SME Finance Forum Gears Up For “Global SME Finance Forum 2023”, India Between September 12 – 14, 2023

* SME Finance Forum was established by G20 Global Partners for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research, and best practice in promoting SME finance. 

* This year the Global SME Finance Forum conference is co-hosted by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Indian Bank’s Association (IBA) 

The theme for this year’s conference is “Digital Ecosystems and Future of SME financing.” 

The SME Finance Forum, a dynamic platform fostering SME financing, is poised to host the esteemed Global SME Finance Forum 2023 (GSMEFF 2023) in Mumbai from September 12 to 14, 2023. The theme of this year’s event, "Digital Ecosystems and the Future of SME financing," emphasizes the significance of digital innovation in shaping the SME financing landscape. The conference is co-hosted by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Indian Bank’s Association (IBA) and supported by State Bank of India (SBI) as a Diamond Sponsor will be held at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel in Santacruz, Mumbai.  

Established in 2012 by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the SME Finance Forum serves as a network that includes over 250 leading banks, NBFIs, FinTech pioneers, and development banks. It is managed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) and is considered as a beacon of industry collaboration. 

The Global SME Finance Forum brings together experienced global leaders to facilitate the exchange of insights, promote best practices, and chart the future trajectory. The forum shall witness participation from over 700 senior bankers, tech luminaries, policymakers, and thought leaders from 70 countries, providing unparalleled opportunities for learning and networking. 

The occasion is expected to be graced by eminent personalities -, Shri. Narayan Rane, Hon’ble Union Minister of MSME, Govt. of India, Dr. Bhagwat Karad, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, Mr.  Vivek Joshi, Secretary, DFS, Ministry of Finance of India, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman, Infosys, Mr. Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries, IFC and many more. 

Reflecting on the Global SME Finance Forum 2023, Mr. Qamar Saleem, Incoming SME Finance Forum CEO, stated, “I am honored to be taking over the reins of Global SME Finance Forum, world’s leading SME finance network. This is truly an opportune time given the tremendous membership base consisting of leading institutions globally and recent digital evolutions which make closing the SME finance gap more achievable. SMEs create jobs and drive economic growth; hence we must muster up all forces to have SMEs thrive rendering lasting development impact. I would aim for Global SME Finance Forum to be a key catalyst in this journey.’ 

Commenting on the event, Mr. Matt Gamser, Outgoing CEO of the SME Finance Forum said, ‘This year’s event, focusing on digital ecosystems and the future of SME financing, is shaping up to be our largest and most technically fascinating event ever.  It’s so appropriate that we’re holding the event in India, which has made digital public infrastructure a top priority of its G20 Presidency, too.’  

Mr.  Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), said, “As we take pride in hosting this year’s Global SME Finance Forum 2023, I am grateful for the opportunity extended to SIDBI for hosting such a prestigious event that has witnessed tremendous participation of industry stakeholders across the world and encouraged discussions on very relevant issues and trends on the SME Sector. The three-day event has been marked by buzzing enthusiasm from participating institutions.  With India taking the presidency of the G20 for the first time, the country’s views, and outlook on the MSME sector is of significance for the world. The strides made by the Government of India in developing a robust digital infrastructure and the consequent digital innovation by various players in MSME credit domain needs to be discussed, encouraged as also celebrated.”  

“As we delve into “Digital Ecosystems and the Future of SMEs”, we are honored to welcome world leaders, policy makers and thinkers to advise on innovative paths. SIDBI's commitment to SMEs fits perfectly into the event, which explores how digitalization is changing the landscape of economic growth. To name a few recent initiatives in this space taken by SIDBI include GST Sahay - which is an ‘on-tap’ invoice-based financing for micro enterprises; Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) - to promote open networks for exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks, etc. With this, we look forward to connecting with our peers and pioneers to take the SME sector to new heights.” 

Mr.  Dinesh Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India (SBI), “Global SME Finance Forum 2023 has been at the forefront in creating a robust platform for sharing of ideas and promoting the cause of SMEs at a global level.  We value the opportunity extended to us for associating with such a prestigious event. The three-day event offers unparalleled opportunity to discuss, engage and chart out the journey for SMEs in ever-evolving digital landscape”.  

 At SBI, “Digital” has been the driving agenda. We have re-designed processes and products to cater to the needs of SMEs. Digital is the present and the way forward to meet the growing needs of SMEs timely, adequately and conveniently”.