Russia regional bankers meeting on gender finance

On Monday, 27 May, I attended a meeting on gender finance co-sponsored by IFC and the Russia Association of Regional Banks (ASROC). More than 20 banks were present from all parts of the Russian Federation.  There were case studies provided by speakers from BLC in Lebanon, and the Royal Bank of Scotland.  The topic hasn't been well developed in Russia, but there was strong interest expressed, and follow up is expected.  This is clearly a rising topic, particularly in countries where the SME finance market is becoming more and more competitive, and banks are looking for niche advantage.  Of course, gender finance doesn't just involve women entrepreneurs, there are important other services for women consumers...across the board, women make loyal clients who have a higher cross-sell ratio, and who attract their friends to the banks they like.  Russia looks fertile ground for gender finance, not in the least because (if I heard this correctly) 65 of the ASROC institutions are headed by women.  The papers from this meeting should be available soon through the Forum...contact nadia afrin of the Forum at nafrin@ifc.org for details.matt