Republic Bank Joins the Global SME Finance Forum Advancing SME Development

Port of Spain, Trinidad, August 14, 2025: Republic Bank has officially joined the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network of over 300 members and affiliates operating in 190 countries. The forum brings together SME finance experts dedicated to expanding access to finance for small businesses through knowledge exchange and innovation.

Head of the SME Finance Forum, Qamar Saleem, expressed his delight in welcoming Republic Bank to the SME Finance Forum. He noted that the Bank’s extensive experience and innovative approach to providing customised financial solutions to SMEs will undoubtedly enrich the community.

The partnership with the SME Forum enables the Bank to make notable progress in advancing SME development across the Caribbean and West Africa, not only by improving access to finance but also by equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools for success. Benefits for SMEs include financial literacy resources, business development support, and expanded opportunities for market access, thereby strengthening their resilience and long-term sustainability.

Republic Bank’s President & Managing Director, and Republic Financial Holdings Group President and CEO, Nigel Baptiste, said “Republic Bank is delighted to join the membership of SME Finance Forum and advance our vision and capacity to pursue SME Excellence across the territories we serve. By joining the SME Finance Forum, we aim to deepen our commitment to empowering SMEs through innovative financial solutions, tailored support, and strategic partnerships. We look forward to engaging with fellow members, exchanging ideas and collectively working towards a more prosperous future for our SMEs.”

SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth

The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of over 300 members and affiliates operating in 190 countries. This network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.

Their member, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Their products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, over 500 videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.)

Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates:
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners

About Republic Financial Holdings

Republic Financial Holdings Limited is the registered owner of all of the Banks in the Republic Group – Republic Bank Limited, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited, Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited, Republic Bank (St Maarten) N.V., Republic Bank (EC) Limited, Republic Bank (Anguilla) Limited, Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V,  Republic Bank (Ghana) Plc., Republic Bank (BVI), Cayman National Corporation as well as subsidiaries such as Republic Wealth Management Limited and Republic Life Insurance. In keeping with international best practice, this holding company was formed with the aim of offering increased operational efficiencies and optimum management of the Group; ultimately leading to greater value for our shareholders and clients while enabling greater strategic focus and diversification.