European Microfinance Platform 190d ago

2024 marked a pivotal moment for advancing financial inclusion for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons (FDPs). Through the European Microfinance Award and several sessions at EMW 2024, refugee finance was brought to the centre of the global inclusion agenda—showcasing innovations and elevating diverse voices. Yet the need remains urgent: 123.4 million people were displaced by end-2024. While early 2025 saw modest returns—particularly Syrians—protracted displacement persists, and new crises in Sudan and DRC are driving further displacement. In this context, access to financial services is not a luxury but a lifeline—supporting resilience, dignity, and opportunity. Financial inclusion enables FDPs to rebuild their lives and contribute to host communities. This session will present the latest mapping of the global regulatory landscape, and bring together a whole range of critical stakeholders - from UN organ to global supervisory body to NGO, crowdfunding platform and refugee-entrepreneur - to build on the EMA2024 topic and discuss how regulatory innovation can unlock financial access for refugees and FDPs.