LONDON – The Financial Inclusion Forum Ltd (known as FIF) announced the appointment of Suzanne van Ballekom, Bhairav Raja, and Sinethemba Mafanya as directors of its Board of Directors with effect from 5th November 2024.
FIF’s Co-Chairs, Åse Bergstedt and Rishi Raithatha said, “We’re delighted to welcome Suzanne, Bhairav, and Sinethemba to FIF’s board of directors. Through their current roles and extensive experience, we welcome the networks, ideas, and energy they will bring to FIF as it continues its mission as a trusted platform for knowledge and best practices on financial inclusion. FIF relies on board members to lead activities, and we’re excited about what Suzanne, Bhairav, and Sinethemba will bring to our organisation. We’re particularly delighted that Bhairav, who has been attending FIF events for many years, brings valuable institutional memory which we can use to ensure that FIF remains part of conversations as global financial inclusion priorities continue to evolve.”
Suzanne van Ballekom brings extensive experience in financially inclusive humanitarian and social assistance payments. She has a background in managing humanitarian and development programmes, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Suzanne specialises in digital financial inclusion, digital and financial literacy, women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods programming. Currently, Suzanne serves as the Deputy Global Team Lead for Digital Financial Inclusion and Women’s Economic Empowerment at the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Suzanne has previously held roles at private sector development consultancies, the European Delegation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Economist Intelligence Unit. Suzanne holds a BSc in Economics and International Development from the University of Bath and an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Oxford.
Suzanne van Ballekom stated “I admire the drive and dedication of Financial Inclusion Forum UK in providing a platform that brings together a wide range of stakeholders to engage on developments in financial inclusion and identify priorities. Having seen the direct impact financial inclusion can have in lifting people out of poverty and improving their overall resilience, I am committed to advance the financial inclusion agenda. I am excited to join the Board, contribute to its inclusive and stimulating environment and further advocate for the financially underserved both within and outside the UK.”
Bhairav Raja has over 15 years of experience in financial inclusion and climate finance, specialising in solutions for small businesses and sustainable development in emerging economies. Currently at DAI Global, he advises multinational corporations and donor governments on sustainable business practices, including responsible trade, circular economy initiatives, corporate social investment and carbon market finance. He has also supported the UK Government’s financial sector deepening initiatives across Africa. Bhairav has previously worked for Cenfri, the United Nations, and Credit Suisse, where he developed expertise in policy and market transformation. He holds a certification in climate and renewable energy finance from the Frankfurt School and a master’s from the University of Cambridge.
Bhairav Raja stated, “I am thrilled to join the Board and have long admired the Financial Inclusion Forum UK’s evolution as a platform that champions meaningful content. From its early days following the financial crisis, focused on microcredit advocacy, to today’s diverse engagement on crucial global topics, including digital and climate finance, its growth has been inspiring. Having dedicated much of my career to global issues, I am also eager tO listen and learn what resonates locally with young people in the UK regarding financial inclusion. I am particularly interested in generating discussions that catalyse solutions for capital-intensive challenges impacting society and planetary health, including advancing circular economy initiatives and decarbonisation at scale.”
Sinethemba Mafanya served until November 2023 as Associate Director at Palladium Impact Capital , the capital advisory arm of Palladium with offices in London and New York, formerly known as Enclude providing advisory services in the impact investing market.
Prior to his employment at Palladium Impact Capital, he worked for Diageo, the British multinational beverage company, leading an impact-focused corporate venture in emerging markets from November 2014 to December 2019. He has non-executive experience as an investment committee member for funds since 2017.
He has a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Economics from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Science in Finance from the University of London, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oxford’s Said Business School (Balliol College). Furthermore, he became a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2018
Sinethemba Mafanya stated, “FIF since its founding in 2005, has established itself as a key convenor within the UK’s financial inclusion sector of professionals, practitioners, investors, academics, and students. This has resulted from a core group of directors and actors who have committed leading the conversation around this fast-growing and evolving field. The Forum’s ethos of inspiring engagement and action towards as financially inclusive world where everyone has the financial tools and capability to build a healthy and productive life, resonates strongly with me as I was born in the global south. I am honoured to be appointed to the Board of Directors and look forward to adding value to the forums contributions to the sector”
ENDS
About FIF
FIF is a London-based, not-for-profit organisation that organises free, live events for people in the financial inclusion space to develop their knowledge and engagement in financial inclusion. Expert speakers are invited to share their thoughts on sustainable, innovative, scalable financial inclusion. The events serve as networking opportunities for London- and UK-based financial inclusion practitioners.
For more information, please visit FIF’s website
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