GAFI – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion

Global Financial Inclusion Training (G-FIT) Program

Dates: 15th - 19th June, 2025 (Sun - Thurs), Venue: Badamdar Hotel, Baku, Azerbaijan

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.

About Us About Us

5 Years

Successful Worldwide Conference

Training Schedule

The training is scheduled to be held in
Baku starting from 15th – 19th June, 2025 (Sun – Thurs) in Badamdar Hotel, 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 – 7th July 2025 (Monday)

06:00 pm onwards
Registration & Welcoming the Guests

07:00 pm – 07:15 pm
Opening Remarks by Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI

07:15 pm – 07:30 pm
Introduction to the Training by Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI

07:30 pm – 08:00 pm
Motivational Session on ‘Global Perspectives, Unified Goals: A Story of BRAC & BRAC International’ by Mr. Malik Asif Russd , Head of
Operations, New Markets, Microfinance – BRAC International Holdings B.V.

08:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Panel Discussion: United for Growth: The Role of Cross-Border Alliances in Advancing Microfinance Goals
Moderator: Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI

Panelists:

Mr. Rustam Tahirov, Director of the Financial Sector Sustainable Development Department – Central Bank of Azerbaijan
Mr. Amjad Arbab, Advisor – Damen Support Programme
Ms. Jhale Hajiyeva , Executive Director – Azerbaijan Micro-finance Association
Dr. Rashid Bajwa , CEO – National Rural Support Programme (NRSP)
Mr. Mifta Naim Huda , Executive Director – Centre for Development Innovation & Practices (CDIP)

09:00 pm onwards
Welcome/Inaugural Dinner

Day 1 – 8th July 2025 (Tuesday)

09:00 am – 09:15 am
An overview of Azerbaijan Microfinance Industry by Ms. Jhale Hajiyeva, Executive Director at Azerbaijan Micro-finance Association

09:15 am – 10:15 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)

10:15 am – 10:30 am
Coffee Break

10:30 am – 03:30 pm (incl.lunch break)

Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session I – Charting a Path of Resilience
and Success in Times of Uncertainty

Trainers: Mr. Daniel Rozas, Senior Microfinance
Expert – e-MFP

Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session I – Sustainable Finance: Making Financial Institutions USSEPM & ESG Compliant

Trainer: Ms. Rula Mheissen, Client Protection Specialist and Head of MENA at
Cerise-SPTF

Introductory Track

Special Session II: Time with a Leader

Dr. Rashid Bajwa, CEO – NRSP to
have live chat and discussion on his company’s growth, challenges and personal perspective

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:
Mr. Timothy Tarrant, CEO – FINCA Azerbaijan
Mr. Haaris M. Chaudhary , CEO & President – Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd.
Mr. Firoz Anam , Chief Risk Officer – Credit Access Grameen Ltd.
Mr. Nadir Gul , CEO – Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund

Day 2 – 9th July 2025 (Wednesday)

09:00 am – 10:00 am
Panel Discussion – Global Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities

Moderator: Dr. Alok Misra, Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)*

Panelists:
Mr. Iqbal Ahammed, Executive Director- Bangladesh Extension Education Services (BEES) &
Vice-Chairman of BoD- Credit and Development Forum (CDF)

Mr. Amir Khan, President – HBL Microfinance Bank & Chair – Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN)

Md. Abdul Awal, Executive Director – Credit & Development Forum (CDF)

Mr. Anura Athapattu, Chairman, Berendina Micro Investment Company

10:00 am – 10:30 am
Coffee Break

10:30 am – 03:30 pm (incl.lunch break)

Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session II – “Data-Driven Decision-Making
for Inclusive Financial Institutions”
Trainer: Mr. Blaine Stephens, Independent Advisor
Inclusive Finance & Fintech

Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session III – Risk Mitigation by Microinsurance
Trainer: Mr. Michael J. McCord , Managing Director – MicroInsurance Centre at
MILLIMAN

Day 3 – 10th July 2025 (Thursday)

09:00 am – 10:00 am
Power Talk 2 – 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)
followed by Q & A

10:00 am – 10:30 am
Special Session: Affordable Housing Microfinance Products
Speaker: Victor Mints, Housing Finance Specialist – IFC
followed by Q & A

10:30 am – 12:00 am
Workshop Session – Inclusive Product Design through Human-Centered Approaches
Trainers: Mr. Abhishek Anand , Partner & Associate Director Inclusive Banking & Enterprise Development – MicroSave Consulting
Mr. Shobhit Mishra , Senior Manager – MicroSave Consulting

12:00 pm Onwards
Departure for Field Visit to Rural MFI in Azerbaijan

Day 4 – 11th July 2025 (Friday)

09:00 am – 10:30 am
From Global Vision to Local Action: A Conversation on Microfinance & Climate Resilience
Moderator: Ms. Rula Mheissen, Client Protection Specialist and Head of MENA at Cerise-SPTF
Speakers:
Mr. Michael J. McCord , Managing Director – MicroInsurance Centre at MILLIMAN, Mr. Haaris M. Chaudhary , CEO & President – Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd.

followed by Q&A

10:30 am – 10:45 am
Coffee Break

10:45 am – 01:30 pm
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session III: Leadership Development in
Financial Inclusion
Trainers: Ms. Nicole Sandra Isaacs, Senior
Manager Learning & Development – Kashf
Foundation

Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session III: Convergence of Microfinance & Islamic Finance
Trainer: Mr. Zubair Mughal , CEO – Al-Huda CIBE
Mr. Ruslan Atakishiyev, Chairman of Board Studying of Economic Resources
Baku, Azerbaijan

01:30 pm – 01:40 pm
Vote of Thanks: Dr. Alok Misra, Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)

01:40 onwards
Lunch Break & Departures