Day 2 – Session B2: The Role of Microloans to Empower MSMEs and Individuals
Andrew McCartney, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, ADB
Andrew is a Senior Financial Sector Economist within ADB’s Financial Sector Group, with over 25 years' experience working in emerging economies. He is currently responsible for designing and implementing major upstream projects, policy-based programs and advising governments on financial inclusion and markets transformation across Asia.
Sandeep Bhalla, General Manager, Saripay Financial Services
Sandeep Bhalla has a comprehensive work experience spanning over several companies and roles. Sandeep is currently serving as the General Manager of SariPay Financial Services at Growsari, where they are responsible for driving the overall strategy, P&L, and product development across various financial services. Prior to this, they worked at Boston Consulting Group as a Senior Advisor in the Financial Institutions and Consumer Group practice from 2019 to 2021.
Sandeep has also held positions at SoHo Advisors Pte Ltd as a Senior Advisor in the Payments and Lending Vertical from 2020 to 2021, and at NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTUC Link and Chief Analytics Officer of NTUC Group from 2017 to 2019. During their time at NTUC, they successfully set up a separate legal entity and scaled its consumer digital platform, driving customer engagement across multiple industries.
Shuhkrat Atabaev, Chairman of the Board, Xalq Bank Uzbekistan
Shukhrat Atabaev serves as Chairman of the Board at Xalq Bank in Uzbekistan. He oversees corporate governance, strategic direction, and policy development at one of the country’s key financial institutions. With deep expertise in banking and economic reform, Shukhrat leads efforts to strengthen digital services, financial inclusion, and customer-centric banking. His leadership is instrumental in modernizing the bank’s operations, expanding access to credit, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth in Uzbekistan.
Yasir Ashfaq, CEO, Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company
Yasir brings over 28 years of professional experience and has led the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC) as CEO since August 2017. He is recognized for his leadership in apex institutions and his contributions to strengthening Pakistan’s microfinance sector with a focus on sustainability and impact.
Yasir serves on several key committees for National Financial Inclusion, collaborating with SBP, SECP, and industry bodies such as the NBFI & Modaraba Association (as Senior Vice Chairman), Pakistan Microfinance Network, and chairs the Pakistan Microfinance Review Editorial Board.
Before transitioning to microfinance, he held senior roles in commercial and investment banking for over 12 years, working in treasury, corporate finance, and product development. Yasir is a Fellow of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan (FCMA) and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Sydney. He has also completed executive leadership programs at Ivy League universities.
Dildora Tadjibaeva, Senior Microfinance Expert, ADB
Ms. Dildora Tadjibaeva is a senior microfinance expert at the Asian Development Bank. She specializes in analyzing and designing financial solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly in transition economies. Her work includes assessments of SME finance challenges, diagnostics of microfinance systems, and supporting regulatory and policy reforms to improve access to capital in underserved areas. Prior to her current role, she coordinated microfinance development projects and research in Uzbekistan, contributing insight into client orientation, risk management, and product innovation. Dildora holds strong academic credentials and combines her research expertise with practical program implementation to drive inclusive finance.