Republic Bank has officially joined the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network of more than 300 members and affiliates operating in 190 countries. The forum brings together SME finance experts dedicated to expanding access to finance for small businesses through knowledge exchange and innovation.
Head of the SME Finance Forum, Qamar Saleem,was delighted to welcome Republic Bank to the forum. He noted that the bank’s extensive experience and innovative approach to providing customised financial solutions to SMEs will enrich the community.
The partnership enables the bank to make notable progress in advancing SME development across the Caribbean and West Africa, not only by improving access to finance but also through equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools for success. Benefits for SMEs include financial literacy resources, business development support, and expanded opportunities for market access, thereby strengthening their resilience and long-term sustainability.
Republic Bank’s president and managing director, and Republic Financial Holdings Group president and chief executive officer, Nigel Baptiste, said: “Republic Bank is delighted to join the membership of SME Finance Forum and advance our vision and capacity to pursue SME excellence across the territories we serve. By joining the SME Finance Forum, we aim to deepen our commitment to empowering SMEs through innovative financial solutions, tailored support, and strategic
partnerships. We look forward to engaging with fellow members, exchanging ideas and collectively working towards a more prosperous future for our SMEs.”
The forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, has a network that comprises SME-focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services. These include banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses and knowledge aggregators.
Their members, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognised amongst a peer group of global innovators. (PR)
