This note summarises the conceptual approach and the thematic structure of the 7th Annual Banking & Finance Conference (ABFC) planned to be held mid-2017. Over the years, the Annual Banking and Finance Conference has continued to strengthen its position as the leading brand for the industry.
The Annual Banking & Finance Conference’s 2017 theme is: Making Financial Inclusion a Reality in Africa: Connecting people to Banking & Financial Service and this couldn’t be timelier. The 2016 edition was held in Ghana and the 2017 edition will be a continuation of the discussions and a preview of the implementation strides made thus far, as we continue to push the financial inclusion agenda on the continent.
Banking and financial services must seek ways to increase their mass and tap into the financially excluded population (which is more than 60 percent). The agenda to deliver financial services to those that banks have traditionally not reached should now be – more than ever – at the top of corporate growth strategy.
Objectives
The conference will also look at new and innovative financial technology solutions that will make financial inclusion possible and profitable. The agenda will include a broad range of case studies, discussions and debates by top speakers from across Africa, bringing theoretical and practical experiences on how various sectors can work together to promote financial inclusion. Key stakeholders will include traditional banks; insurance; NGOs, telcos; retail stores; donors; investors; policymakers; regulators; MFI; and FMCGs. Financial institutions must collaborate, partner and learn from non-financial players to expand their products and services to new customer segments.
The event will be a catalyst for debate, best practice, knowledge exchange and partnerships among the practitioners, policy-makers and other stakeholders seeking to achieve significantly greater financial inclusion in the region.
Themes
· Barriers to financial inclusion access
· Regulatory and governance hurdles, challenges, changes
· Financial technology solutions
· Dealing with local perceptions about banking and money
· Client protection and credit reporting
· Loans or savings? What does your client want?
· Real value creation
· New technologies for new business models
· Shifting from financial education to financial capability
· Lessons from the global arena: Asia/Middle East/Islamic Banking
WHEN: 30-31 May
WHERE: Serena Hotel, Kigali
WEBSITE: www.aidembs.com/banking_conference
