Developed by the IMF in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, the free, online course Financial Development and Financial Inclusion (FDFIx) is the result of the two institutions’ decades-long combined expertise in banking and financial sector policy.  

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand why financial market development and financial inclusion matter for economic growth and development. Measure the degree of financial development and inclusion for a single country or multiple countries using a wide range of standard indicators.
  • Identify strategies and policies that support the development of financial intermediaries and capital markets in a country. Understand the unique challenges SMEs face in getting access to finance; describe how financial intermediaries can design their products to meet SME needs.
  • Apply standard methodologies for managing risks associated with SME lending; evaluate how government policies can improve the lending environment for SMEs and understand the role of state banks and multilateral development banks, including their role in mitigating risks.
  • Understand various uses of technology in the financial sector (Fintech) and how they can be used to improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of financial services without generating instability.

Since the launch, 400 participants invited by the EIB have already enrolled in the course. They work for financial intermediaries, government, multilateral and other development institutions. They come from over 20 countries across five continents, from the Dominican Republic to Somalia.

Debora Revoltella, Director of the EIB Economics Department, said: “We developed this online training with the goal of overcoming physical barriers and leave no one behind. During this pandemic, offering a learning opportunity while everyone was locked at home became even more important. By covering topics such as financial development and standard SME lending techniques, we want to increase the resilience of our partners and ensure that lending continues to be available for those companies who need funding during such difficult times”

For more details, please visit the dedicated EIB webpage. Click here to apply to this course