The FinTech Alliance is delighted to be leading a series of events to celebrate the power of FinTech alongside UK FinTech Week. Throughout the week, we will be featuring some of the most influential voices in the industry. From thought-provoking discussions to high-profile networking opportunities, the week provides an unparalleled chance to connect with global leaders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of financial technology.
(All times are listed in London time or GMT+1.)
10:15 – 11:00
Short Overview of Digital Public Infrastructure at the World Bank
Julia Michal Clark – Senior Economist, Lead for DPI, World Bank Group
Followed by panel – Investing in Digital Public Infrastructure
- Chair: Niama El Bassunie – Managing Partner, Baobab Network
- Jean Pesme – Global Director of Finance, Competitiveness & Investment, World Bank Group
- Gary Conroy – Chief Product Officer, TransferMate
12:30 – 13:00
Panel - How to harness fintech for development
- Chair: Sthembile Nkabinde - Investor
- Jean Pesme – Global Director of Finance, Competitiveness & Investment, World Bank Group
- Zeiad Idris – CEO, Algbra, a UK-based fintech platform offering ethical, Sharia-compliant financial services and technology, aiming to empower communities and foster a more sustainable future.
14:00 – 14:30
Fireside Chat - How the World Bank Group supports fintech for development
- Moderator: Alastair Lukies CBE – Founder and Chairman of Pollinate International & Chairman of the Fintech Alliance
- Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough – Global Director of Digital Strategy and Operations, World Bank
- Mohamed Omar Eissa – Global Head of Venture Capital, Disruptive Technologies & Funds, International Finance Corporation
16:00 – 17:30
Emerging Markets Demo Day Event with IFC and Baobab Network - Ambitious, innovative fintech startups with a strong interest or existing operations in emerging markets to apply to pitch live at the event to the IFC and Baobab Network.
Opening:
- Alastair Lukies CBE
Judges:
- Mohamed Omar Eissa – Global Head of Venture Capital, Disruptive Technologies & Funds, International Finance Corporation
- Toby Hanington – Founder, Baobab Network
- Adrienne Henerson – Global Investment Officer, Quona Capital
World Bank Resources
- DPI White Paper
- G20 Report on DPI
- Fast Payments work
- DFS Reference Guide
Videos
- Finovate Podcast Edpisode 214: Jean Pesme, The World Bank
- Project DRIVE
- Launch event of the Future of Finance report
(Additional links will become available shortly.)
International Finance Corporation (IFC) Resources
- In Fiji, a Pivot to E-Payments is Strengthening the Economy (2025)
- Empowering Cabo Verdean Entrepreneurs to Engage with the World (2024)
- Digitizing Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Farmers (2023)
- Her Fintech Edge - Market Insights for Inclusive Growth
- Video Teaser - Her Fintech Edge: Market Insights for Inclusive Growth
- Audio Story - Her Fintech Edge: Closing the Gender Gap in Financial Services
Details
- DATE: April 29, 2025
- LANGUAGE: English
- LOCATION: El Vino Masons Avenue, 12-14 Masons Ave, City of London, London EC2V 5BT