AFI member institution the Russian Microfinance Center (RMC) has co-organized the XI National Conference on Microfinance scheduled to take place 12 November in Kazan, Russia. The conference has evolved into one of the most important microfinance industry events within Russia by bringing together hundreds of participants from both the Russian and international community on an annual basis since 2002, and will be held under the patronage of the Russian co-chair of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI). 

The main theme of this year’s conference will be the social role and importance of access to finance, which will feature a specific focal point on the Russian role in international institutions such as the Group of Twenty (G20), which Russia officially takes over the presidency of this month. 

Participants will explore various challenges about the search for proper balance between financial and social performance, the development of effective forms and methods of measuring the social impact of microfinance on the borrowers (both businesses and individuals), and offer attendees the opportunity to voice a myriad of concerns, including the potential benefits and risks associated with interest rate caps and other approaches to regulating PDL companies.

The conference is also set to explore global financial inclusion priorities and their implementation in Russia, and will include plenary sessions, panel discussions and training sessions, as well as debates and round tables. Additionally, an investor forum will be held alongside the conference.