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LATIN AMERICA
The Latin American Chapter is made up of 13 banks from nine countries, all of whom are focused on inclusive finance. At the year-end Mibanco Colombia (previously Bancompartir) decided to leave the GABV from 2023 after a change of ownership.
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Despite the challenges of social unrest, political change, economic instability and climate change in the region in 2022, GABV members emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic with improved operating results compared to 2021. Their success, grounded in working closely with and understanding the needs of their clients, demonstrated the resilience of values-based banking models.
The year began with the first edition of the GABV Leadership Academy in Spanish. More than forty banking executives, representing all our Latin American banks, took part in a virtual setting.
After two years, half of the members of the Latin American Chapter were finally able to meet again in-person as they made the trip to Bangladesh for the global Dhaka Meeting hosted by BRAC Bank. Given a shared interest in inclusive finance and poverty alleviation, the meeting represented an inspiring opportunity to share and learn at the birthplace of microfinance.
‘One on one’ virtual meetings took place in July with all member CEOs to follow up on their priorities and establish better service points and agenda topics for the Chapter. We expect discussions in 2023 to focus on digital transformation, gender equality, collaboration with FinTech companies, sustainability, political instability, cybersecurity and best practices in microfinance.
Other highlights in the year included Ecuadorian member Banco Solidario hosting a special event in Quito for the Human Development group, with participants from Latin America, Europe, USA and Africa. The event was also ably supported by fellow Ecuadorian member: Banco Codesarrollo. A new Spanish-speaking Human Development working group emerged from this meeting. While 2022 was not an ideal year for pursuing new memberships, the Latin American Chapter expects to grow by welcoming other members in 2023.
