Global SME Finance Forum and expand access to cutting-edge insights, digital tools, and best practices. Together, the two organisations will harness their complementary strengths to accelerate innovation, deepen knowledge exchange, and drive sustainable, inclusive growth in SME financing across developed and emerging markets.
“In today’s deeply interconnected world, the exchange of global knowledge is essential to tackling the complex and persistent challenges faced by SMEs and MSMEs,” said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group Chief Executive Officer of GFTN. “This partnership stands as a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to narrowing the SME financing gap. It reflects GFTN’s core mission to harness technology and innovation in building financial ecosystems that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. Through this collaboration with the SME Finance Forum, we aim to translate insight into impact, shaping scalable solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen economies worldwide.”
GFTN, will work with the SME Finance Forum to organize the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 from 15 to 17 September 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, as an official side event of the South African G20 Presidency. The conference will focus on practical and scalable financial solutions that empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on ‘Building Resilience and Creating Opportunities for Growth’.
Qamar Saleem, Head of the SME Finance Forum, added: “Forging transformative market alliances is a fundamental pillar of the SME Finance Forum's forward-thinking strategy, designed to tackle the pressing challenges in SME financial services and catalyse job creation and retention. We are delighted to unveil our groundbreaking partnership with GFTN, a collaboration that promises to harness the unique strengths and synergies of both institutions. This partnership aims to accelerate the growth of SME financial services by leveraging technological trends and innovative market solutions. Together, we are committed to expanding impactful convening, strengthening our global network, delivering cutting-edge content, and driving solution-building efforts to ensure that SMEs can thrive and grow.”
About the SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum (SMEFF) was established in 2012 by the G20 and is managed by the IFC, World Bank Group. The objective is to scale SME finance for job creation and economic growth. As the leading SME finance network globally, industry innovations support replication of best practices, steer policy advocacy, and foster global knowledge transfer. It also powers global peer learning membership network by connecting them with relevant partners, investors and policymakers. The network comprises nearly 300 financial services stakeholders with coverage of over 190 countries. It’s the largest SME financial services industry network of its kind. Learn more about the SME Finance Forum at: https://smefinanceforum.org/
About the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore drives global impact in finance, technology, and sustainability by catalysing technology and innovation in finance for more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystems. Through its two subsidiaries, GFTN Services and GFTN Capital, it convenes global forums, offers capacity-building and advisory services, provides access to transformative digital platforms, and invests in technology startups with the potential for growth and positive social impact. Learn more about GFTN at www.gftn.com.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilising private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.