English and Russian Simultaneous Interpretation is available for this event through the Interactio app (please view the attachments tab for details on how to access Interactio)

The rapid influence of digitalisation in recent years has brought new avenues for financial inclusion in emerging markets. 

For financial institutions, new technologies and digital-first business models bring potential for new ways to engage with and attract customers, simplify processes, save clients time by performing operations remotely and offer greater non-financial services. These goals can be particularly relevant for reaching underserved groups in emerging markets such as women, young and rurally-based entrepreneurs. 

However, digital has also brought FIs new operational risks and new competition from a rising fintech sector; while internal transformation efforts can face steep financial and organisational costs, with uncertain returns on investment.

The panel will draw from the experience of financial institutions from Europe, Asia and Africa that have pioneered a move to digital. Panellists will discuss how, when and why they took the decision to digitalise and how an improved provision of digital solutions has changed their value proposition for underserved groups. 

Moderator

• Melinda Crane, International Moderator and Correspondent

Speakers

• Francis Malige, Managing Director, Head of Financial Institutions, EBRD
• Amir Salkanović, Chair of the Management Board, ProCredit Bank Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Spartak Tetrashvili, Chief Executive Officer, TBC Bank Uzbekistan
• Vladimir Vukotić, Chief Executive Officer, 3Bank
• Lama Zawati, Chief Executive Officer, Microfund for Women Iliya Avramov, Chief Risk Officer, Xacbank
• Iliya Avramov, Chief Risk Officer, Xacbank