WSBI-ESBG

“Today was more than a gathering of minds - it was a gathering of purpose. We have come together to build something that will endure,” said Peter Simon, Managing Director of WSBI-ESBG. As he concluded the first day of #WSBIWorldCongress, Simon emphasized the need to preserve and strengthen our unique model: WSBI thrives by the people, for the people, serving customers across regions for the benefit of local communities. From thought-provoking keynotes by Dima Al-Khatib, Gelsomina Vigliotti and Jean Pesme to engaging panels, the conversations today reaffirmed that the future of banking lies in our collective commitment to social and economic equity.   ✅ Key Highlights:   👉 Sustainable finance must go beyond green: Our panelists showed how holistic approaches - integrating environmental, social, and governance factors can drive global impact. 👉 Digitalization is a powerful tool for inclusion: As we continue to close the gaps in financial inclusion, digital services will play a key role in uplifting underserved communities.  👉AI is transforming the financial sector: Experts explored how AI can enhance processes and customer experiences, all while balancing innovation with ethical and privacy concerns. Thank you to all the speakers and panelists for the insightful discussions. Let’s continue building together on this legacy and drive forward with innovation, and integrity. A special thanks to our Master of ceremony, Jacki Davis for brilliantly guiding us through an inspiring day.   🙏 Stay tuned for more tomorrow, 31 October, as we celebrate 100 years of #WorldSavingsDay, a very special day full of surprises ✨

For more than a century, savings and retail banks have been at the forefront of serving MSMEs, driving innovation and supporting #FinancialInclusion.   Driven by our core values of Responsible, Regional, Retail banking, today’s last panel featuring Rebeca Romero Rainey (ICBA), Diego Prieto (Banco Caja Social), Dr. Ulrich Reuter (DSGV - Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband), Jacques Beyssade (Groupe BPCE), and Shashi Kandambi (National Savings Bank) explored how the proximity of savings and retail banks to their customers makes our business model unique.   With a focus on addressing key societal challenges, such as combating climate risk, narrowing the digital gender gap, and increasing financial inclusion, the panel delved into the evolving landscape and opportunities for the next century of #ResponsibleBanking. #WSBIWorldCongress #100YearsForwardTogether

📲 Explore how AI is enhancing customer experiences and unlocking new opportunities! In a recent panel moderated by Pere Nebot (CaixaBank), experts Adrian Li from The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA), Frédéric BURTZ (Groupe BPCE), Laszlo Bencsik from OTP Bank Magyarország, and Fatine Dinia (Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion) discussed the balance between innovation and privacy, as well as the critical need for progress and inclusion in the financial sector. #WSBI100Years #WSBIWorldCongress #ResponsibleBanking

Every year, economic shocks push 70 million people back into extreme poverty. Jean Pesme, Global Director Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation at The World Bank highlighted the urgent need for financial resilience, with over 55% of the poorest households in developing economies struggle to secure emergency funds. 💡 While 71% of adults have an account at a bank or mobile money issuer, only 31% save using an account and 29% borrow through formal institutions, indicating that the use of financial services is still a challenge.   From the impact of climate risks to closing the gender gap in financial access, tune in for the afternoon sessions at the 27th #WSBIWorldCongress for essential insights on building inclusive financial systems. #ResponsibleBanking #WSBI100Years

What does #ResponsibleBanking mean in the face of climate change?   Our third panel at #WSBIWorldCongress dived into this crucial question! Chanda Chime - Katongo (Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco) PLC), José María Méndez Álvarez-Cedrón (Cecabank & CECA), Karolin Schriever (DSGV - Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband), and Jay Khairil (Bank Simpanan Nasional) explored how savings banks and financial institutions can adopt holistic approaches that go beyond the ‘green’ agenda.   Together, they discussed how integrating ESG can drive decarbonization, alleviate poverty, and build resilient, sustainable communities. #100YearsForwardTogether #WSBI100Years

🇪🇺 Gender equality is a core priority at the EIB Today at the 27th #WSBIWorldCongress, Gelsomina Vigliotti Vice President at the European Investment Bank (EIB) underscored the EIB Group’s commitment to #GenderEquality and climate action. From supporting women-led startups to launching the Women Climate Leaders Network, the EIB is integrating gender and climate goals into every aspect of its work. “We have a collective responsibility to meet the urgent gender equality and climate challenges of today,” stated Vigliotti. “Greater gender equality leads to accelerated climate action, and vice versa.” 💡 Did you know? Female-led businesses generate 10% more revenue than male-led businesses, yet still receive less than half the funding. As the EU’s climate bank, the EIB dedicates over half its financing to climate action, with a focus on building resilience for women worldwide. #WSBI2024 #WSBI100Years

🛜 Unlocking opportunities through digital solutions Our panel, ‘Tech Talks: Digitalization as Enabler of Social Equity,’ moderated by Diederik Bruggink, Head of Department- Payments, Digital Finance and Innovation at WSBI-ESBG explored how digital financial services can uplift communities, especially those lacking formal banking access. With 1.4 billion adults worldwide still without digital financial services, we were thrilled to hear from al-amine nejjar (Al Barid Bank; VP of WSBI and President of the WSBI African Regional Group), Sultan AlHamidi (Social Development Bank (SDB), Veronicah Gladys Namagembe (Pride Micro Finance), Shri Vinay M Tonse (State Bank of India), Erik Ljungberg (Swedbank), and Daniel Hojman (BancoEstado) as they discussed innovative strategies to harness digital innovation, expand access to essential financial services, and drive social equity.

🤝 Breaking barriers, building futures   As we confront the world’s most pressing challenges, financial inclusion has been at the heart of WSBI’s mission. Our panelists cynthia ikponmwosa (LAPO Microfinance), Shaji K V (NABARD - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), Fernando Vega Holm (FEDECRÉDITO), Gerhard Brandstätter (Acri) and Stefanie Christina Huber (Österreichischer Sparkassenverband) - are diving into innovative #FinancialInclusion strategies aimed at dismantling barriers for underserved populations, including migrants and low-income individuals.   They're also highlighting the vital role of financial education in empowering people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions.

We are pleased to welcome the Mayor of Roma Capitale, Mr. Roberto Gualtieri, to deliver opening remarks at the #WSBIWorldCongress. As he noted: "This Congress is taking place as the world faces formidable challenges that test the resilience of our economies and financial systems. At the same time, we face new tasks each day - channeling investment into a digital and green transition that places people at the center and strengthens social cohesion. " "Savings banks hold a vital and ambitious role in this mission. To ensure resilience, we need ambition and granularity in prudential regulations, fostering diversity in our banking system - a true sign of strength and health" he added.

"The $3 trillion annual financing gap remains a significant barrier to sustainable development, an urgent Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) stimulus is needed.” says Dima Al-Khatib, Director of United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)   WSBI members across the globe are driven by the shared belief that no country or community should be left behind in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development 🌐