Facing Global Disruptions: Key Takeaways From the 27th MFC Annual Conference in Tbilisi

The 27th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre (MFC), held from 27–29 May 2025 in Tbilisi, Georgia, brought together 445 professionals from more than 40 countries. With participation from microfinance institutions, investors, regulators, technology providers and development partners, the event offered a timely and critical space to explore how global disruptions are reshaping the inclusive finance sector.

Organized in partnership with the Georgian Association of Microfinance Institutions, the conference was built around the theme Shifts, Shocks and Solutions: Microfinance in the Shadow of Geopolitics. It addressed the multifaceted challenges facing the sector − armed conflicts, economic volatility, climate change and accelerating digitalization − while spotlighting institutional responses and practical innovations.

Addressing Fragility and Risk

The conference opened with reflections on the increasing fragility of cross-border finance and the importance of resilience among financial service providers. A closed-door CEO Forum created a space for senior leaders to discuss risk mitigation strategies and shared concerns about operating in conflict-affected and high-risk regions. Discussions reinforced the growing need for agile institutions that can adapt to fast-changing environments.

Climate and Sustainability at the Forefront

Climate change was recognized as a central challenge to financial inclusion, particularly for rural communities and microenterprises. Sessions explored the integration of climate-smart finance into microfinance operations, including sustainable agriculture initiatives, green lending products and climate adaptation services. Data tools and agri-tech innovations were presented as promising channels to enhance environmental resilience at the grassroots level.

Digital Innovation and Inclusion

Technology-driven change was another major focus, with many sessions highlighting the potential and risks of digital transformation. Topics included AI-based credit scoring, mobile-first service delivery and the modernization of core banking systems. Speakers urged careful attention to digital equity, emphasizing that digital innovation must remain accessible to vulnerable and digitally excluded groups. The importance of building inclusive public digital infrastructure was repeatedly underscored.

Advancing the ESG Agenda

The conference also addressed the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into microfinance institutions’ strategies and daily operations. From impact reporting and governance frameworks to ethical lending practices, ESG was framed not as a trend but as a critical foundation for mission-aligned finance. Participants noted that regulatory developments, investor expectations and social accountability are increasingly driving the ESG agenda forward.

Inclusive Finance and Local Innovation

Sessions on inclusive entrepreneurship, gender-lens investing, and youth financial inclusion demonstrated the sector’s ongoing commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations. Regional case studies from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus illustrated how context-specific approaches are generating meaningful social and economic outcomes.

Regulatory Collaboration Across the Region

A high-level roundtable hosted by MFC convened central bank representatives and microfinance associations from Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. The session fostered a valuable exchange on evolving regulatory frameworks, including new legislation and strategic plans aimed at supporting microfinance development, gender equity, and green finance. Participants agreed to maintain open dialogue and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Networking, Partnerships, and Peer Learning

Beyond panel discussions, the conference served as a platform for building partnerships and strengthening networks. Events such as the investor and fintech market fair, informal meetups, and a gala dinner allowed participants to deepen connections and share lessons from the field.

According to the post-conference survey, 90percent of the attendees rated the speakers as highly professional, and 95 percent valued the networking opportunities. Three-quarters of respondents found the content directly applicable to their work − an affirmation of the conference’s relevance and impact.

Looking Ahead

The 27th MFC Annual Conference affirmed the sector’s ability to confront complexity with clarity, purpose, and shared vision. The discussions in Tbilisi reinforced the need for continued innovation, policy dialogue and collective leadership. As the global environment remains uncertain, inclusive finance institutions have a vital role to play in supporting resilience, equity, and economic opportunity.

The event was supported by a broad coalition of partners, including JSC MFO Crystal, Fimple, Finance Ltd, MFX Solutions, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Q-Lana (CEFINI), Agents for Impact, EFSE, Global Gender-Smart Fund, Mastercard, Aspekt, responsAbility Investments AG, Kyia.ai, zypl.ai, Credo Bank and MicroEurope.