To commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the State Bank of Pakistan, a Development Finance Conference has been organized to explore ways in which we may accomplish our goal of “Expanding Frontiers of Access in Pakistan”. The conference will bring forth a range of issues that are impeding access to financial services. The sector coverage of the conference will include micro, small, agricultural enterprises and housing finance for consumers as well as alternative delivery channels. Conference will provide stakeholders an opportunity to voice their opinions and provide valuable feedback on a variety of initiatives undertaken by the State Bank on development finance.

The State Bank believes that inclusiveness is critical for growth to be sustainable. Hence, SBP has taken a number of initiatives ranging from banking sector reforms to establishing alternative financial institutions including microfinance banks. Additional efforts to support financial access include establishment of a full-fledged Development Finance Group (DFG) within SBP to steer implementation of policy, legal and regulatory framework for access to finance for small and micro enterprises, agriculture and rural finance, and housing finance. To guide development finance policy, a focussed Financial Inclusion Program Office has been created with a mandate to coordinate, design and implement donor-supported initiatives as well as create synergies within the DFG. More recently, SBP has created a regulatory framework for branchless banking representing a cost-effective alternative delivery channels including retail agents and mobile phones.

While these initiatives represent great strides forward, the challenges to alleviate poverty persist. However, policies that promote inclusiveness can provide people opportunities of smoothing consumption and entrepreneurship. Each individual’s prosperity contributes to the country’s progress.

In order to ensure further strengthening on its initiatives SBP will facilitate intellectual discussions on the upcoming challenges that financial system needs to confront at the conference. Policy makers, practitioners, and academics will share their perspectives in a bid to explore new market frontiers and innovations.

• Conference Program
• Conference Summary
  
  Speeches and Presentations
  

  	Welcome address by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan
  	Inaugural address by Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minster of Pakistan
  	“Microfinance Strategy: Toward Providing Cost Effective Opportunities” by Steve Rasmussen, Lead Advisor World Bank/CGAP
  	“Expanding Outreach of Agri/Rural Financial Products & Services” by Benedicto S. Bayaua, Secretary General, APRACA
  	“SME banking: Scaling up Innovations and Tackling Constraints” by Greg Rung, Principal, Oliver Wyman
  	“Expanding Housing Finance to Lower Income Groups” by Mr. Olivier Hassler, Senior Housing Finance Specialist, World Bank Washington
  	Closing remarks by Jameel Ahmed, Executive Director State Bank of Pakistan