Responsible Finance & Consumer Protection

As data-driven lending expands into underserved markets, it is unlocking new pathways for SME inclusion—but also raising important questions around borrower protection, transparency, and fairness. Automated credit decisions can obscure accountability, while alternative data models—if not carefully designed—risk embedding existing socio-economic biases. At the same time, less-regulated providers often play a critical role in reaching underserved segments, highlighting the need to balance innovation with strong safeguards.

This roundtable examines how to ensure that expanding access to SME finance is underpinned by responsible financial practices—focusing on the governance frameworks needed to promote transparency, strengthen accountability, and mitigate bias in credit decision-making. It will explore how regulatory and industry approaches, including activity-based supervision and clear consumer protection standards, can support innovation while ensuring that financial systems remain fair, inclusive, and trusted for all SMEs.