Unlocking Digital Trust: The Key to Sustainability and Investment for MSMEs
Delivered at the Singapore FinTech Festival, this session discussed how digital trust, through verified digital identities and innovative partnerships, can empower MSMEs to access financing and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The panel examined the challenges and opportunities in creating trust and financial inclusion using technology.
Key Highlights
1. The Importance of Digital Trust for MSMEs in Ghana
- Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana highlighted the critical role of MSMEs, which contribute 60% to Ghana’s GDP and 80% of employment. However, they face a significant trust deficit that affects access to finance, leading to a $4.8 billion financing gap annually.
- The introduction of the Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC), supported by the Bank of Ghana and Monetary Authority of Singapore, leverages biometric Ghana Cards linked to multiple government databases. This innovation provides MSMEs with a verifiable, trusted digital identity, reducing the need for collateral and lowering non-performing loan rates.
2. Digital Trust Initiatives in Spain and Latin America
- Jose Manuel Marques Sevillano from the Bank of Spain discussed the crucial role of digitalization for Spain’s SMEs, which make up 99% of all businesses. He emphasized using credit histories and alternative data to facilitate access to financing and improve competitiveness.
- Spain’s future initiatives include a European-wide identity framework enabling cross-border interoperability and self-sovereign identity, where businesses can manage their data and share it selectively. Lessons from Latin America highlight the importance of credit registers and leveraging social media data.
3. Implementing and Scaling Digital ID in Rwanda
- Dr. Diane Karusisi from Bank of Kigali described Rwanda’s use of biometric IDs and digital platforms to enable services for SMEs. BK TechHouse’s platforms for farmers and a universal payment gateway capture data points like tax payments and church contributions, forming a comprehensive digital footprint.
- Banking agents, equipped with digital tools, assist clients in accessing banking services, opening accounts, and applying for loans. These innovations enable uncollateralized loans for women-led businesses and cross-border traders by assessing digital behaviours and financial activities.
4. Building Digital Infrastructure in Ghana
- Jacinta Bey from Proxtera explained their role in developing the Ghana Integrated Financial Ecosystem, which connects various data sources through APIs to create standardized, credentialled business profiles. This infrastructure builds trust between SMEs and financial institutions, facilitating cross-border trade and finance.
- Proxtera’s platform also emphasizes the importance of ESG reporting as a future requirement for SMEs, ensuring they remain sustainable and competitive.
Conclusion
Digital trust is fundamental to MSME growth, requiring collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and tech providers. Verified digital identities, like Ghana’s UTC, offer a scalable solution, reducing financing barriers and enabling cross-border trade. The session emphasized the need for continuous improvement, data integrity, and interoperability to fully harness the potential of digital trust.
Watch Full Session
Speakers:
- Dr. Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Kigali Plc
- Jacinta Bey, Country Manager, Ghana, Proxtera
- Jose Manuel Marques Sevillano, Director Financial Innovation and Market Infrastructures, Bank of Spain
- Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana
Moderator:
- Aimee Chiuten, Deputy Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore