Inclusive Finance for Growth: Reaching Underserved SMEs

Many underserved MSMEs remain excluded from formal finance due to biased credit models, information gaps, and structural barriers. Women-led, youth-led, rural, and sustainability-focused SMEs often face distinct challenges, from limited collateral and credit histories to geographic constraints and difficulties financing green investments. As digital and AI-driven lending expands, there is a risk these gaps could widen rather than close.

This session will explore how financial institutions can design more inclusive credit models, leverage alternative data, and develop targeted solutions that expand sustainable access to finance and support growth, resilience, and job creation.