Over the years we have completed hundreds of projects for banks and other financial institutions related to building their capabilities and market share with small businesses. Yet, after too many years working in this space, most banks are mediocre at best in meeting the needs of the business banking segment. Frankly, many financial institutions (FI), particularly the smaller ones, seem to be wasting their time and limited dollars and would be better off pursuing other areas.

When I decided to launch a crowdfunding business in 2013, various people warned me that it might turn out to be a fad - a flash in the pan. The doubters appear to have been wrong. Crowdfunding in all its forms is going from strength to strength and it is definitely here to stay.

Discussions, research and analysis are as intense as problematic is the issue of SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) financing globally. Despite frantic efforts made by the policymakers towards solving financial constraints facing the SMEs, the problem of restricted access to "timely and adequate" credit continues to persist, leaving millions of SMEs cash strapped and seriously limiting their prospects for growth.

Women as a gender in Papua New Guinea has been marginalised and restricted from meaningfully contribute to making a difference in all areas of life. According to latest trends both globally and locally, women are becoming more and more active in getting into entrepreneurial enterprises and driving financial independence and empowerment agendas. They are fast becoming significant players in economic development of any nation and PNG is no exception as proven when the Women in Business Desk was set up by NDB in 2010.