Moderators:

	Ewa Bańkowska Deputy Director, Microfinance Centre, Poland
	Cristina Dumitrescu Senior Investment Manager, Inclusive Finance, European Investment Fund, Luxembourg

Welcoming remarks officially open the MFC Impact Investors’ Fair in Krakow, connecting innovative microfinance institutions with purpose-driven investors.

Moderator:

Pavol Kapsdorfer Network and Partnership Manager, Microfinance Centre, Slovakia

A yearly gathering of MFC members to review and discuss 2023 performance as well as 2024 plans, share membership updates, elect MFC Council members and foster member engagement.

Moderator:

Archil Bakuradze MFC Chairman, Chair of Supervisory Board, JSC MFO Crystal, Georgia

Speakers:

	Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux Head of Unit for Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, European Commission, DG EMPL, Belgium
	Anastasiia Poplavska Founder of LingoLift Language Studio and Multilingual Educator, LingoLift Language Studio, Poland
	Paweł Chorąży Managing Director, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Poland

Distinguished MFC guests open the MFC 26th Annual Conference in Kraków.

Moderator:

Jasmina Glišović Head of Grant Operations and New Instruments Division, Council of Europe Development Bank, France

Speakers:

	Sebastien Duquet Director Head of Development Finance, Institutions & Sovereign Business, Mirova, France
	Surjit Chana Board Director, Harvard Fellow, Beneficial State Bank, United States
	Don Ginsel Holland Fintech
	Stefano Quintarelli Rialto Venture Capital Fund

As we navigate an era of economic disparity and digital transformation, the pursuit of financial inclusion remains a crucial global endeavour. Recognizing the importance of diversity in our considerations for the future of microfinance, we will delve into future scenarios casting a discerning eye on the implications and impact of technology, particularly the recent onset of AI, on various spheres of people’s lives. We will also examine the critical role of the microfinance digital support infrastructure, examine the new role of the public sector in supporting financial inclusion, discuss the new dimensions of digital identity and the changing payments landscape. Finally, we will chat about the game-changing power of people-centred fintech solutions in democratizing finance. Join us as we embrace diversity in our quest for inclusive finance, acknowledging that our diverse experiences and perspectives are key to shaping a more inclusive future.

Ready to reconnect with old friends and make new ones? Step into an evening of connections and camaraderie at our Networking Cocktail Reception. With the delightful addition of live music enhancing the ambiance, this event promises a perfect blend of relaxation and networking. Join us for an opportunity to expand your network and create lasting professional relationships.

Speaker:

Andrij Fetsun CEO & Founder, Agents for Impact, Germany

The spotlight will explore how ESG reporting can empower microfinance institutions to contribute to the SDGs, strengthen stakeholder trust, and promote transparency across the industry.

Moderator:

Cristina Dumitrescu Senior Investment Manager, Inclusive Finance, European Investment Fund, Luxembourg

Speakers:

	Michał Radziwiłł Manager, Inpulse Investment Manager, Poland/Belgium
	Benoît Bouet Head FI Debt, ResponsAbility, France
	Mejra Jusbasic-Bajgoric Regional Director, Finance in Motion GmbH, Bosnia and Herzegovina
	Nino Pataraia Vice President, Origination and Structuring, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, Georgia

In this session, we will explore the role of innovative financial instruments and current trends in impact, social, and green investments in promoting diversity in microfinance. We will discuss how these tools can drive social and environmental change, climate resilience, support micro and social enterprises, and reduce inequality.

Moderator:

Dzenita Kicic Financial Inclusion and Housing Finance Expert, Habitat for Humanity International, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Speaker:

Elma Zukic President, Association of Microfinance, Institutions in BiH – AMFI, Bosnia and Herzegovina, MFC Council member

For a Green and Clean Homeland is a pilot project of advancing sectoral housing microfinance to bolster climate adaptation and energy transition of low-income households in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Initiated by MFC members: Habitat for Humanity (HFH) in collaboration with the Association of Microfinance Institutions in B&H – AMFI, this initiative seeks to inspire the B&H’s microfinance sector to support the households’ energy transition actively. Join us at the spotlight session to learn more about the model, its opportunities, and the preliminary results.

Moderator:

Martina Grigorova CEO, SIS Credit, Bulgaria, MFC Council member

Speakers:

	Florian Ott Social Banking Development, Erste Group Bank AG, Austria
	Liza Guzman Vice President, Customer Strategy and Women´s Economic Empowerment Lead, Accion, Colombia
	Ganhuyag Chuluun Executive Chairman, Ard Financial Group, Mongolia
	Andrea Bratu Inclusive Finance, European Investment Fund, Luxembourg

In this session, we will delve into some of the new strategies microfinance institutions can employ to better serve a diverse clientele, including migrants, women, minorities, and other marginalized groups. We will discuss the importance of identifying and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by these clients, and how this understanding can guide the development of culturally sensitive and inclusive financial products and services. Join us as we will delve into how microfinance institutions can become champions of diversity and inclusion, creating a financial ecosystem that serves everyone.

Moderator:

Kristina Maslauskaite Technical Advisor for Microfinance, Council of Europe Development Bank, France

Speaker:

Perlat Sulaj CEO, Savings and Credit Association “FED invest”, Albania, MFC Council member

Moderator:

Sami Lahoud Co-Founder & CEO, EMpact, United States, MFC Council member

Speakers:

	Prateek Shrivastava Co-Founder & COO, EMpact, United States
	Surjit Chana Board Director, Harvard Fellow, Beneficial State Bank, United States
	Andre Kravchenko Senior Vice President, Business Development, HES FinTech, Lithuania

This session cuts through the hype to explore practical AI applications that enhance efficiency, boost competitiveness, and empower you to deliver diverse and inclusive financial services. Through interactive discussions, we’ll tackle key questions like why AI matters for MFIs, debate valuable use cases, implementation approaches, and the urgency of adoption. Join us and unlock the potential of AI for a thriving future!

Moderator:

Elma Zukic President, Association of Microfinance, Institutions in BiH – AMFI, Bosnia and Herzegovina, MFC Council member

Speakers:

	Andrew McCartney Senior Financial Sector Economist, Asia Development Bank, Philippines
	Paweł Chorąży Managing Director, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Poland
	Srđan Šuput Director, Banking Agency, Bosnia & Herzegovina
	Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux Head of Unit for Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, European Commission, DG EMPL, Belgium

In this session, we will concentrate on the growing interest of the public sector in microfinance. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities that emerge when the public sector becomes actively involved with microfinance. From fresh regulatory considerations to the integration of digital technologies, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving position of the public sector stance vis a vis microfinance.

Moderator:

Gabriele Giuglietti MFC Vice-Chairman, Head of Institutional and Foreign Affairs, Banca Etica, Italy

Speaker:

Ewa Bańkowska Deputy Director, Microfinance Centre, Poland

MFC leadership wrap-up the discussions at the MFC annual conference.

Experience the magic of our Gala Dinner at the esteemed Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva. With amazing food, live music, and a DJ, there will be plenty of chances to network. It’s an evening designed for both enjoyment and forging meaningful connections. Join us for a memorable night of camaraderie and entertainment in the historic ambiance of this exceptional venue!