OPTIX Workshop at FLII — OPTIX Project

FINTECH MEETS MICROFINANCE: HOW TO CREATE SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS

As the field of impact enterprises continues to mature, entrepreneurs and impact investors are actively pursuing new technologies and business models to reach large numbers of unserved and underserved customers at market-rate returns. But impact entrepreneurs and larger innovating institutions can’t do it alone. Building successful partnerships is key to the success of many innovative businesses. This workshop explored how established microfinance institutions seeking to innovate and inclusive fintech startups can build partnerships with one another to benefit bottom of the pyramid clients who lack access to formal financial services. BFA, together with Destacame and Acreimex, Banco W and Juntos Finanzas shared their experience forming and executing partnerships through the OPTIX project. There was a discussion on how fintech ventures and formal financial institutions can form effective partnerships, shortening the “sales” cycle and deepening the impact of financial inclusion solutions.