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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260303T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260303T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20260118T213001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T115258Z
UID:1712-1772560800-1772571600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Inclusive Insurance and the 2025 European Microfinance Award
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening discussion on how inclusive insurance can strengthen resilience for low-income and vulnerable communities. \nOrganised by the Financial Inclusion Forum in partnership with e-MFP\, this event spotlights the 2025 European Microfinance Award\, themed “Building Resilience Through Inclusive Insurance.” As climate\, health and economic shocks become more frequent\, the conversation will focus on why inclusive insurance matters now and how it can be designed to work better for the people who need it most. \nThe event will bring together practitioners\, funders\, policymakers and researchers to share insights from the Award and reflect on what’s next for the sector. \nWhat to Expect: \n\nKey insights from the 2025 European Microfinance Award\nPractical discussion on designing insurance for low-income clients\nTwo short panel sessions with audience Q&A\nNetworking opportunity after discussions\n\nWhy Attend: \n\nUnderstand how inclusive insurance supports resilience and recovery\nLearn from real-world practice recognised at European level\nConnect with professionals working across insurance\, financial inclusion\, climate resilience and development finance\n\nThis event has ended. \n#FinancialInclusion #EuropeanMicrofinanceAward #InclusiveInsurance #SocialImpact
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/fif-e-mfp-event-on-the-2025-european-microfinance-award/
LOCATION:Howden\, One Creechurch Lane\, EC3A 5AF\, One Creechurch Lane\, London\, EC3A 5AF\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FIF-–-e-MFP-event-on-the-2025-European-Microfinance-Award.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250703T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250703T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20250609T115555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T135512Z
UID:1683-1751567400-1751572800@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Redefining Value: Financial Inclusion for Refugees in the UK
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an essential and timely conversation on the transformative power of financial inclusion for refugees and forcibly displaced people in the UK. \nGrounded in lived experiences of those directly affected\, this event will enable a more inclusive dialogue about the role of financial services in rebuilding lives. The discussions will challenge risk- and profit-driven approaches to finance\, instead highlighting the economic and social value refugees contribute to their communities\, as well as their fundamental rights to access and opportunity. \n What to Expect: \n\nPersonal stories: Hear first-hand from people who sought refuge in the UK and what role financial services played in the rebuilding of their lives.  \nBarrier breakdown: Explore the systemic and regulatory hurdles refugees face in the UK’s financial landscape.\nInnovative solutions: Engage with organizations championing inclusive finance and driving practical\, impactful solutions.\nLively audience discussion: Participate in interactive polls and a moderated dialogue focused on how we move the sector forward.\n\n Why Attend? \n\nLearn how financial inclusion can drive both social impact and economic opportunity.\nBe part of a growing call to rethink risk\, funding models\, and inclusion.\nConnect with changemakers\, professionals\, policy influencers\, and community leaders.\nEnjoy post-event networking drinks.\n\nTogether\, let’s build a more inclusive financial future. one that recognises the resilience\, skills\, and economic contribution of refugees in the UK.  \nREGISTER HERE \n#FinancialInclusion #RefugeesWelcome #InclusiveFinance #SocialImpact #RedefiningValue #UKEvents #SOAS #InnovationForChange #RefugeeVoices
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/redefining-value-financial-inclusion-for-refugees-in-the-uk/
LOCATION:Alumni Lecture Theatre (SALT)\, Paul Webley Wing\, Senate House\, SOAS\, University of London\, Paul Webley Wing\, North Block\, Torrington Square\, London\, WC1E 7HX\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="FIF UK":MAILTO:fiforumuk@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T213000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20250501T143634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T143634Z
UID:1680-1750789800-1750800600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Investing in Climate Adaptation: Reducing Risk\, Unlocking Capital\, Delivering Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Investing in Climate Adaptation: Reducing Risk\, Unlocking Capital\, Delivering Resilience \nRegister for free attendance in person HERE \nFinancial Inclusion Forum is convening an in-person event on 24th June during London Climate Action Week\, delivered in partnership with MSC (MicroSave Consulting) and CIFAR Alliance\, and kindly hosted by Clyde & Co. \nHow can we make climate adaptation finance work where it matters most? \nThis event will start by focusing on practical\, on-the-ground solutions to reduce risk and build resilience for communities and systems most vulnerable to climate impacts. The first panel will highlight how finance can effectively flow to those delivering adaptation where it counts. \nThe conversation will then shift to explore the role of the private sector and blended finance in sustaining long-term investment for climate adaptation—mobilising capital and shifting risk at scale. \nWhether you are passionate about the role of finance in climate action or work in development\, policy\, finance\, or the private sector\, this event will connect practical solutions with strategic finance—and adaptation needs with capital flows. \nFrom implementation to investment\, let’s make adaptation finance deliver.
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/investing-in-climate-adaptation-reducing-risk-unlocking-capital-delivering-resilience/
LOCATION:Clyde & Co\, St Botolph Building\, 138 Houndsditch\, London\, EC3A 7AR\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="FIF UK":MAILTO:fiforumuk@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250617T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250617T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20250506T083217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T151833Z
UID:1677-1750183200-1750194000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Parametric Insurance for Disaster Risk Management
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, 17 June 2025\, for an in-person evening event co-hosted by the Financial Inclusion Forum UK and Aon\, exploring how parametric insurance can enhance disaster resilience in low- and middle-income countries. Through two engaging panel discussions\, we’ll examine: \n\nThe potential of parametric insurance to expand regional disaster risk financing schemes; and\nHow to attract and sustain private sector involvement in partnership with governments and development institutions.\n\nHeld at Aon’s offices\, this after-work event includes networking opportunities over drinks and brings together professionals from the financial inclusion\, insurance\, climate resilience\, and humanitarian sectors. \nDate & Time: 17 June 2025\, 6:00–9:00 PM\nLocation: Aon\, London\nAudience: Open to professionals\, students\, and others interested in inclusive insurance and financial resilience\nRegistration: HERE \nSpaces are limited—register soon to secure your place!
