The Problem and Importance of Financial Inclusion in Asia

Financial inclusion is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. It entails the delivery of banking services at an affordable cost to vast sections of disadvantaged and low-income groups. Were it only that simple!

In order to make financial inclusion a reality at scale, it requires the orchestration of multiple parties, all of whom are operating with a different set of incentives and objectives. Given the many varying financial regulatory systems in the region, Internet access limitations, and the thorny question of how to better serve small-scale businesses and land-based consumers, what are some best-practice examples in the region to date?

We will kick off the session by showcasing our most recent ACLC Case Study featuring MasterCard and a drill-down on its program to financially enable farmers in India.

In the second half of the session, we will do a deep dive into the challenges of making financial inclusion a reality in many parts of Asia. It requires collaboration at all levels, regulatory clarity, banking sector willingness, and technical enablement. Our panel of experts will briefly present their views and we will then engage in a member roundtable discussion.

Given the strong composition of financial services, agri-business and technology expertise among us, I’m sure this will make for a compelling session.

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Agenda details are as follows:

8:30-8:40am:             Welcome to Members, Guests, and Session Set-up

8:40-9:30am:             MasterCard Case Study followed by Q&A

9:30-10.30am:            Unpacking the challenges of financial inclusion in Asia

Panel Commentary followed by Q&A

10:30am:                     Close

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