Brian Kuwik (Lead Discussant)
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4 th Africa CEO Roundtable on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Opening Remarks on The Intersection: Financial Inclusion, Economic Sustainability & Social Benefit Brian Kuwik Senior Vice President, Africa 19 June 2014 Calabar, Nigeria
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Senior Vice President and Regional Head, Africa; Accion Brian Kuwik leads and manages Accion's operations and relationships with partners in Africa and Haiti. Accion's regional program aims to improve financial inclusion in the region through equity investments in microfinance banks and other new ventures as well as the provision of management and technical services to Accion Microfinance Bank in Nigeria, Akiba Commercial Bank in Tanzania, EB-Accion in Ghana and Cameroon, SOGESOL in Haiti and other microfinance banks. Mr. Kuwik sits on the boards of these partner banks, plays an active role in governance, and provides strategic and financial advice. He also supervises Accion's technical assistance activities in the areas of strategic and business planning, product and operations development, human resources management, information technology, and risk management from its office in Ghana. Previously, he served as resident advisor and senior manager for Accion partners in Zimbabwe, Uganda and Haiti. He has supported the design and start-up of new institutions in Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. Before joining Accion in September 2001, Mr. Kuwik worked for three years at the Small Enterprise Foundation in rural South Africa. Prior to these positions, he was a Fulbright researcher in Cameroon. Mr. Kuwik holds an M.B.A. in finance and international business from the University of Washington and a B.A. in international development from American University.
Transcript of Brian Kuwik (Lead Discussant)
4th Africa CEO Roundtable on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Opening Remarks on The Intersection: Financial Inclusion, Economic Sustainability & Social Benefit
Brian KuwikSenior Vice President, Africa
19 June 2014
Calabar, Nigeria
Our Approach
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Double Bottom Line: We pursue altruistic goals through commercial means
Sustainable Institutions: We build commercially viable institutions that provide high quality services to the unbanked
Impact Investing: Our investing initiatives reflect our commitment to cultivating a financial ecosystem that will enhance the efficiency, reach and scope of financial services for millions of people living in poverty around the world
Our MissionTo give people the financial tools they need to improve their lives.
Our VisionTo build a financially inclusive world with access to economic opportunity for all.
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Our Global Reach
Over the years Accion has helped build 63 microfinance institutions in 32 countries on four continents and invested in more than 20 innovative start-up companies that serve the base of the economic pyramid.
Those institutions are currently reaching millions of clients.
Our Vision for Financial Inclusion
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The Invisible Market
• Globally, 2.5 billion people (50% of the world’s adults) remain without access to a formal savings account
• In Africa, 361 million people (76% of adults) lack such access
• Africa leads in savings behavior and mobile phone payments
• Very low levels of access to credit and insurance in Africa
• 50 million African MSMEs contribute 58% of employment and 33% of GDP
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Our Goal: Full Financial Inclusion by 2020
• Incomes are rising at the base of the economic pyramid, especially in middle income countries
• Technology is reducing delivery costs and expanding reach
• Opportunities are attracting providers to innovation and new entry
• Policymakers are prioritizing financial inclusion
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Why Does Financial Inclusion Matter?
People can fulfill their economic potential by:
- managing day-to-day lives more productively,
- shielding selves against risks, and
- supporting selves in achieving major life goals (education, home and business growth).
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![Li Guo arXiv:1703.02715v3 [q-fin.ST] 9 Dec 2018 · yubo.tao.2014@phdecons.smu.edu.sg. xWe are grateful to Zhi Da, Tse-Chun Lin (discussant), Nancy Xu (discussant), Jorida Papakroni](https://static.fdocuments.us/doc/165x107/601c529e23b1e65db111aa4c/li-guo-arxiv170302715v3-q-finst-9-dec-2018-yubotao2014-xwe-are-grateful.jpg)