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/the-role-of-public-private-partnerships-in-parametric-insurance-for-disaster-risk-management/
LOCATION:Aon\, The Leadenhall Building\, 122 Leadenhall St\, London\, EC3V 4AN\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250602T063000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250602T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20250422T093326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T153947Z
UID:1671-1748845800-1748898000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:20th Anniversary of the Financial Inclusion Forum
DESCRIPTION:Join us in celebrating \n20th Anniversary of the Financial Inclusion Forum \nMonday 2nd June\, 18.30 to 21.00 \nSOAS\, University of London \nMain Building\, 10 Thornhaugh St\, London\, WC1H 0XG \nEVENT ENDED\, RECORDING AVAILABLE HERE \n  \nYour path to fulfilment at work: learn from 20 years of the Financial Inclusion Forum \nThe Financial Inclusion Forum was founded in the UK’s award-winning participation in 2005 UN Year of Microcredit. \nOur purpose is to empower the financial inclusion sector globally and in the UK by knowledge sharing and networking to further best practice in sustainable\, innovative\, scalable financial inclusion and related social inclusion initiatives. \nCelebration event \n\nFinancial Inclusion practitioners share their FI journey: How Financial Inclusion Forum inspired them to get involved & how they are making a difference through their work\nFuture of Financial Inclusion\nHow you can get involved in Financial Inclusion\n\n  \nWHAT IS FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? \nThe purpose of Financial Inclusion: help create a more equitable\, resilient\, and prosperous society through opening opportunities for individuals and small businesses to control their economic lives and increase social inclusion. \nFinancial inclusion works at three levels \nMACRO LEVEL: government policy making and central bank regulations \nMESO LEVEL: private and public funders of financial inclusion organisations and social inclusion initiatives in education\, health\, livelihood development \nMICRO LEVEL: services for credit\, savings\, insurance\, and remittances that include digital finance and fintech\, consumer protection\, financial literacy\, smallholder agriculture\, gender issues\, microinsurance\, renewable energy and livelihood development
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/20th-anniversary-of-the-financial-inclusion-forum/
LOCATION:Alumni Lecture Theatre (SALT)\, Paul Webley Wing\, Senate House\, SOAS\, University of London\, Paul Webley Wing\, North Block\, Torrington Square\, London\, WC1E 7HX\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="FIF UK":MAILTO:fiforumuk@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20250218T120528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250222T164437Z
UID:1640-1741113000-1741118400@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Advancing Financial Inclusion for Refugees & Forcibly Displaced People
DESCRIPTION:Advancing Financial Inclusion for Refugees & Forcibly Displaced People \nHow the financial inclusion sector can – and must – serve the world’s displaced people \nMarch 4th\, 2025 \n6:30-8:00pm (followed by a Reception) \nAlumni Lecture Theatre\, Paul Webley Wing \nNorth Block\, Torrington Square\, London WC1E 7HX \n  \nSince 2016\, the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) and Financial Inclusion Forum UK (FIF UK) have co-hosted an annual event on the topic of previous year’s European Microfinance Award). Once described by a luminary of the sector as “the Nobel Prize of Microfinance”\, the EMA was established in 2005 by the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFA) to promote innovative microfinance initiatives. It is organised jointly by MFA\, the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe) and the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP). \n  \nFocusing on a different topic each year (and with a €100\,000 prize for the winner)\, the EMA serves two parallel goals: rewarding excellence\, and collecting and disseminating the most relevant practices for replication by others. In 2024\, the topic was “Advancing Financial Inclusion (FI) for Refugees and Forcibly Displaced People (FDPs)”\, seeking to highlight organisations active in FI and helping FDPs build resilience\, restore livelihoods\, and live with dignity in their host communities. The FI sector has an enormous and important role to play in supporting refugees and other FDPs\, meeting their complex financial and non-financial needs across the various phases of displacement\, and working with host country communities\, policymakers and other actors to address the barriers FDPs face – and that financial organisations face in serving them. \n  \nEMA 2024 was won by RUFI\, with Al Majmoua and Faten as runners up. Insights and profiles of these three finalists\, as well as the seven other semi-finalists selected from 49 applicants\, are presented in the Award publication\, which will be presented at this session. \n  \nTo explore this topic\, glean insights from the award publication and discuss challenges and best practices seen in the 2024 Award process\, this event will involve a panel comprised of: \n  \n\nEd Fraser (Moderator) – a collaborative humanitarian consultant with a particular focus on the economic recovery of displacement affected people. Ed supported the e-MFP team on the design\, development and evaluation process for the EMA 2024;\nYengi Lokule – Financial services expert and CEO of RUFI\, the 2024 EMA Winner. RUFI\, founded in South Sudan in 2008 and expanded to Uganda in 2016\, is a refugee-led financial institution providing loans\, business training\, and advocacy to support forcibly displaced persons and host communities;\nSam Mendelson – Financial Inclusion Specialist at e-MFP\, member of the Award implementation and evaluation teams and lead author of the annual Award publication. He is also a former board member of FIF UK;\nSuzanne van Ballekom – Digital Financial Inclusion & Women’s Economic Empowerment Deputy Global Team Lead at UN World Food Programme (WFP) and board member at FIF UK; and\nDeborah Foy – former Global Executive Director of Opportunity International\, consultant to the 2024 EMA team and member of the 2024 EMA High Jury.\n\n  \nWe hope you can join us on 4th March for what will be a fascinating and dynamic discussion – and please stay for the receptions after! To register click here: Advancing Financial Inclusion for Refugees & Forcibly Displaced People Tickets\, Tue\, Mar 4\, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite \n  \nFinancial Inclusion Forum & e-MFP
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/advancing-financial-inclusion-for-refugees-forcibly-displaced-people/
LOCATION:Alumni Lecture Theatre (SALT)\, Paul Webley Wing\, Senate House\, SOAS\, University of London\, Paul Webley Wing\, North Block\, Torrington Square\, London\, WC1E 7HX\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241120T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241120T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240830T091621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241121T221756Z
UID:1495-1732122000-1732136400@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Impact principles as a foundation for active investing; alpha generation and delivering social impact?
DESCRIPTION:Watch the full recording here: \n \nAfter our successful first edition in 2022\, the Financial Inclusion Forum is back with the second edition of its impact investing event\, even stronger in partnership with the London Impact Investing Networking (LIIN).  \nThis year we explore the value of impact investing principles in active investment strategies\, serving as foundation for generating alpha and positive impact.   \nThis is not a pay to play event and features a carefully selected list of speakers\, to create the most meaningful program. As a bonus CFA UK will give an introduction to its recently launched Impact Investing Certificate. Not to mention the engaging audience and A&O’s fantastic hosting\, with the networking drinks usually busy until the very end.  \nImpact principles as a foundation for active investing; alpha generation and delivering social impact?  \nDate and Time:\nNovember 20th\, 2024\n5:00 PM – 9:00 PM GMT \nLocation:\nA&O Shearman Offices\nOne Bishops Square\, London E1 6AD\, United Kingdom \nHear from some industry leaders on how their impact driven strategies are beating the market & what investors are really looking for when assessing impact fund managers  \n High-quality audience from joint FIF & LIIN community\, bringing together leaders and learners in impact investing  \n\nHosted by A&O Shearman\, including network drinks and canapes. \n\n\nLimited space for 150 people \n\nAgenda: \n\nOpening remarks from the organisers \n\n\nPanel 1: Exploring Alpha Generation through Impact Investing \n\n\n\n\nModerated by Ian Povey-Hall\, featuring\nBen Dear\, CEO Osmosis Investment\nJen Braswell\, Head of Impact EQT\nPeter Rose\, CEO Social Hedge Fund\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNetworking break + Q&A with CFA on their Impact investing Certificate \n\n\nPanel 2: What’s driving investor interest in social impact and how is this demand being met?\n\nChris Wehbe\, CEO Lendable\nAnna Shiel\, CIO Better Society Capital\nLuba Nikulina\, Chief Strategy Officer at IFM Investors \nTara Gillespie\, Head of Global Assests at Redington\nLotte Thelen\, Associate Director Sustainalytics\n\n\n\n\nNetworking Drinks & Canapes \n\n  \nMore details to follow \nReserve Your Spot Today – Limited Tickets Available! \nRegister Here
