Join The Event
5 Reasons to Attend G-FIT 2025
1. Expert-Led Training
Gain insights from globally recognized industry experts and thought leaders in financial inclusion. Learn about cutting-edge strategies, innovations, and best practices shaping the future of inclusive finance worldwide.
2. Global Networking & Collaboration
Connect with financial inclusion practitioners, policymakers, and leaders from diverse regions. Build strategic partnerships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that drive sustainable impact.
3. Practical Skill Development
Enhance your expertise in key areas such as inclusive finance, digital banking, microfinance, climate finance, fintech solutions, and risk management. Participate in interactive sessions designed to equip you with actionable tools and techniques.
4. Immersive Learning Experience
Experience a dynamic mix of classroom training, real-world case studies, field visits to microfinance institutions, and hands-on learning activities—all designed to deepen your understanding of financial inclusion challenges and opportunities.
5. Impact-Driven Mindset
Be inspired to drive meaningful change in global financial inclusion. Explore how innovative approaches and cross-border collaborations can empower underserved communities and foster economic resilience.
About The Training
GLOBAL - FINANCIAL INCLUSION TRAINING (G-FIT)
One of the largest platforms providing a great opportunity for peer-learning experience and build a strong network of professional contacts, and to learn from the best trainers and renowned speakers in the industry.
Global - Financial Inclusion Training (G-FIT) will be a 4-day residential training that aims to bring together professionals from diverse sectors, including microfinance banks, non-bank financial institutions, donors, regulators, investors, and FinTech leaders under one roof to participate in a series of interactive and informative sessions.
1. Comprehensive Training Sessions:
Focused on enhancing participants' management skills in areas such as product development, risk management, climate finance, digital transformation, leadership, and financial analysis.
2. Power Talks with Industry Leaders:
Engaging discussions on emerging trends in financial inclusion, climate change, and microfinance, featuring key lessons learned and transformative leadership practices.
3. Recreational Activities:
Opportunities to explore Dubai, network, and build connections with participants from across the globe.
5 Years
Successful Worldwide
Conference
Training Schedule
The training is scheduled to be held in
Baku starting from Monday, May 19th to Thursday,
May 22nd, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
On the 18th of May 2025, we are excited to host an inaugural session, which will be followed by a delightful dinner. This gathering presents a unique opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering new friendships and cross-border acquaintances.
Day 0 – 18th May 2025 (Sunday)
04:00 pm onwards :
Registration & Welcoming the Guests
06:00 pm – 06:15 pm:
Welcome Note by Dr. Alok Misra, Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)
06:15 pm – 06:30 pm:
Introduction and Objectives of the Training Program by Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI
06:30 pm – 07:00 pm:
Keynote Address on “The Global Landscape of Financial Inclusion & the Key Role for Microfinance” by Ms. Sophie
Sirtaine, CEO – CGAP*
07:00 pm – 07:30 pm:
Motivational Session on ‘Global Perspectives, Unified Goals: Inspiring Change Through Collaborations’ by Mr.Shameran Abed, Director Microfinance – BRAC International *
07:30 pm – 08:30 pm:
Panel Discussion: United for Growth: The Role of Cross-Border Alliances in Advancing Microfinance Goals
Moderator: IFC
Panelists:
Ms. Katarzyna Pawlak , Executive Director – MFC Poland*
Dr. Rashid Bajwa , CEO – National Rural Support Programme (NRSP)
Mr. Mifta Naim Huda , CEO – Centre for Development Innovation and Practices (CDIP)
Mr. Venkatesh N , Founder and Managing Director – IIFL Samasta Finance Limited*
08:30 pm onwards: Welcome/Inaugural Dinner
Day 1 – 19th May 2025 (Monday)
09:00 am – 10:00 am:
Power Talk 1 – Building a Holistic Digital Finance Ecosystem: Unlocking Opportunities for MFIs
Speaker: Mr. Rishi Raithata , Digital Finance and Inclusive Insurance Expert and Co-Chair at Financial Inclusion Forum (FIF-UK)
10:00 am – 10:15 am:
Coffee Break
10:15 am – 03:15 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session I – “Data-Driven Innovations for Financial Inclusion”
Focus: Big Data, AI, and Predictive Analytics in Microfinance
Trainer: Mr. Blaine Stephens, Independent Advisor Inclusive Finance & Fintech
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session I – Sustainable Finance: Making Financial Institutions ESG & USSEMP Compliant
Trainer: Ms. Laura Foose, Executive Director at Cerise + SPTF *
03:15 pm – 03:30 pm:
Coffee Break
03:30 pm – 04:30 pm:
Panel Discussion: Risk Management 2.0: Innovations for a More Resilient Microfinance Sector
Moderator: Mr. Daniel Rozas , European Microfinance Platform
Panelists:
Ms. Jhale Hajiyeva , Executive Director at Azerbaijan Micro-finance Association*
Dr. M. A. Baqui Khalily, Professor – Department of Business Administration, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Mr. Haaris M. Chaudhary , CEO & President – Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd.
