Events & Presentations

March 2-3, Lusaka, Zambia

The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) is introducing the Africa Board Fellowship at the Cracking the Nut conference. The fellowship is an opportunity for board members and CEOs of MFIs throughout Africa to strengthen governance practices, improve risk-management, and build strategic leadership abilities. We invite you to join us for an informational breakfast on March 3rd at 7:30am for a short presentation and Q&A to find out more.

February 12, 10:00 - 11:00 AM ET, Online

Demographic analysis reveals the rapid aging of the population in low and middle income countries. In many countries, over-65 is the fastest growing population age bracket. This unprecedented shift will require revision in how we organize societies to ensure that the needs of older people are met; and financial services is an important arena in which adjustments are needed. This webinar will feature key findings and new data from a year of research—both primary and secondary source—funded by the MetLife Foundation and executed by CFI and HelpAge International. It follows the February 10th release of an in-depth report of the issue. The research has a focus on Latin America, but draws on and offers lessons for middle income countries around the world. The research also follows up the findings from the CFI’s paper, Looking through the Demographic Window, and HelpAge International’s Global AgeWatch Index Insight Report. Join the webinar to hear from Beth Rhyne, the Managing Director of The Center for Financial Inclusion, and Eppu Mikkonen-Jeanneret, the Head of Policy for the UK-based organization HelpAge International on this important issue. Register here.

February 10, New York City, USA

Demographic analysis, as laid out in CFI’s paper, Looking through the Demographic Window and HelpAge International’s Global AgeWatch Index Insight Report, reveals the rapid aging of the population in low and middle income countries, which requires significant adjustments in how we ensure that the needs of older people are met, including in the area of financial services. This roundtable will bring together 40 experts from a variety of sectors to explore the role that financial services could play in meeting several of the most pressing needs related to aging, considering the reality that older people are often piecing together multiple income sources to make ends meet. It is the culmination of a year of research both primary and secondary source, funded by the MetLife Foundation and executed by the CFI and HelpAge, which aims to shift the dialogue so that the financial services needs of older persons become more salient considerations among both policy makers and service providers.

January 8, Stanford, USA

For the 2.5 billion people who lack access to basic financial services, physical proximity to banks and loan offices are too often the primary barrier. Digital and mobile technologies are starting to change the landscape of financial access. Poor communities that were once invisible to financial institutions are now accessible and present viable market opportunities. New innovations and technologies are redefining microfinance – its products, its delivery and its future. What are the opportunities and challenges facing microfinance in this digital age, and how can it best serve those who still lack access to basic financial services? What is the role of philanthropy to foster innovation in microfinance and strengthen the field? A lunch and roundtable conversation will be held January 8 with members of the Microfinance CEO Working Group. Speakers include Scott Brown, President and CEO of VisionFund International, Rosario Perez, President and CEO of Pro Mujer, and Michael Schlein, President and CEO of Accion. For more information, click here.

January 7, San Francisco, U.S.A.

How are microfinance organizations serving their clients with an appropriate mix of services that help them escape poverty for good? How can disruptive technologies like mobile banking assist in this mission? What advances have we seen in this field and what challenges lie on the horizon? Hosted by the World Affairs Council, this event is presented in partnership with the Microfinance CEO Working Group. Moderated by Maya Chorengel, Co-Founder, or Elevar Equity, a panel will feature the Presidents of Grameen Foundation, Freedom from Hunger, and Women's World Banking, Alex Counts, Steve Hollingworth, and Mary Ellen Iskenderian, respectively. For more information, to register, and to watch the event live January 7 at 6:30pm PT, click here.