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/impact-investing-as-foundation-for-active-investing-does-it-generate-alpha-and-deliver-on-its-principles/
LOCATION:Allen & Overy\, 1 Bishops Square\, Spitalfields\, London\, E1 6AD\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240611T143219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241118T225236Z
UID:1429-1731434400-1731441600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Food Security and Financial Inclusion
DESCRIPTION:Register Now\nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-security-and-financial-inclusion-tickets-1042655780507 \n— \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgVxivJLZKI&t=3835s \nFIF MICROFINANCE SPOTLIGHT EVENT:  \nPlease join the UK’s Financial Inclusion Forum for an evening of learning and connection spotlighting innovative microfinance partnerships with food retailers in the UK leveraging the power of financial inclusion to combat food poverty and insecurity here and internationally.  \nFIF seeks to build on the attention brought to this topic at the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) 2023 Microfinance Awards. The European Microfinance Award 2023\,  co-organised bty e-MFP\, the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs\, Defence\, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg\, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank. \nWe encourage you to look back at other innovators in the field of financial inclusion and food security featured last year.  \nWe are pleased to speak with Whole Foods Market Foundation about their strategic partnerships with innovative organisations working with smallholder farmers in new ways to strengthen food resilience and independence as part of their mission to reduce poverty through inclusive finance launched by Whole Foods Market in 2005.  \nWe are also excited to speak with UK social lender Fair for You about learnings from their upcoming impact report looking at their innovative interest-free credit programme Food Club launched nationally in 2022 in the UK in partnership with Iceland Foods supporting those hit hardest by the Cost of Living Crisis in the UK.  \nWhile never a solution on its own\, these case studies show ways that financial inclusion can work with other community structures to build support for struggling households and communities to overcome hunger\, invest in more resilient food systems\, and combat the effects of market volatility that creates insecurity. \n\nMore than Credit: Unlocking financial access for smallholder farmers to build more secure and resilient food systems: Global farmers are most impacted by volatile markets\, climate change and other economic shocks that undermine their ability to provide for their own families and local communities. In this conversation Whole Foods Market Foundation will offer lessons from their inclusive partnerships in West Africa as one example of changing what microfinance for smallholder farmers looks like and in some of the world’s most food insecure areas.\n\n  \n\nMaking Ends Meet Through the Cost of Living Crisis: Mobilising UK community finance to tackle food insecurity in the U.K. As financial insecurity has climbed in the UK since the start of the Cost of Living Crisis more households are at risk of food insecurity and often pulled toward unaffordable credit or illegal lending to provide basic necessities. Fair for You and Iceland launched a highly innovative partnership to provide small sum\, interest-free credit at scale to a demographic in the U.K. that has been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.\n\nMore about Fair for You: As a not-for-profit online lending company Fair for You was set up to provide finance to families who do not have access to mainstream credit\, so that they can purchase critical goods for their home directly from manufacturers. The Food Club is a highly innovative partnership between Fair for You and Iceland Foods\, providing small sum\, interest-free credit to a demographic that has been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. Food Club offers customers of Iceland Foods the opportunity to apply for a card that they can use on-line or in-store to access up to £100 of interest-free credit. Repayments are set at £10 per week\, and customers can take out further credit for additional Iceland shops up to six times per year during specific ‘top-up windows’ scheduled around school holiday periods. \n\nChris Bennett\, Chief Commercial Officer at Fair for You: Chris joined Fair for You in 2015 to support the setting up of the company and obtaining its FCA authorisation. As Chief Commercial Officer Chris is responsible for the commercial success of the business through product development and key partner management. Working directly with retailers\, housing associations\, local authorities\, charities and more he supports the delivery of quality and innovative solutions for customers. \n\n  \nMore about Whole Foods Foundation : Founded in 2005\, Whole Planet is a project of Whole Foods Market Foundation\, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation based in Austin\, Texas that encompasses the work of Whole Cities\, Whole Kids and Whole Planet. Whole Planet funds organisations that support people living in poverty to meet their basic needs and become more resilient through income-generating opportunities. As of February 2024\, Whole Planet is alleviating poverty through partners in 80 countries in Africa\, Asia\, Latin America\, and the Middle East. To date\, $113 million has been disbursed through partners worldwide\, funding 7 million microloans and 36 million income-generating opportunities for microentrepreneurs and their family members. \n\nClaire Kelly\, Portfolio Director – Whole Planet (West Africa/Middle East Region) at Whole Foods Market Foundation: Claire joined Whole Planet in March of 2013 supporting the African regional portfolio with monitoring and evaluation of existing and new projects before moving to Vietnam as the Asia/Pacific Regional Director. Today she leads Whole Planet’s West Africa/MENA regional portfolio of grant and no-interest loan funding supporting financial services partners to expand income-generating opportunities in the region. Claire also continues to work with partners in South Asia.\n\nAudience:\nThis event is ideal for those involved in microfinance\, socially-minded retail\, and individuals passionate about addressing food security. It’s especially relevant for professionals looking to join the growing community of practice around financial inclusion\, microfinance innovation\, and food system resilience. \nVenue:\nBeazley Group\, 22 Bishopsgate\, EC2N 4BQ\, London \n\nAgenda\n5.30 PM Doors open\, Welcome\nPanel 1 – International Case Study\nPanel 2 – UK Case Study Fireside Chat\nQ&A\n8:00 PM: Networking and Reception \nWe look forward to an evening of collaboration and innovative discussion about how microfinance can drive food security. \nRegister Now\nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-security-and-financial-inclusion-tickets-1042655780507 \n 
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/enabling-finance-to-combat-food-insecurity-international-and-uk-perspectives/
LOCATION:Beazley\, 22 Bishopsgate\, EC2N 4BQ\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241015
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241019
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20241003T134311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241003T134714Z
UID:1501-1728950400-1729295999@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Fraud-resistant payments: a dream worth chasing or a nightmare for fintech?
