Advancing financial inclusion in Eastern Europe & Central Asia: ECAPI’s Expert Group meets in Armenia

The Expert Group on Financial Inclusion Policy for AFI’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Policy Initiative (ECAPI) are meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, at an event co-hosted with the Central Bank of Armenia.

The Expert Group on Financial Inclusion Policy (EGFIP), meeting in person in the region for the first time since 2019, is discussing how to implement ECAPI’s 2024-2028 workplan. They are also sharing experiences on topics such as Inclusive Green Finance, consumer protection, bridging gaps in financial inclusion, and facilitating financial health. 

Over 30 participants, representing ECAPI members from Armenia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, as well as experts from the Czech National Bank and the Central Bank of Kenya, are participating in the meeting.

“The Expert Group plays a vital role in sharing policy insight among members, and in coordinating ECAPI’s activities,” said Head of Consumer Rights Protection and Financial Education Center at the Central Bank of Armenia, and EGFIP Chair, Armenuhi Mkrtchyan. “This meeting marks a step forward in strengthening financial inclusion policies across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and in fostering essential international cooperation. Hosting this meeting in Armenia allows us to showcase our dedication to financial inclusion and the expansion of financial inclusion initiatives”.

“Given how quickly financial technology and the financial landscape are evolving, there has never been a more exciting or more challenging time to be a central banker, said Ilya Sverdlov, AFI Director for Europe, Global Partnerships and Donor Relations. “The commitment, engagement, and broad expertise of our members in the region is driving progress in financial inclusion in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and helping to inform and enhance global efforts.”

You can learn more about AFI’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Policy Initiative on its website.