Association of Professional Bankers hosts insightful session on credit guarantee schemes for SMEs

Wednesday, 27 November 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Association of Professional Bankers (APB) recently held the third event of its Continuous Professional Development Committee (CPDC) at HNB Towers.

This session, attended by over 220 participants from various commercial banks, focused on the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Microfinance (MF) sectors, areas currently prioritised by the banking industry and the Government of Sri Lanka.

As the featured speaker, the National Credit Guarantee Institution Ltd., (NCGIL) CEO Jude Fernando, delivered an engaging presentation titled “Enhancing Financial Access for MSMEs – Role of Credit Guarantee Schemes.”

He outlined the proposed credit guarantee scheme, explaining its long-term benefits, operational procedures, and its role in reducing lending risks for banks and financial institutions. He emphasised how this scheme can empower SMEs and MSMEs by improving access to financial resources, supporting growth and stability across these crucial sectors.

The event drew an impressive turnout, including members of the APB, representatives from banks, members from the advisory committee and the executive council. In closing remarks, APB Sri Lanka President Halin Hettigoda thanked Fernando for his timely and insightful presentation, which resonated with APB members and underscored the importance of supporting SMEs in the current economic landscape.