WBAF Financial Inclusion Conference
Mobilising Smart Finance for Financial Inclusion
7 MAY 2024 | LSEG LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE GROUP
Conference Master:
Juan Cabrera, WBAF Head of Investor Relations for UK
World Business Angels Investment Forum
Conference Co-chair:
Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
Conference Co-Chair:
Ozlem Oktay, GPFI Lead in the G20 and IMF Department,
Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye
| 09 00 | Registration |
| 09 50 | WBAF Video on Financial Inclusion |
| 09 55 | Introduction Speech by the Conference Master: Juan Cabrera, WBAF Head of Investor Relations for UK |
| 10 00 | Welcome Speech by the Conference Co-chair: Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)Redefining Tomorrow’s Financial Landscape: Mobilising Smart Finance for the Advancement of Financial Inclusion |
| 10 10 | Welcome Speech by the Conference Co-chair: Ozlem Oktay, GPFI Lead in the G20 and IMF Department, Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of TürkiyePriorities of the G20 Presidency for 2024 |
| 10 25 | UNSGSA Queen Máxima Video Remarks at the G20 GPFI First Plenary in Brazil: Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, provided a special video message to members of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), including financial regulators and policymakers, on prioritizing financial health as a central component of their agendas. |
| 10 30 | Keynote Speech: Prof. Rudy Aernoudt, Senior Economist, European Commission The Current Landscape of Financial Inclusion on early stage equity markets in European Economies and Economic Policy |
| 10 45 | Keynote Speech: Axel Kalinowski, Head of Central and Southern Europe London Stock Exchange Group Role of LSEG to increase Financial inclusion: Prospects of listing at the London Stock Exchange and recent successful IPOs |
| 10 55 | Signings of Global Collaboration Agreements to Enhance Financial Inclusion: Bahrain Entrepreneurs Organisation, represented by Feryal Nass |
| 11 00 | Ministerial Roundtable: Empowering Startup Economies: Shaping the Financial Landscape of Tomorrow Moderator: Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum Ozlem Oktay, GPFI Lead in the G20 and IMF Department, Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye |
| 11 30 | GFRS Global Fundraising Stage, World Business Angels Investment Forum Jury President:
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| 12 30 | VIP Lunch – by invitation only Venue: London Stock Exchange Group |
| 13 30 | Roundtable 1: Fostering Startup Ecosystems: The Power of Global PartnershipsIn today’s interconnected world, the success of startup economies is increasingly reliant on the cultivation of global partnerships. This panel discussion explores the pivotal role that international collaboration plays in advancing startup ecosystems worldwide. With a focus on leveraging cross-border alliances, the panelists delve into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities inherent in fostering such partnerships. From sharing best practices to accessing new markets and capitalizing on diverse talent pools, the panel examines how collaboration on a global scale can drive innovation, accelerate growth, and create sustainable economic impact for emerging startups. Through insightful discussions and real-world examples, the panel offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors seeking to navigate and harness the transformative potential of global partnerships in advancing startup economies. Moderator: Agnes Gitau, Executive Director – United Kingdom & Europe, Eastern Africa Foundation |
| 14 00 | Roundtable 2: Mobilizing Corporate Venture Capital as a Local Exit Strategy: A New Role for Companies In an ever-evolving business landscape, companies are increasingly turning to innovative strategies to navigate economic uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities. One such strategy gaining prominence is the mobilization of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) as a local exit strategy. This panel discussion delves into the dynamics of CVC and its evolving role as both a strategic investment tool and a means for companies to foster local entrepreneurship ecosystems. The panelists explore how companies can leverage their resources, networks, and industry expertise through CVC to support the growth of startups and emerging businesses within their local communities. By facilitating access to capital, mentorship, and market opportunities, CVC initiatives not only drive innovation but also serve as a viable pathway for companies to achieve strategic exits while contributing to the sustainability and vitality of their local economies. Through insightful discussions and case studies, this panel offers actionable insights for companies looking to harness the potential of CVC as a catalyst for local economic development and innovation. Moderator: Richard Moir, Director/Board Member & Deputy Chair for LCCI International Trade Committee and International Strategic Advisor for Harod Global Investigative Solutions, UK |
| 15 00 | Roundtable 3: Leveraging Incubation, Acceleration, and Innovation Hubs: Unlocking Paths to Global Investment Opportunities Incubation, acceleration, and innovation centers have emerged as pivotal hubs in the global entrepreneurial landscape, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and attracting investment. This panel discussion explores the increasing significance of these centers in attracting global investors and catalyzing economic growth. Through a comprehensive analysis of successful case studies and industry insights, the panelists delve into the strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts undertaken by these centers to create conducive environments for startups and investors alike. From providing access to mentorship, resources, and market opportunities to facilitating networking and partnerships on a global scale, these centers serve as vital conduits for connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors. By leveraging their expertise and infrastructure, these centers not only drive innovation but also position their respective regions as attractive investment destinations in the global marketplace. This panel offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for stakeholders, policymakers, and investors seeking to maximize the potential of incubation, acceleration, and innovation centers in attracting global investment and fostering sustainable economic development. Moderator: Ayub Zakori, President, Industrial Association of Pakistan |
| 15 30 | Coffee Break & Networking |
| 16 00 | Presentations: Advancements in Digital Financial Inclusion and SME & MSME Finance: A Decade of Substantial Progress – by Ozlem Oktay, GPFI Lead in the G20 and IMF Department, Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye Estonia’s engament with Startup Economies through E-Residency Programme for Global Entrepreneurs – by Ülane Vilumets, Head of Business Development at e-Residency, Estonia Investing in Inclusion: The Impact of UK’s Startup Scene on Global Financial Ecosystems – by Alistair Elder, Managing Partner | SGI Partners Ltd, Expert Advisory Group – Trade | Institute of Directors, Co-Chair – Policy & Governance Group | Institute of Directors |
| 16 30 | Bell Ceremony for the World Business Angel Investors Week 2024 Intro by Antonia Durisch, Country Co-Chair for Switzerland Intro by Baybars Altuntas, Global Chair of the World Business Angel Investors Week 2024 Introducing Country Chairs and Co-chairs on the stage Bell Ceremony for the World Business Angel Investors Week 2024 with participation of Country Chairs, WBAF Senior Senators, WBAF Senators, WBAF International Partners |
| 17 00 | Closing Session: The outcomes of the WBAF Financial Inclusion Conference will be diligently conveyed to the G20 – GPFI Committee, ensuring that the valuable insights and recommendations discussed here contribute meaningfully to the global efforts towards financial inclusion. Announcement of the Most Investable Startup Ventures of the Global Fundraising Stage: Conference Co-chair: Conference Co-Chair: |
| 18 00 | VIP Reception & Dinner – by invitation only Venue: London Stock Exchange Group |
| 20 00 | Closing remarks of the VIP Dinner by Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum |