Financial Innovation Conference Press Statement

November 21, 2018

The Central Bank of Eswatini in collaboration with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Eswatini Communication Commission (ESCCOM) and the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI) will be hosting a Conference on

Financial Innovation. The conference will be held on 21 November 2018 at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini.

The one-day conference has been necessitated by the proliferation of new financial technological innovations, which are continuously posing challenges to the financial sector. Consequently, this has necessitated a relook into conventional macroeconomic & regulatory policies and their effectiveness. Like other innovations, if well harnessed, Financial Innovation has the potential to change the financial sector for the better and the way people access financial services. However, its inherent risks have to be carefully monitored and well managed to ensure a stable financial system.

Therefore, the aim of the conference is to bring together policymakers, private sector stakeholders and non-governmental organizations to dialogue on the effects of the Financial Innovation on macroeconomic policy, especially on monetary policy and financial stability as well as the potential contribution to financial inclusion. The conference will provide a platform for discussion on the latest financial innovations.

The conference will focus on four key thematic areas, namely; Digital Technologies Changing the Financial Sector; FinTech and the Potential for Financial Inclusion; FinTech and Financial Regulation as well as Blockchain Technology; and finally, Keeping up the pace with Fintech Developments. Leading the discussions will be internationally renowned experts from the South African Reserve Bank, Central Bank of Uganda, Insight2Impact (i2i) (South Africa), as well as a local expert from DataNet. The final session of the conference will focus on experiences, challenges and opportunities for financial innovation, led by panelists from local financial sector industry players.

Attendance to the Financial Innovation Conference is by invitation only. In this regard, we request invitees to observe the starting time and to confirm their attendance electronically by responding to the link provided with their invitations.

Majozi V. Sithole

GOVERNOR