Session B3: Bridging the $5 Trillion Gap: Innovative Credit Solutions
Access to credit is a cornerstone of economic growth, yet emerging markets face a $5 trillion SME financing gap, which limits the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to innovate, expand, and drive local economies. This session will explore cutting-edge credit and financial solutions tailored to the unique challenges of emerging markets. From alternative lending models to digital platforms and fintech innovations, the session will highlight how financial institutions and technology can collaborate to unlock growth opportunities for SMEs.

Session C3: Innovative Disaster Risk Financing Solutions
Natural disasters are occurring with increasing frequency and severity, resulting in global economic losses exceeding $300 billion annually in recent years. Despite these challenges, only a fraction of these losses is insured, leaving communities and governments vulnerable to financial shocks. This session focuses on innovative disaster risk financing solutions, with a particular emphasis on insurance-based mechanisms that enhance financial resilience. By exploring pioneering approaches, such as parametric insurance, microinsurance, and public-private partnerships, this session aims to highlight scalable solutions for mitigating disaster risks and improving recovery outcomes.

Arup Chatterjee
Principal Financial Sector Specialist
ADB