18 мая 2026
Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) Joins the SME Finance Forum
Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB)
Joins the SME Finance Forum
The Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) is now a member of the SME Finance Forum, joining its extensive global network on April 2026. The Forum's community, numbering over 250 members and affiliates, consists of SME finance specialists operating in 190 countries. They are united by a common objective: to broaden financial opportunities for small businesses globally through collaborative learning and innovative solutions
“We are pleased to welcome Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank as our newest member. As one of the leading banks in the Kyrgyz Republic, we look forward to collaborating with KICB to advance financial inclusion and improve the investment climate for SMEs,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) is one of the leading commercial banks in the Kyrgyz Republic, with a strong focus on innovation, responsible finance, and sustainable development.
KICB was established in 2001 by international financial institutions, including the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), and the Kyrgyz Republic. Today, AKFED remains the major shareholder alongside the Kyrgyz Republic and Habib Bank Limited (HBL).
“The contribution of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been invaluable. IFC consistently shares its expertise, participates in the bank’s strategic initiatives, and supports many of our endeavors. Over 25 years of collaboration, KICB has successfully expanded its client base, diversified its product offering, and improved access to finance in remote regions.
We are excited to become a member of the SME Finance Forum and join a global community where we can exchange experiences and knowledge, strengthen our capabilities, and implement modern solutions to expand access to finance,” said Mr. Arif Ali, CEO of KICB.
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSME Growth
Backed by the G20 and managed by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the SME Finance Forum is the leading global network for financial institutions focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Its network includes more than 250 members and affiliates operating in 190 countries.
The Forum brings together banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech’s, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain finance providers, banking and SME associations, policymakers, regulators, academic institutions, consulting firms, and knowledge partners.
Members and affiliates benefit from sharing global best practices, developing innovative products, improving risk management capabilities, establishing strategic partnerships, attracting investors, and gaining international recognition among peers and industry leaders.
The Forum’s activities include exclusive member offerings such as innovation hubs, solution clinics, peer networks, study tours, specialized tools and training programs, member repositories, and collaborative initiatives, as well as public resources including publications, webinars, newsletters, awards programs, and annual events.
Learn more about SME Finance Forum members and affiliates: