Training on the Role of Table Banking as a Financial Inclusion Strategy

Financial inclusion is a term that has multidimensional meanings. Financial inclusion or inclusive financing encompasses initiatives from both the supply (access) and demand (usage) side within the financial sector. It includes the provision of appropriate and quality financing services that is both affordable, accessible and of quality to low income and vulnerable households. The principals of financial inclusion include access, consumer financial education, innovation, usage, quality, diversity and simplicity.

Table banking on the other hand is a group funding strategy where members of a particular group meet once every month, place their savings, loan repayments and other contributions on the table then borrow immediately either as long term or short-term loans to one or a number of interested members. The women often use the money borrowed as capital for their livelihood projects. In some cases, they use animals such as goats as collaterals to guarantee the loans.

Who should attend

Senior managers responsible for strategic planning, marketing, and payment services. Mid-level to senior officials from central banks and government agencies dealing with regulation of the financial sector. Preference is given to applicants working on issues directly related to financial development and inclusion. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of economics or finance, or equivalent work experience. Knowledge of econometrics is helpful but not required

Objectives

• Examine which factors hinder financial inclusion among women
• Know to what extent table banking offers financial inclusion services
• What regulatory and policy framework would enhance table banking as a   financial inclusion strategy.
• This course will provide you with relevant knowledge on the following key financial inclusion policy areas: proportionate application of global standards, consumer protection, the digital route to financial inclusion, national strategies, measuring the impact of financial inclusion.
• The course will help develop skills to develop and analyze policies and design strategies to implement them with a special focus on developing countries.

Requirements

• Proficiency in use of English language
• Meet admission criteria

Methodology

The trainings are delivered through mini-lectures, specific case studies and group exercises and discussions