DESCRIPTION:As part of #FIW2024 join us in the discussion: \nConsumers can send money more quickly and seamlessly than ever using digital wallets and fintech\, but now payment account fraud is making up an increasing proportion of crime in many jurisdictions. Examples include investment fraud\, romance scams\, and fraudulent listings on e-commerce marketplaces. \nThere is room for innovation and collaboration between financial institutions\, governments\, and other parts of civil society in addressing payment fraud in a range of contexts. This panel session discusses best practices from developed and developing jurisdictions\, considers the costs and benefits of fraud-prevent strategies\, and asks whether any solution is perfect. \nLed by our Executive Director Antonella Abategiovanni\, the discussion is bringing together experts including: \nMeena M. Khan Chief Product Officer at Zindigi (Pakistan).\nFred Fenwick Founder of Eshango (Liberia)\nCaetano Lacerda\, Founder & CEO of Barte (Brazil)\nRory Copeland\, financial services regulatory lawyer and Director of the UK Financial Inclusion Forum. \nThe session is exploring key challenges and potential solutions for combating fraud in fintech. \nDon’t miss out – join the conversation by registering here: https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org/convenings/financial-inclusion-week/fiw24 \n 
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/fraud-resistant-payments-a-dream-worth-chasing-or-a-nightmare-for-fintech/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T153000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240812T155455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240903T081410Z
UID:1464-1727791200-1727796600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Empower Students to Navigate Financial Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Tailored for University leaders and managers\, to equip your institution to support the financial-transition of your overseas students and to brief you on the available strategies and resources. \nStudents often face significant financial challenges when transitioning to studying abroad. These challenges can negatively impact their academic performance\, mental well-being\, and overall university experience. Financial instability can also increase dropout rates\, affecting university revenue and reputation. Understanding and addressing these economic challenges is crucial for universities to support their international students effectively. \n\nAre your newly arrived international students unfamiliar with UK finances\, impacting their settling in\, studies\, or mental health?\nDo you recognize the financial challenges and distress signs among international students\, and understand the harm and loss they may face?\nAre international students dropping out for financial reasons\, affecting your revenue and stability\, and do you understand the impact on their experience and future?\nHow important is financial inclusion for international students\, and do you see the link between financial challenges and dropout rates?\n\nRegister here: https://www.moneymatix.com/fifmm-webinar-form\nAbout the hosts \nAntonella Abategiovanni – Executive Director\, Financial Inclusion Forum (FIF) \nAntonella Abategiovanni is a seasoned international development professional with over a decade of experience in senior leadership roles across Europe\, Africa\, Latin America\, and the Caribbean. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Financial Inclusion Forum (FIF) in London\, she has a strong background in financial services\, project coordination\, and microfinance. Antonella is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and promoting socio-economic impact through innovative solutions and digital technology. Fluent in Italian\, English\, and Spanish\, and proficient in French and Portuguese\, Antonella brings a multicultural and adaptable approach to her work. \nTynah Matembe \nFounder & CEO of MoneyMatiX Ltd\, Tynah Matembe is a money coach\, podcaster\, and educator dedicated to financial inclusion\, equality\, and empowerment. Named Most Inspirational Scottish Female Fintech Leader in 2019\, she advises ministers and senior leaders on financial social mobility. Recently\, she published her first book\, “Thriving Beyond Boundaries: Managing Money in a New Country\,” and is a sought-after public speaker on diversity\, equality\, inclusion\, financial education\, and the poverty ecosystem.  An experienced mentor\, Saltire Fellow\, and Chartered Banker and Lawyer by training\, she has extensive corporate experience in financial services and has worked internationally for the United Nations. Currently\, she is championing the MoneyMatiX Grow Your Money Challenge\, a series of Youth Money Camps\, and the International Student Financial Education Programme. These initiatives are designed to bridge accessibility gaps through an interactive forum of hybrid events and activities\, providing mainstream organisations with opportunities to engage meaningfully with marginalised communities. \n  \nAbout Money MatiX \nMoneyMatix is more than just a digital platform\, it’s a purpose-led business that ensures financial inclusion for every segment of society\, including the marginalized and underprivileged. Their mission is to drive economic well-being for every UK citizen\, making financial stability and growth accessible to all.  MoneyMatix is committed to bridging the financial literacy gap\, especially for people of color and migrants. They design and run comprehensive Financial Literacy Programs tailored for students\, parents\, and business owners and aim to transform relationships with money\, providing the knowledge and tools necessary to access fairer financial products and services.  Their programs are crafted to offer deep insights into financial management\, empowering participants with the skills they need to succeed. MoneyMatix has built a thriving community of over 10\,000 individuals dedicated to creating a financially fairer society. Their team brings together vast experience in financial services\, youth work\, and project management and has successfully partnered with prestigious institutions like Edinburgh University and Young Enterprise Scotland to run money diversity events. This Summer\, they launched the International Student Financial Education Program to assist universities in onboarding and retaining students while helping them avoid financial harm. \n  \nAbout the Financial Inclusion Forum \nFIF began in 2005 as The Microfinance Club\, part of the UK’s involvement in the UN Year of Microcredit. The Club’s activities were transferred to a company limited by guarantee non-profit entity in 2010. In 2015\, the Club became the Financial Inclusion Forum (FIF). FIF exists to inspire engagement and action towards a financially inclusive world where everyone has the financial tools and capability to build a healthy and productive life. We promote global financial inclusion by encouraging knowledge exchange\, collaboration\, and debate\, and highlighting best practices through our London-based events and publications.  FIF organises free\, live events to enable our audience to develop their awareness of financial inclusion. Expert speakers are invited to share their knowledge on sustainable\, innovative and scalable financial inclusion. FIF events are a platform for professionals\, practitioners\, investors\, academics and students to learn more about this fast-growing and evolving field.  \n  \nRegister here: https://www.moneymatix.com/fifmm-webinar-form
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/empower-students-to-navigate-financial-challenges/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240612T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240612T150000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240510T103017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240524T072500Z
UID:1377-1718200800-1718204400@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Shaping the future of financial well-being for all
DESCRIPTION:Financial health\, or financial well-being\, has become increasingly important in recent years\, especially given the economic uncertainties faced by individuals and organizations worldwide. \nBut what does financial health mean? It is the ability to meet present financial needs and commitments and plan for the future\, and the level of satisfaction experienced about one’s financial situation. It includes things like having a stable income\, being savvy with budgeting\, having emergency savings tucked away for a rainy day\, managing debts effectively\, having adequate insurance coverage\, being knowledgeable about personal finances\, and being able to weather financial storms without undue stress. \nWhile there have been efforts to improve financial literacy and access to financial services\, there’s still work to be done to tackle underlying issues and promote holistic approaches to enhancing financial well-being. \nThat’s where our event comes in. We’re bringing together experts and stakeholders from different sectors to delve into the various aspects of financial health and discuss strategies for building resilience and inclusivity in financial systems. We’ll learn from past experiences and explore ways to expand financial health initiatives beyond initial trial phases. \nOrganizations with extensive experience in designing and supporting financial resilience solutions will be sharing their insights. They’ll cover everything from building markets to creating social safety nets. The big question we’ll be addressing is whether financial service providers play a central role in providing financial health-led financial services including responsible loans\, smart savings schemes\, insurance\, etc\, and other non-financial services to effectively cope with the effects of economic volatility and climate change on vulnerable communities. \nGiven the unpredictable nature of today’s economic and environmental landscapes\, and the increasing recognition of the role financial products and services play in addressing day-to-day challenges\, our event aims to spark dialogue and collaboration. Through real-life case studies\, data-driven insights\, and a focus on raising awareness about the benefits of financial health\, we hope to inspire collective action toward building more resilient and inclusive financial systems worldwide.  \nJoin us in shaping the future of financial well-being for all. \nEvent details \n\nFormat: Webinar\nDuration:  60 min with Q&A\nDate: June 12th BST 2pm\n\nREGISTER HERE\nAbout the speakers \n\nDr. Max Niño-Zarazúa / Financial inclusion consultant \n\nMax is a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of experience in the financial inclusion industry. He offers a unique combination of academic excellence. He has a PhD in Economics and International Development from a British university\, with microfinance grassroots delivery and industry insight from starting a microfinance institution from scratch and co-founding his own FinTech startup. Max is passionate about responsible inclusive finance that works for the low-income population\, particularly women and other vulnerable groups. Max has a track record of designing and implementing projects in the areas of FinTech\, Financial education\, and financial health\, programme design & implementation\, product & business development\, institutional assessments and social impact evaluations. Max worked with DAI Global as Programme Director leading the implementation of the HMG FCDO Mexico Financial Services Prosperity Programme achieving outstanding results in FinTech regulation\, FinTech adoption\, and digital financial education. Max has extensive proven consulting experience with international donors\, microfinance institutions\, banks\, FinTechs\, Think Thanks\, and INGOs\, such as FCDO\, Mibanco-Peru\, AFIRME Bank-Mexico\, UNICEF\, ILO\, FAO\, UNDP\, ECLOF International\, Habitat for Humanity International\, amongst others.  Max is Co-Heading the work at the European Microfinance Platform’s Action Group “From Research to Practice”\, he is a visiting fellow at the Centre of Development Studies\, University of Bath\, and a member of the board of trustees at Deki Microfinance Organisation in Bristol\, UK. \n\nDavide Castellani / Phd\, University of Bergamo\n\nDavide has over 15 years of experience in the field of inclusive finance\, specializing in international projects on financial health\, financial education\, green inclusive finance\, gender-inclusive finance\, and SME finance. He has conducted market studies and research activities in several countries across Latin America\, Africa and Asia. He serves as an Associate Professor of Finance\, Banking\, and Microfinance at the University of Bergamo in Italy. Davide holds a Ph.D. in Financial Markets and Intermediaries and a Master’s in Cooperation and International Relations with Latin American and Caribbean Countries. He is the founder and co-leader of the e-MFP From Research to Practice and Back Again Action Group. Fluent in English and Spanish\, he is a native Italian speaker. \n\nDeborah Foy / Executive Director\, Opportunity International\n\nDeborah has worked for Opportunity International for the past 22 years. In her current role as Executive Director\, Deborah facilitates collaboration between key global offices and supports the leadership team of to continually improve the network’s ability to serve clients and impact lives\, both today and into the future. Deborah is passionate about finding innovative ways to reach those most excluded\, particularly smallholder farmers\, forcibly displaced populations\, and young people. Deborah has travelled extensively and spent three years living in Colombia\, where she supported the growth of two microfinance institutions. Deborah holds an M.Sc. in International Development from the University of Bristol and a BA in Economics and Geography from the University of Exeter. \n\nNancy Thomas  / Senior Microfinance Advisor\, CARE International UK\n\nNancy’s role involves working with financial service providers operating in low-income countries to provide appropriate and affordable loans to individuals and communities that are economically marginalised. CARE is particularly committed to reaching low-income and vulnerable women and believes that with access to the right tools and resources\, whole families can be lifted out of poverty and women can be empowered to take control of their lives. Nancy has been fortunate enough to be working on the Lendwithcare programme for over 10 years and she currently manages a portfolio of 19 financial service providers operating in 15 countries. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where specialized in microfinance in the Chinese context. She has completed a certified master’s course at the University of Greenwich on Microfinance and Financial Inclusion and she is also a qualified social performance auditor.  \n\nTrey Waters / Senior Manager\, Financial Health Network\n\nTrey has over eight years experience working internationally with a focus on business and economic development. He worked with business ranging from micro enterprises to Fortune 500 companies to assist in growth and business development. Additionally\, he strong processes development skills around financial tracking and program implementation and management experience in Africa. \n  \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/shaping-the-future-of-financial-well-being-for-all/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240515T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240515T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240308T155701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T132757Z
UID:1165-1715797800-1715803200@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Parametric Insurance & Climate Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Link to event recording: \nfinancialinclusionforum.org.uk/parametric-insurance-climate-resilience-aon/ \nIndex insurance has grown significantly in use over the last 20 years as a solution to improve climate resilience. While this has coincided with improved access to affordable technology\, index insurance has also benefited from insurers\, reinsurers and donors keen to improve climate adaptation and resilience among vulnerable populations. However\, several services have struggled to scale – especially without significant governmental involvement. Early services did not offer products designed for the situation they were expected to cover. But improvements in data availability\, distribution approaches and awareness of insurance and its benefits have led to more beneficiaries being protected from climatic shocks.  \nSeveral organisations have significant experience in designing and supporting climate resilience solutions\, index insurance in particular. Their aims have varied from attempting to build a market to developing social protection systems. Both approaches have one overarching goal: to cover the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities most at risk of the impact of climate change. This event will look at how insurance plays an important role\, as a suite of financial products such as savings\, pension and credit\, to improve access to financial inclusion for vulnerable communities\, as well as their ability to manage the impact of climate change. \nThis event brings together some of these players to discuss whether the aim of index insurance programmes should be to build markets\, social protection systems or both. Insurance is not an easy sell\, but an unpredictable and changing climate\, and its impact on lives and livelihoods\, coupled with better quality data and more awareness\, makes it a compelling solution for governments\, insurers\, donors and other stakeholders to pursue – together. \nREGISTER HERE\n\nSpeakers \nAndrea Camargo is an expert in inclusive insurance and climate risk\, she currently leads the Inclusive Climate Risk Financing portfolio within the Climate & Disaster Risk Finance & Insurance team in the World Food Programme (WFP). Andrea has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance sector and 15 years of experience in the inclusive insurance and climate risk sector in more than 30 countries in Latin America\, Europe\, Africa\, and Asia. \nAndrea has supported international organizations\, development agencies\, governments\, and private sector entities\, among others\, proposing pioneering solutions that are legally viable\, financially sustainable\, and above all offer adequate protection against risks to those who need it most. Andrea is a Colombian lawyer specialized in insurance law in Colombia and in international economic law in France. \nKipkorir Koskei  is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy at the Insurance Development Forum\, a public-private partnership led by the insurance industry and supported by the World Bank and the United Nations\, aiming to enhance the use of insurance to build greater resilience against disasters and help achieve the United Nations Global 2030 Agenda. \nKipkorir brings extensive experience in financial and disaster risk management\, debt underwriting and country risk assessment from a range of global and regional financial institutions. He has been instrumental in operationalising the African sovereign insurance market\, providing guidance in the design and implementation of the Africa Disaster Risks Financing (ADRiFi) Programme. \nKipkorir holds a Masters in Law – LLM (Finance Concentration) from University College London (UCL) and an undergraduate degree in Law from the University of Warwick. He is also a graduate of the University of Oxford Climate Related Financial course. \nEmma Karhan is the Head of the Public Private Partnerships for Aon UK. For the last 20+ years\, Emma has worked across both reinsurance and retrocession – across global and regional