The annual SME Finance Forum, who works to expand access to finance for SMEs, to host its Annual Summit in São Paulo, Brazil from September 14-18; INSME will be present to represent the interest of SMEs and the association’s members. The SME Finance Forum works to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses. The forum operates a global membership network of 240+ members of financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. Their mission is to accelerate access to finance for SMEs worldwide by promoting knowledge exchange, policy change, and new connections.
The 2024 edition of the conference will focus on the transformative power of AI tools and technologies in advancing the digital and sustainable transitions critical to scaling SME finance. This event comes at a crucial time as regulators and financiers, having learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, recognize the importance of digitalization and sustainability for SMEs to access finance, meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and secure our global future. AI offers a unique set of enabling factors that can significantly enhance SME finance, but achieving this potential requires a concerted and coordinated effort from all stakeholders. INSME
A key highlight of the conference will be the application of AI in SME finance, a technological advancement that is reshaping the industry. AI presents new opportunities for sustainability and financial inclusion, but it also brings challenges. Conference sessions will address both the benefits and risks of this disruptive technology, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving SME finance landscape.
The conference will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, the financial hub of the country and home to industry leaders like Nubank and the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES). With a population of 215.3 million, Brazil offers an ideal venue due to its vibrant ecosystem of digital banks and FinTechs, including C6, Neon, Banco Inter, Agibank, Banco Original, PicPay, and Stone. Brazil’s Central Bank’s electronic payment scheme, Pix, launched in November 2020, has significantly enhanced financial inclusion and economic tracking.
The SME Finance Forum, as a strategic partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, supports Brazil’s efforts to develop an SME Finance Action Plan, underscoring the global significance of this conference.
Source: TMG and SME Finance Forum
