Rethinking Microfinance: Explore the Latest Trends, Development Trajectories and New Perspectives on the APAC Microfinance Ecosystem

Growth in the Asia Pacific (APAC) Microfinance sector has been rampant and sharp differences emerge across the region. In 2017, the average global growth rate for the micro, small, medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) was 10-15%. And, the Asia Pacific region had the highest growth expectancy by 25-30%, albeit the quite diverse socio-economic contexts, market maturities, and regulatory dynamics.¹

Today Microfinance sector has undoubtedly become more dynamic so that the financing requirements are more complex. MFIs are undergoing various transformations in their structure; adapting their business models into different types of financial institutions such as small banks. The need for a well-functioning regulatory framework is evident. Transparent management of funding and a better functioning client protection mechanisms are increasingly in demand. Moreover, innovations in the financial sector help Microfinance clients have greater outreach and wider product offerings. In turn, Microfinance sector is evolving from a niche segment to a mainstream investment topic.

Asia Pacific Microfinance Forum underlines the fact that: “It is time to rethink Microfinance.” It features keynote lectures, case studies, panel discussions and interactive networking sessions with the help of pioneering Microfinance experts, investors, banks and finance organizations to discuss the latest and pressing issues in the sector.

¹ ResponsAbility Survey: Micro and SME Finance Market Outlook 2017

“Special thanks to the Uniglobal staff for their kind assistance and good organization.”
— Deputy Chairman, Bank of Asia, Kyrgyz Republic

“I have been coming to the Global Microfinance Forum for the last few years. It’s a fantastic conference. It’s a great place to talk to funders, talk to partners and MFIs. The interaction and the questions are amazing, so I think there is a lot of learning for anyone involved in the industry.”
— Lead Consultant Learning Systems, LEAP

“I really enjoyed the conference not only as a moderator but also as a participant. The number of very knowledgeable speakers were huge, really great! It’s a great event like last year and a year before.”
— Head ING Microfinance, ING Bank

“I would like to express my appreciation of the event, in particular, the high organizational standard, the impressive quality of speakers, and a diverse body of participants. Well done to you and your colleagues at Uniglobal! It was my pleasure to be associated with your event.”
— Head of Microfinance Unit, EIB, Luxembourg

“The themes are always very well chosen so it’s forward-looking. It’s always something new to learn for us besides getting to know new players.”
— Senior Fund Manager at C-QUADRAT Asset Management GmbH, Austria

“Benefited from all the sessions. Good exposure particularly on the new developments in Microfinance.”
— Manager, Central Bank of Malaysia

“It’s a well-attended conference with various people from the industry like Microfinance Institutions, investors and FinTechs providing solutions to MIFs. So it is a pretty diverse crowd.”
— Partner Goodwell Investments, B.V., the Netherlands

• Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

• Local authorities

• Impact investors

• Multilateral & national development agencies

• Commercial banks

• Micro-banking & micro-insurance managers

• Financial consultants

• Support service providers

• International finance organizations

• Organizations providing a technical assistance to MFIs

• Financial Innovation Labs

• Micro-entrepreneurs

• Microfinance researchers

• NGOs

• Meet the world’s market-leading companies in the sector
• A unique platform to share know-how among Microfinance experts
• Gain insights into the minute issues in the Interactive Discussion Sessions
• Listen to the best-practice examples and the lessons learned from the local experiences
• Grow your professional network, and discuss potential collaborations with the industry peers
• Gain comparative perspectives on the region
• Gain a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing business environment
• Influence and help shape future trends in the sector
• Find practical solutions for challenges your organization is facing