The symposium will also provide strategic insight into new products and technologies, emerging markets, and the role of investors in microfinance.
Socially responsible investment on the rise
Investors are increasingly sensitive to how the returns on their investments are earned. Environmental sustainability and social responsibility are more important then ever, and the corresponding investments are booming. In recent years, investors have turned increasingly towards products and services for the population at the base of the pyramid. While generating profits, such investments contribute to alleviating poverty and building markets.
Investment opportunities in inclusive finance
Investment in inclusive financial markets in developing economies attracts growing numbers of private investors. Financial markets are inclusive when they become accessible to those who were previously excluded. The business models for providers of financial services to micro and small entrepreneurs, e.g. microfinance institutions, are well understood. Default rates are low, financial returns are stable and relatively uncorrelated with traditional asset classes. Social returns include the potential to improve the lives of the poor by responding to their vast unmet need for appropriate financial services.
Selecting the right investments
To make an investment decision in inclusive finance, investors have to be convinced that the fundamentals of the market are right. Once they are involved, they need to know how to select investments with the best prospects for sustained returns. Making the right investment decisions will be a key driver for the long-term growth of this market.
The symposium will:
– Provide investors with the information and tools to decide whether inclusive finance fits their portfolio and investment goals
– Provide investors with information to develop strategies for investment in inclusive finance that ensure sustained returns
– Enable investors to review concrete best practices, positive experiences and lessons learnt with experts and peers Offer investors a platform to express their views on policies and regulations, and the role of the public sector in creating a conducive environment for investment in inclusive finance.
Key topics and speaker highlights:
– Microfinance innovations and their contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development – Muhammad Yunus, Founder and President of Grameen Bank and Winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize
– The fairness of doing business with the poor – Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank; Michael Chu, Harvard Business School
– The dynamics of investment in inclusive finance – Axel Miller, CEO, Dexia
– The fundamentals of inclusive finance and tools for investors – Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Citigroup, responsAbility Social Investments, Schwab Foundation
– The pros and cons of different investment products and instruments – Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, BlueOrchard, Calvert Foundation, Oikocredit, Symbiotics.
Drivers of scale in inclusive finance:
– New Products: Microinsurance – Allianz, Zurich Financial Services, LeapFrog Investments, ParaLife
– New Technology: IT and Telecoms – IBM, Smart Communications, Accion Global Investments
– New markets: China – China Banking Regulatory Commission, Chinese Central Bank, Standard Chartered
– Building efficient microfinance markets – microfinance pioneers from Asia, Latin America and Africa
– The role of investors in building the market – Paul Spijkers, Director Alternative Investments, APG Investment. (microfinanceforum/mc/ps)
Informations:
International Symposium
Building Fair Financial Markets for All
Profitable Investment Opportunities in Micro and Small Businesses
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
4 route des Morillons
Geneva, Switzerland, October 1-2, 2008
