Financial Inclusion Summit takes place28 March 2019, Oslo Opera House

When and where is it on?

28 March 2019 at the Oslo Opera House

How many years has it been going?

This is the first Financial Inclusion Summit which aims to identify ways in which the Nordic region’s expertise in fintech and international development funding can contribute to reducing poverty and drive growth in places where the majority of the population are unable to access formal financial services/products. It is convened by Fintech Mundi, a global fintech accelerator based in Oslo.

What was the inspiration to start it?

The Nordic region’s focus on humanitarian causes, its progress at building a cashless society, and reputation for transparency, openness and design-led thinking, puts it in a strong position to help solve one of society’s most intractable challenges.

The Financial Inclusion Summit 2019 convenes an international gathering of stakeholders from governments, public and private funding, financial institutions and fintech innovators.

The Summit will facilitate cross-party dialogue to identify viable long-term solutions to financial inclusion, aided by latest advances in financial technology, that reduce poverty and drive economic growth.

What exciting things can people look forward to?

New research from Summit partner Mastercard launched at the 2019 Financial Inclusion Summit in Oslo identifies the tactical steps to take financial inclusion over the threshold – and their potential impact when adopted. It explores the coordinated role that fintech innovators, financial institutions and government must play, together with real-world examples across Africa, Asia and Latin America to explain how a complex web of drivers, obstacles and needs is being tackled successfully – and how these lessons can be applied to make financial exclusion, finally, a part of history.
Global leaders participating: A gathering of global leaders from Mastercard, World Economic Forum, African Development Bank, CGAP (World Bank), Equity Bank, the Norwegian Government and others debating how public and private sector stakeholders can combine efforts and come up with a set of practical steps towards solving what is still one of the world’s critical challenges. HRH Crown Prince Haakon – himself an advocate for technological reform – will be attending the event
Nordic fintech solutions: 34 Nordic fintechs will showcase solutions specifically designed and already being used to address the challenges faced by the world’s hardest to reach communities.

What opportunities are on offer for those attending?

The invitation only event brings together people who are passionate about and contributing in different ways towards addressing financial inclusion. This is an opportunity to hear from and meet with the world’s leading figures and to learn about new technological advances geared to deliver financial services and products to people currently excluded.

Who will be speaking?

Headline speakers:

Aksel Jakobsen, State Secretary International Development, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Stefan Nalletamby, Director, African Development Bank, Cote D’Ivoire
Ann Cairns, Executive Vice Chairman, Mastercard, UK
Greta Bull, Chief Executive Officer CGAP (World Bank), USA
Drew Propson, Financial Services Director, World Economic Forum, Switzerland
Dr Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Chief Executive Officer, Better Than Cash Alliance, USA
Hedwige Nuyens, Chief Executive Officer, International Banking Federation, UK
James Mwangi, Chief Executive Officer, Equity Bank, Kenya
Deepak Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Arise, South Africa
Anita Krohn Traaseth, CEO Innovation Norway
Petter-Børre Furberg, EVP and Head of Emerging Asia Cluster, Telenor, Thailand
Chair: Mark Eddo, International Broadcaster & Journalist, Nigeria

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

Active participation, questions to speakers and panellists. Take the opportunity to meet and connect with a wide range of likeminded people passionate about bringing about financial inclusion.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

This is an invitation-only event. People interested in attending can request an invitation on the website https://financial-inclusion.com

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