The International Law Institute (ILI) has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest affiliate. The 250+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
“The SME Finance Forum is pleased to welcome the International Law Institute (ILI). With its extensive experience in empowering economies through legal reform and building local capacity to create economic opportunities, we look forward to forming a strong synergy to expand the network for the financial inclusion of all SMEs,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
ILI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with 70 years of experience working toward empowering economies through law reform and building local capacity to create economic opportunity. One of the main cornerstones of ILI’s work is law reform aimed at enhancing access to credit and strengthening local institutions.
ILI’s contribution to the economic growth of developing economies and the empowerment of MSMEs is anchored in several activities. First, ILI works with standard-setting institutions to shape global standards for commercial transactions. Second, it implements such standards through law reform programs. ILI collaborates with International Financial Institutions (e.g., the WBG/IFC, ADB, EBRD) and local governments in conducting legal and regulatory assessments, preparing gap analyses based on international standards and best practices, developing knowledge and practice guides, formulating strategic recommendations, and drafting laws, regulations, and rules, or amendments to existing legislation, as needed. And third, ILI delivers tailored programs as part of economic development projects to ensure sustainability.
On joining SME Finance Forum as its affiliate, Stuart Kerr, President and Acting Executive Director, ILI, said, “The International Law Institute is pleased to join the SME Finance Forum. We look forward to supporting the work of the Forum and appreciate the opportunity to learn from its many members and affiliates.”
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for Micro, Small, Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Growth
The SME Finance Forum, backed by the G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 250+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. The network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain-linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, and knowledge aggregators.
Its members, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Its activities consist of “members only” offerings (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event, etc.).
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates: