The Global SME Finance Forum 2017 will be held November 1-3 in Berlin, Germany. The annual flagship event of the SME Finance Forum will bring 400+ senior executives from commercial banks, development finance institutions, fintech companies, as well as regulators to focus on leveraging digital banking to serve MSMEs.
MSMEs have long been an important customer base for financial institutions, and this event will inspire participants to think beyond traditional banking mainstays such as SME collection strategies, sales tools, and credit risk management, but about new innovations that improve their competitive edge which enable them to better serve their MSME clients. From the fast-changing landscape of blockchain technology to growing application of AI in chatbots and customer analytics, the digitization of banking is set to take the SME financing industry to the new level.
The forum will have engaging panel discussions, plenary keynote presentations, and breakout workshops on both core SME banking and fintech topics that will be led by thought leaders and experts in the industry. Along with highlighting best practices and top institutions from around the globe, the forum will provide ample opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and peer learning from participants. Through these sessions, breakouts and networking opportunities, SME leaders will discuss the latest trends, witness demonstrations of fintechs and consider specific investment and partnership proposals.
Topics include:
- Financial innovations in SME finance
- Blockchain: the future of banking
- Driving growth & profitability in SME finance
- CEO Discussion: Leveraging SME finance as a growth strategy
- SME collection strategies
- Product innovation
- Sizing up the SME market segment
- Sales management for SME banking
- Managing fraud & cybersecurity
- Credit risk management
- Regulatory compliance and SME finance
The action-packed 3–day event will include study visits to high-performing institutions, a B2B marketplace, fintech expos, panels, working groups as well as networking sessions and a gala dinner. The event is hosted by the SME Finance Forum, which runs a global membership network bringing together 100+ banks, fintech companies and development finance institutions to share knowledge, promote collaboration and inform policy.
Speakers are currently being finalized and more information will be provided on the marketplace for financial institutions and fintechs to meet potential investors, and the site visits to cutting-edge digital finance innovators and other local SME finance providers in Berlin.
To get a sense of what to expect from the event, take a look at this video!