Washington, D.C., January 13th, 2020 –Ipoteka Bank became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. 

“40 percent of small and medium businesses worldwide struggle to get access to the credit and capital that they need to grow their enterprises. We are thrilled to welcome Ipoteka Bank to our network of more than 170 members who are working to eliminate the finance gap for SMEs,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum. 

By providing clients with a wide range of banking services, Ipoteka Bank contributes to the recovery and development of the Uzbekistan's economy. The Bank specializes in mortgage lending and intends to continue providing high quality services to cultivate long-term and close relationships with its clients. “By joining the Forum, Ipoteka Bank is willing to share its expertise with fellow members about mortgage and SME lending business, and continue collaborating with IFC” said Shukhrat Atabayev, Chairman of the board of Ipoteka Bank. 

To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list

About SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative. 

About Ipoteka Bank 

Ipoteka Bank is a Joint-Stock commercial mortgage bank. The Bank’s mission is to create maximum economic value for bank shareholders and clients. High quality client service and leadership in the selected markets have top priority for the success of the bank in the future. When providing its clients with services, Ipoteka Bank is committed to comply with the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, openness to new ideas, use of imagination, as well as the implementation of persistent and consistent activities.

Media Contact
Carina Carrasco
ccarrasco@worldbank.org