clients predominantly in EMEA – in her career and has had great success in building practices in areas of Terrorism Reinsurance and specialising in the private public partnerships. She is leading the approach for Aon in the humanitarian sector ; building solutions to support Aon’s strategic ambition to protect the underserved – how to create impact and build solutions to support climate change and the humanitarian agenda. Emma led and built with the International Federation of the Red Cross the first indemnity solution for their Disaster Response Emergency Fund. She is also working with other agencies to help them understand how insurance can support their needs. \nEmma serves as Aon’s representative in the working group for the Humanitarian Finance Forum. She is also a member of the Executive Action Committee for the Insurance Task Force within the Sustainable Market Initiative. \nModerator \nRishi Raithatha is a financial sector specialist\, focusing on mobile money\, microinsurance a\,d disaster risk financing in low- and middle-income countries. His recent experience spans senior roles at the GSMA\, the mobile industry’s trade association\, and Pula Advisors\, an insurtech that provides insurance to smallholder farmers. He has also worked as a consultant for the World Bank. Rishi's previous experience includes roles at McKinsey\, Willis Towers Watson\, and the Foreign\, Commonwealth\, and Development Office. \nRishi has a BA from SOAS\, University of London\, and an MA from the University of Groningen. In 2020\, he became a Certified Digital Financial Practitioner. An experienced writer\, he also runs a bespoke business writing workshop for individuals and companies. \n\nAgenda \n6:00 – 6:30 Arrival & Registration \n6:30 – 7:00 Event Start – Fireside chat  \n7:00 – 8:00 Panel & Q&A \n8:00 – 9:00 Reception \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/parametric-insurance/
LOCATION:Aon\, The Leadenhall Building\, 122 Leadenhall St\, London\, EC3V 4AN\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230302T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230302T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240129T205319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240410T222041Z
UID:947-1677781800-1677787200@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Financial Inclusion that Works for Women
DESCRIPTION:This joint e-MFP – FIF UK event will discuss the European Microfinance Award 2022 on Financial Inclusion that Works for Women\, case studies\, factors for success and mainstreaming gender in financial inclusion. This event will be in London and virtual\, at 18:30-20:00 GMT\, with an exciting opportunity to network and have drinks afterwards. Don’t miss out – spaces will fill quickly so register here now! \nMicrofinance has ostensibly been about – and for – women since its modern inception. But the reality has been too often a lazy conflation of outreach with impact\, of access with value. More than ever\, FSPs can play a role through developing gender-responsive and transformative strategies – in product design and delivery to clients and also within the institution itself – that builds on a real understanding of women’s specific needs\, aspirations and challenges to ensure that financial inclusion really does work for them. \nThe European Microfinance Award 2022 was on ‘Financial Inclusion that Works for Women’\, a year-long process that this year received a record 99 applications from organisations all over the world\, and which over several evaluations stages was reduced to ten semi-finalists and\, among them\, three finalists. Since 2016\, FIF UK has partnered with the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) to present the landscape\, findings and best practices from the preceding year’s Award\, and continuing this\, this event will present the most recent e-MFP publication\, also entitled Financial Inclusion that Works for Women\, the case studies of the ten organisations presented within\, and the factors for success that emerged from the process. The session will be led by the publication’s lead author Sam Mendelson\, a longstanding FIF UK board member\, and bring together several gender experts to discuss what financial inclusion organisations can do to mainstream gender within and outside the organisation. \nSpeakers are: Sam Mendelson (e-MFP and FIF UK)\, Noemie Renier (Incofin)\, Johanna Ryan (VisionFund International)\, Jorge Rubio (Citi Social Finance)\, Roshaneh Zafar (Kashfa Foundation\, Pakistan) and Sally Yacoub (independent gender expert and EMA2022 consultant). \nThis event will be held in a fantastic space offered by Citi. \nVenue: Citigroup Centre\, 33 Canada Square\, London E14 5LB\, UK \nIf you are attending the event virtually\, purchase the ONLINE ticket\, and you will be sent a Zoom link to the event later. \nRegister here!
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/financial-inclusion-that-works-for-women/
LOCATION:Citigroup Centre\, 33 Canada Square\, London\, London\, E14 5LB\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221020T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221020T173000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20221020T153038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T141457Z
UID:940-1666283400-1666287000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hope v. Hype: The Case for Central Bank Digital Currencies and Financial Inclusion
DESCRIPTION:This session will explore the potential role of Central Bank Digital Currencies in expanding Financial Inclusion. We will hear from experts representing the legal side\, private sector\, and field-level Central Bank experience. The panel will address the experience of various countries’ exploration and adoption of CBDCs in enhancing financial inclusion and will explore the pros and cons of CBDCs as well as a comparison with competing products. We will also evaluate the challenges of CBDCs\, including operational/infrastructure\, financial\, legal\, privacy\, and behavioral. The discussion will have a particular focus on the role of CBDCs in expanding financial inclusion. \nHope v. Hype: The Case for Central Bank Digital Currencies and Financial Inclusion
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/hope-v-hype-the-case-for-central-bank-digital-currencies-and-financial-inclusion/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220315T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220315T220000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20220315T150048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T141415Z
UID:859-1647356400-1647381600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:50 Shades of Impact: Is Impact Through Investment Real or Illusory?
DESCRIPTION:Impact investing continues to grow rapidly with the market size estimated to be about $715 billion. Investing in Financial Inclusion (with its roots in microcredit) is one of the earliest modern forms of what is now known as Impact Investment. But is it possible to contribute to society through investment whilst also making financial returns? Even if it is possible\, how much positive impact can and does the impact investor have\, and is it sustainable? Does impact need to be intentional and can it be measured? Recognising the complexity and nuance in Impact Investment is a critical step in the journey to becoming an effective Impact Investor. \nCome to the Financial Inclusion Forum’s action-packed event to get answers to all these questions and more! We can’t wait to see you there! \nThis event will be held in a fantastic space offered by Allen & Overy. \n50 Shades of Impact: Is Impact Through Investment Real or Illusory? \n \nAgenda \n5:00 – 5:10 Introduction: Remarks from Paul Blyth\, Chair\, Financial Inclusion Forum \n5:10 – 5:50 Fireside Chat: Elizabeth Corley\, Chairperson of the Impact Investing Institute\, will provide insights on “The Big Picture” of impact investing. \n5:50 – 7:00 Breakout Sessions on How to Invest for Impact in Every Mainstream Asset Class: Experts from JO Hambro\, MainStreet Partners\, Oikocredit\, and Citi will lead breakout sessions that provide deep dives into strategies and challenges covering key sectors\, instruments\, and investment vehicles. Sessions will include public equity\, fixed income\, private debt\, and private equity. \n7:00 – 8:20 Elephant in the Room: Is Impact Real and Can it be Measured?: This dynamic session will explore lessons learned from two generations of impact investing in financial inclusion and what mainstream investment can learn from impact experts. Industry leaders will discuss the pros and cons of measurement/ impact assessment/ RCTs\, KPIs and discuss best practices and what has not worked in the past. It will also help investors comprehend the impact they can have – what is real and what is illusory? \n8:20 – 8:30 Wrap-up \n8:30-10:00 Networking drinks \nWe hope that guests will leave the event with a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Impact Investing\, and be well placed to engage in this crucially important area. \nNew to Impact Investing? Join us for a pre-event Impact Investing Bootcamp from 3:00 – 4:30 pm. This special session\, led by Sophia Omar and Shadi Brazell of the Impact Investing Institute\, will cover key definitions\, the state of the market\, key market players\, recent trends\, and more.
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/50-shades-of-impact-is-impact-through-investment-real-or-illusory/
LOCATION:Allen & Overy\, 1 Bishops Square\, Spitalfields\, London\, E1 6AD\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220228T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220228T143000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20220228T130019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T140125Z
UID:1222-1646053200-1646058600@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:How Can Financial Service Providers Ensure Access to Affordable Health Care?