Mr. Firoz Anam , Chief Risk Officer – Credit Access Grameen Ltd
05:00 pm onwards:
Visit to Azərbaycan Respublikası Mərkəzi Bankı*
Day 2 – 20th May 2025 (Tuesday)
09:00 am – 10:00 am:
Power Talk 2 – Climate Change and Microfinance: Building Resilience in Vulnerable Communities
Speaker: Mr. Michael J. McCord, Managing Director – MicroInsurance Centre at MILLIMAN
10:00 am – 10:30 am:
Coffee Break
10:30 am – 03:30 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session II – Managing Growth in Uncertain Environment
Trainer: Mr. Michael J. McCord, Managing Director – Microinsurance Centre at MILLIMAN*
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session II – Inclusive Product Design through Human-Centered Approaches
Focus: Gender, Youth, and Rural Populations
Trainer: MicroSave Consulting representative *
Day 3 – 21st May 2025 (Wednesday)
09:00 am – 09:30 am:
Keynote Address: Mr. Fazlul Kader, Managing Director – PKSF
09:30 am – 10:30 am:
Power Talk 3 – The Evolving Landscape of Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Synergies in Microfinance to Achieve Triple Bottom Line Goals
Speaker: Mr. Yasir Ashfaq, CEO – Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC)
10:30 am – 11:00 am:
Coffee Break
11:00 am – 12:00 pm:
Panel Discussion – Global Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities
Moderator: Dr. Alok Misra, Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)*
Panelists:
Mr. Aamir Khan , President – HBL Microfinance Bank & Chair – Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN)
Mr. J P Sharma , CGM, Department of Regulation – Reserve Bank of India *
Mr. Abdul Karim , former Principal Secretary to the Bangladesh Prime Minister
12:00 pm – 01:00 pm:
PowerTalk 4: Topic to be confirmed by IFC
Speaker: Ms. Momina Aijazuddin, IFC’s Regional Head of Industry for Financial Institutions
01:00 pm – 02:00 pm:
Lunch Break
02:00 pm onwards:
Departure for Field Visit to Rural MFI in Azerbaijan*
Day 4 – 22nd May 2025 (Thursday)
09:00 am – 10:00 am:
PowerTalk 4: Global Landscape for Equity & Debt Investment in Microfinance
Speaker: Ms. Deborah Drake, Council Director – Financial Inclusion Equity Council (FIEC)
10:00 am – 10:15 am:
Coffee Break
10:15 am – 03:15 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session III – Leadership Development in Financial Inclusion
Trainer: Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, Managing Director – Kashf Foundation
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session III – Risk Mitigation by Microinsurance
Trainer: Mr. Craig Churchill, Chief, Social Finance Programme – International Labour Organization *
03:15 pm – 03:30 pm:
Vote of Thanks: Md. Abdul Awal, Executive Director – Credit & Development Forum (CDF)
Certificate Distribution
*To be confirmed