NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Summary
The 22nd Annual Global Microfinance & Financial Inclusion Forum is a leading international microfinance conference bringing together senior executives from microfinance institutions (MFIs), development finance institutions (DFIs), banks, impact investors, regulators, NGOs, fintech companies, and multilateral organizations. Taking place in Barcelona, Spain, on 23–24 March 2027, the forum explores the future of financial inclusion, responsible finance, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Through expert keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical insights into AI in microfinance, impact investing, open banking, financial health, climate finance, cybersecurity, gender inclusion, and strategies for expanding financial access to underserved communities.

DAY 1
Rebalancing Client Protection with Market Growth
Capital Flows into Microfinance: Where Will Growth Capital Come From in 2027?
Building Trust in Microfinance through Risk-Based Supervision
AI ROI in Microfinance
Scaling Entrepreneurship and Affordable Housing Through Partnerships, Capacity Building & Tailored Finance
The Changing Face of Funding: Surviving and Thriving as Development Aid Shifts
Upgrading Core Operations: Practical Approaches to Systems Transformation
Navigating MFI and Open Banking Integration
Modernizing Cross-Border Payments for Small Businesses
Financial Inclusion Beyond Credit: Savings, Payments & Long-Term Resilience
The “Human + Tech” Strategy: Reaching the Last-Mile Consumer Safely

DAY 2
Moving Beyond Repayment to Financial Health
Building Rural Resilience: De-Risking Smallholder Agriculture Finance
Climate-Smart Protection: Making Microinsurance Work at Scale
Liquid Assets: Structuring Sustainable Funding for Water and Sanitation
Market Survival and Financial Access in Conflict Zones
Safeguarding Financial Autonomy: Operational Design to Prevent Economic Coercion
Poverty Elimination: From Financial Inclusion to Poverty Elimination
Digital Trust: Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity in Inclusive Finance
Closing the Gender Gap: Designing Products for Active Female Participation