DESCRIPTION:HOW CAN FSPs ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE? \n  \nAn e-MFP/FIF UK Webinar to discuss selected case studies and factors for success from the European Microfinance Award 2021 \nHow Can Financial Service Providers Ensure Access to Affordable Health Care? \n \n  \nThe Financial Inclusion Forum UK (FIF UK) and the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) are pleased to invite you to join us on Monday\, February 28th\, 2022\, from 1-2:15pm UK time for a webinar discussion on how financial service providers can increase access to affordable health care for low-income and vulnerable communities. For the last several years\, e-MFP and the Financial Inclusion Forum UK hold an annual joint event which delves into the topic of the most recent European Microfinance Award (EMA)\, run by e-MFP in conjunction with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg. In 2021\, the topic of the EMA was “Inclusive Finance & Health Care” – a subject which has never been more relevant than it is today. \nThis event is a chance to learn more about this dynamic and burgeoning field of financial inclusion\, and to hear from (and ask questions to) representatives of organisations that represent the three main approaches in e-MFP’s publication: preventing and treating illness; mitigating the risk of health shocks; and delivering health care to those who need it most.  \n  \nSpeakers: \n\nCarine Roenen\, Executive Director\, Fonkoze (Haiti)\nNicolas Durier\, Founder and General Director\, Dreamlopments Ltd. (Thailand & Myanmar)\nRoderick Bolen\, Director of the Microfinance and Health Protection Unit\, CARD MRI (Philippines)\nLisa Morgan\, Technical Specialist\, International Labour Organization’s Impact Insurance Facility\n\nThe session will be led by Sam Mendelson\, who is a Board Member of FIF UK and Financial Inclusion Specialist at e-MFP\, part of the core EMA design and evaluation team and lead author of The First Wealth is Health. \n  \nWe hope to see you then! \nFinancial Inclusion Forum UK\nEuropean Microfinance Platform
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/how-can-financial-service-providers-ensure-access-to-affordable-health-care/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211103T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211103T180000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20211103T170056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T141239Z
UID:1243-1635958800-1635962400@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Universal Basic Income\, Cash Transfers and Alternative Safety Nets
DESCRIPTION:The Financial Inclusion Forum UK is hosting a panel exploring the rationale for Universal Basic Income (UBI)\, cash transfers and alternative safety nets. The dynamic\, broad-ranging session will cover questions of social justice\, the future of work\, graduation programmes\, and pathways out of poverty\, as well as the broader portfolio of supporting interventions including cash transfers\, financial inclusion\, FinTech\, livelihoods promotions\, social empowerment\, humanitarian crises and social protection\, and infrastructure requirements. \nUniversal Basic Income\, Cash Transfers and Alternative Safety Nets \n \nDrawing on their extensive knowledge of UBI\, cash transfers and alternative safety net programmes from across the globe\, our panel of experts will highlight key issues\, share their experience of what works\, the key challenges\, and the future for these policies. \n \n 
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/universal-basic-income-cash-transfers-and-alternative-safety-nets/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210610T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210610T153000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240410T211708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T082907Z
UID:1252-1623333600-1623339000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Webinar on Investor Responses to COVID-19 in collaboration with CDC
DESCRIPTION:At the end of 2020 the majority of countries\, particularly emerging markets\, were in recession stemming from the fallout of COVID-19\, with the impact on financial institutions being highly correlated to the macroeconomy. Given the scale of the challenge\, support was needed not only to mitigate the worse effects of COVID-19\, but also for FIs and their clients to adapt and build resilience against future impacts e.g. from further waves\, other pandemics\, or natural disasters. Furthermore\, Global FDI flows fell 49% in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019\, with evidence of capital flight particularly from emerging markets; UNCTAD reported a 28% fall in foreign direct investment to Africa and a 12% fall in Asia in this period. \nInvestor Responses to COVID-19 in collaboration with CDC \n \nIn this context\, DFIs and Impact Funds provided critical support as counter-cyclical investors via multiple investment solutions – equity financing\, debt financing\, and technical assistance – supporting institutions and businesses with their immediate liquidity needs and enabling them to meet the economic and health challenges of the crisis. Beyond capital\, investor thought leadership and collaborations ranged from guidelines on borrower payment deferrals to principles for technical assistance e.g. client and job protection and remote working. \n  \nJoin us for a panel conversation and Q&A to hear further insights on a variety of key investor COVID-19 responses\, including case studies ranging from microfinance to trade finance facilities\, examples of collaboration\, and lessons learnt for future crises. \n  \nSPEAKERS:\n\nMaria Teresa Zappia – Chief Impact & Blended Finance Officer\, Deputy CEO\, Blue Orchard\nYvan Renaud – Chief Operating Officer\, Symbiotics\nMomina Aijazuddin – Global Head of Microfinance\, IFC\nFanny Serre – Group Head of Marketing & Customer Experience\, Advans\nFreddie Tucker – Investment Manager\, Trade & Supply Chain Finance\, CDC Group\nAlex Kucharski – Executive\, CDC Plus\, CDC Group\n\n  \nIntroduction by Paul Blyth\, Chairman – Financial Inclusion Forum UK. \nThe event will be moderated by Kate Hallam – Investment Director\, Financial Services Equity\, CDC Group.
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/fif-uk-cdc-webinar-on-investor-responses-to-covid-19/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210325T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210325T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240410T211946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T140949Z
UID:1255-1616682600-1616688000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Financing of Low-Cost Non-State Education
DESCRIPTION:Join the Financial Inclusion Forum UK  and a global panel of experts on the 25th March at 1430 – 1600 GMT  for a webinar on Low Cost Non-State School financing \nIncreasing access to education is more important than ever for improving financial inclusion. \nFinancing of Low-Cost Non-State Education \n \nEven before the pandemic\, we knew approximately 260 million children were out of school – or one in five school-age child globally. And yet\, low- and middle-income countries comprise the top 15 countries in the world that spend the most on education as a proportion of their budget. It is clear we need alternative solutions\, including non-state actors\, to help close the gap in education access. \nToday\, the non-state education market share is over 25% of the total education market.  Increased demand for affordable non-state schools means there will be an additional 66 million new seats for children required by 2025 in low- and middle-income countries. \nHow can we unlock the full potential of affordable non-state schools to add more seats? How can the intersection of financial inclusion and education accelerate needed capital investments? What motivates current private sector actors already investing in education? \nIntroduction and Overview: Rod Dubitsky\, Executive Director\, Financial Inclusion Forum UK \nModerator: James Tooley\, Chancellor\, University of Buckingham \nPresenter: Scott Sheridan\, Director of Operations\, Opportunity EduFinance\, and Lead Author of the Non-State School Sector Report \nPanelists \n\nNjeri Kirumbi\, Deputy Regional Director Africa\,  Regional Education Finance Fund for Africa\, BlueOrchard Finance\nAndrina Schwartz\, Head of the Financial Inclusion Initiative\, Credit Suisse\nJohn Robert Okware\, Chief Relationship Officer\, Opportunity Bank Uganda\nBunmi Lawson\,CEO & Managing Director\, EdFin Microfinance Bank\, Nigeria
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/webinar-financing-of-low-cost-non-state-education/
LOCATION:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210225T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210225T153000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240410T212340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T140840Z
UID:1258-1614261600-1614267000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:How Digital-ID Can Support Greater Financial Inclusion: Learning From International Experience
