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Paula Pelaez
Director of MSME, Gender, Diversity and Inclusion
IDB Invest
Paula Pelaez is the Director of MSME, Gender, Diversity and Inclusion at IDB Invest. Paula and her team support clients in the LAC region, through advisory services, in promoting inclusive and sustainable development, improved business practices, products and services and innovative financing instruments. She has over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of private sector and development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. She has worked with UNDP, BSR, CARE Canada, Aga Khan Foundation, and Grupo Aval on various topics such as inclusive business, sustainable sourcing, business and human rights, women empowerment, value chain development, impact investing and microfinance. Paula has a MSc in Environmental Studies from York University, Canada, and a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia.
Speaking at SFF 2026
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8:30–10:00amFri 20 NovFrontier StageHall 6, Singapore EXPOOpen
Others
SME Finance Forum Community Meeting
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Qamar SaleemGlobal Head, SME Finance ForumWorld Bank Group
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Samantha SangsterMembership CoordinatorSME Finance Forum
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Mark BarnettGlobal Head of Small and Medium EnterprisesMastercard
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Sopnendu MohantyGroup Chief Executive OfficerGlobal Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
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Dr. Vincent ZhengDeputy General ManagerWeBank
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Paula PelaezDirector of MSME, Gender, Diversity and InclusionIDB Invest
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John David YapExecutive Vice President & Segment Head, Business Banking SegmentSecurity Bank Corporation
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Sumit KhuranaSenior Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises, Asia PacificMastercard
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Ashraf AbdelfattahChief Executive OfficerBeltone SMEs
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Innocent Enock YonaziDirector, Investor Relations, Sustainability and Corporate CommunicationNMB Bank Plc, Tanzania
About this session
The SME Finance Forum (SMEFF) was established in 2012 by the G20 and is managed by the World Bank Group. Our objective is to scale SME finance for job creation and economic growth. As the leading SME finance network globally, we steer industry innovations, support replication of best practices, steer policy advocacy, and foster global knowledge transfer. We also power our global peer learning membership network by connecting them with relevant partners, investors and policymakers.
This session highlights the SME Finance Forum's (SMEFF) transformation journey, showcasing key achievements and strategic priorities developed. Get an insider's view of SMEFF's latest milestones from the last 12 months and contribute to shaping the future initiatives meant to solve the MSME finance gap.
Join an interactive conversation with SME Finance Forum members, affiliates, and partners as they share experiences, insights, and lessons from across the global SME finance ecosystem. Through audience participation and open dialogue, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss emerging challenges, identify opportunities for collaboration, and help shape the Forum's future priorities. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A. -
