A REFLECTION
Why 2019 Mattered for Us
As a company committed to closing the gap in financial access, 2019 was a monumental year for us. We are proud to have embarked on several key initiatives that have laid the foundation for our work in the years to come.
– CONSUMERCENTRIX LEADERSHIP TEAM
In the summer of 2019, we convened key regulators from Nigeria, Egypt, and Indonesia to share lessons among peers and draw inspiration from digital and policy innovation in India, China and Estonia. The result? Roadmaps that gave new momentum to financial inclusion. We look forward to continuing our work with this dedicated group in 2020. Stay tuned for more details!
Click here to learn more about this study.
Insights into the business case for non-financial services to women-owned SMEs.
To help close the gap in financial access and knowledge, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) enlisted our support to provide insights in the business case for non-financial services to women-owned SMEs. To get a holistic view of the state of non-financial service (NFS) offerings in 2019, we surveyed over 30 banks from around the world.
Through an in-depth analysis of survey data and interviews with key stakeholders from financial service providers, enterprise development organizations and other industry players, we gained actionable insights into new NFS delivery models and determined a tiered approach for financial service providers to improve their business outcomes by providing non-financial services to women-owned SMEs.
Keep an eye on our social channels and website. Because in 2020, we will publish our findings and insights through two case studies, blogs, and a podcast.
Working with East African Banks to address the complex needs of SMEs
Through the generous funding of the Argidius Foundation, we worked with two leading banks in East Africa, Stanbic Bank Uganda and KCB Rwanda to develop holistic SME Banking propositions with an emphasis on non-financial services. To determine the feasibility of the propositions, we assessed the financial, business skill, and networking needs of SME customers and non-customers and their attitudes towards financial institutions.
Convinced from the findings and business opportunities determined by the feasibility studies, the Argidius Foundation has extended its funding through a grant of 1.5 million euros. As a result of this funding, we will continue working with both banks, to address the complex needs of SMEs through financial and non-financial services over the next three years. By providing SMEs in Uganda and Rwanda with the right finance and skills to expand their businesses, both countries stand to benefit from catalyzed economic growth.
P.S If you haven’t listened to our new podcast series “Reaching the Underserved,” check out our first episode with Nicholas Colloff, Executive Director of the Argidius Foundation.
FROM THE NEWSROOM
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