DESCRIPTION:Join the Financial Inclusion Forum UK  and a global panel of experts on the 25th February at 1400 – 1530 GMT  for a webinar on Digital ID and Financial Inclusion \nIncreasing access to Digital ID is more important than ever for improving financial inclusion. \nHow Digital-ID Can Support Greater Financial Inclusion: Learning From International Experience \n \nThe pandemic has accelerated the trend for service providers to move their product online or risk going out of business\, making traditional ID methods of onboarding customers more challenging. But what does the future hold for a post-pandemic world? Will we see a return to paper documents\, or will Digital ID become the new normal? Proponents of Digital-ID see it as an effective solution\, streamlining and speeding up identification processes\, reducing the cost of onboarding\, managing customer risk\, and preventing fraud. But just how inclusive is Digital-ID? Does it increase or decrease access to financial services\, including for people who have previously struggled with formal ID requirements? What are the downsides\, regulatory and technical hurdles of introducing Digital-ID? \nOur international panel of expert speakers shares their insight into how different Digital-ID approaches balance the twin goals of inclusion and security.  Join us for a comprehensive 90-minute session\, featuring how global Digital ID programmes are bringing services to excluded customers\, followed by a discussion about what the UK can learn from initiatives elsewhere. \n  \nModerator:\n Sian Williams\, Director of Policy and Innovation at Toynbee Hall and Director of FIF UK \n  \nPanelists:\n Dr. Sarah Walton\, Digital Consultant \n  \nShrikant Karwa\, Country Relationship Manager at Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP)  \n  \nFlorian Marcus\, Digital Transformation Adviser\, e-Estonia \n  \nEmrys Schoemaker\, Research Director at Caribou Digital \n  \nYiannis Theodorou\, Senior Director\, Digital Identity Programme\, GSMA \n  \nRadhika Kale\, Senior Project Manager | Strategic Industry Solutions at HSBC
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/webinar-how-digital-id-can-support-greater-financial-inclusion-learning-from-international-experience/
LOCATION:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210112T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210112T153000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20240410T223938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T140703Z
UID:1288-1610460000-1610465400@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Encouraging Inclusive Savings
DESCRIPTION:Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be… \nAn e-MFP/FIF UK Webinar on ‘Encouraging Effective & Inclusive Savings\nEncouraging Inclusive Savings \n \n  \nThe Financial Inclusion Forum UK (FIF UK) and the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) are pleased to invite you to join us for an open-to-all expert discussion on the state-of-the-art in savings behaviour and what different financial services providers are doing to innovate in the design and delivery of savings to low-income households and businesses.   \nFor the last several years\, e-MFP and the Financial Inclusion Forum UK hold an annual joint event which delves into the topic of the most recent European Microfinance Award (EMA)\, jointly organised by the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP)\, the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs\, and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe.lu). In 2020\, the topic of the EMA was “Encouraging Effective & Inclusive Savings” and it received a record field of applications from financial service providers across the world who are innovating in how to design and deliver savings products suited to clients’ real needs – and how to encourage low-income groups to usefully save.  \nSavings is a broad\, complex and vibrant area of the financial inclusion sector\, with rich new learnings about what works (and when – and why) that are summarised in e-MFP’s recent paper on the topic together with the factors for success from the EMA2020. But as the consequences of Covid-19 become clearer\, one thing that has stood out from the Award process is that understanding clients’ savings motivation  and\, from that\, providing them with access to inclusive savings – for consumption smoothing\, long-term planning and\, especially now\, strengthening household resilience to sudden shocks – is more critical than ever.   \nFor this discussion\, we are delighted to welcome:  \n\nLaura Litvine\, who is Principal Advisor and head of the French office of the Behavioural Insights Team; \nGovinda Bahadur Raut\, who is Head of Micro and Small Banking at Muktinath Bikas Bank in Nepal –  winner of the European Microfinance Award 2020 for its adapted solidarity group savings model; \nJanet Hayes\, who is project lead of Savings at the Frontier\, an initiative of Oxford Policy Management and Mastercard Foundation; and \nAbed Darko\, who is CEO of DSS Platform Ltd\, a fintech in Ghana serving susu enterprises which is partner organisation of the Savings at the Frontier initiative. \n\nThe session will be led by Sam Mendelson\, who is a Board Member of FIF UK and Financial Inclusion Specialist at e-MFP\, part of the core EMA design and evaluation team and lead author of Encouraging Effective and Inclusive Savings.  \nThe webinar will take place on Tuesday\, January 12th\, 2021\, from 2-3pm UK time (3-4pm CET). We hope to see you then!
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/webinar-encouraging-inclusive-savings-2/
LOCATION:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20200618T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20200618T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T062541
CREATED:20200618T133030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T140327Z
UID:1268-1592490600-1592496000@financialinclusionforum.org.uk
SUMMARY:Refugees in Times of Global Crisis
DESCRIPTION:World Refugee Day is just around the corner. With this year’s theme ‘Imagine’\, this is a time to celebrate the contributions\, creativity\, and resilience of refugees. We want to imagine a world where every refugee has access to the financial tools they need to be self-reliant and resilient\, to have hope and be able to embrace new opportunities. Yet the hard reality of job and livelihood losses is bearing heavily on refugees and forcibly displaced populations around the world — already some of the most vulnerable households. This panel discussion will highlight a few of the organisations that are committed and determined to do all they can to help refugees tackle these difficult circumstances. We will examine the financial lives of refugees and internally displaced persons during the COVID-19 crisis. Included in this discussion\, Opportunity International will share some key insights from their Financial Diaries work in two refugee settlements in Uganda\, Nakivale and Kiryandongo. UNCDF Rwanda and Mercy Corps will also share about some of their programmes with refugees and what has been learned during this time of global crisis. \nMODERATOR: \nPete Sparreboom – Director\, PHB Academy \n \nPete is the Director of PHB Academy\, PHB Development’s training and coaching practice. She has 25 years’ experience in the promotion of financial inclusion via traditional and digital delivery channels in Africa and Asia\, including the turnaround of a rural community banking institution on the verge of collapse in Mozambique. Pete is recognised for the effective way she uses the latest insights in adult education\, executive coaching and e-learning to help decision makers speed up the digitalisation of their institution and the economy.  \n  \nSPEAKERS: \nNoah Ssempijja – Refugee Program Coordinator\, Opportunity International \n \nNoah is Opportunity International’s Refugee Consortium Lead in Uganda\, responsible for field implementation and partnerships management\, as well as monitoring\, evaluation and learning. Noah provides strategic oversight in the implementation of Financial Diaries research across the refugee settlements. He has over 7 years’ experience leading innovative and impactful programmes for refugees\, including cash transfers. Noah is passionate about the use of evidence and data to guide programme implementation. \n  \nRoselyne Uwamahoro – Program Coordinator\, UNCDF Rwanda \n \nRoselyn has worked in the financial inclusion sector for the past 13 years. She is currently Programme Coordinator at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)\, where she is leading efforts to ensure no-one is left behind in the digital era\, especially the most vulnerable – Women\, Youth\, Refugees and MSMEs. Previously\, Roselyn was Head of Microfinance at Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) following a successful banking career. Roselyne holds an MBA in Project Management from Maastricht School of Management (MsM) and is an Alumni from Harvard Kennedy School on rethinking financial inclusion. \n  \nMike Warmington – Director\, Financial Inclusion\, Mercy Corps \n \nMike has worked in banking and financial inclusion for more than a decade. He currently leads Mercy Corps’ global financial inclusion work\, helping to set the agency’s strategy and provide technical support across more than 40 programme countries. Prior to Mercy Corps\, Mike spent more than 5 years with One Acre Fund\, leading the organisation’s microfinance partnerships work\, creating innovative partnerships in the cocoa sector\, and working with more traditional FSPs to better serve smallholder farmers. He previously served as Head of Operations at an MFI in Malawi and Zambia\, and as a project finance analyst with Dexia bank working on UK infrastructure projects.
URL:https://financialinclusionforum.org.uk/event/webinar-refugees-in-times-of-global-crisis/
LOCATION:Webinar
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