Iraq: Developing Banking Products that Support the Needs of Small Businesses
Baghdad, Iraq
In Iraq, FSVC works to promote inclusive economic development by providing technical assistance to financial institutions and business support organizations in enhancing access to finance for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Recently, FSVC held a virtual training for the Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL), an organization that includes representatives from all private banks in the country, on how to carry out market segmentation to tailor and target banking products for MSMEs. FSVC volunteer experts Christienne Genaro and Deborah Baxley presented data collection techniques and market segmentation methods, which focused on demographic, geographic, behavioral and lifestyle data.
As a result of this training, participants gained a deeper understanding of the value of data-driven segmentation and are better positioned to address the distinct needs of MSMEs in Iraq.
This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC).
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| Eswatini: Fortifying Anti-Corruption Efforts
FSVC Training with the Anti-Corruption Commission of Eswatini on risk management in Mbabane, Eswatini. August 2023 |
FSVC operates in Southern Africa with funding from USAID to support local stakeholders’ anti-corruption efforts and procedures. FSVC’s work is bolstering public financial management capacity and enhancing oversight to reinforce transparency and accountability within key government institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs). FSVC projects are also helping to establish a knowledge-sharing network across the region.
In alignment with these goals, FSVC recently conducted a training for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Eswatini on risk management. FSVC volunteer experts Lady Moses and Lincoln Diteko drew from their experience working for the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crimes in Botswana to explain how to plan and execute a corruption risk assessment audit. This type of audit is a prevention strategy aimed at limiting the spread of corruption in various government bodies.
At the conclusion of the training, participants outlined the next steps required to implement this strategy, and apply it both individually and institutionally within the ACC. This training successfully built on a previous activity, in which FSVC trained the ACC in how to identify and investigate various types of corruption common in government procurement processes. FSVC looks forward to further collaboration with the ACC in their shared mission of countering corruption in Eswatini.
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Albania: Enhancing Inter-Agency Coordination to Combat the Financing of Terrorism
With funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Counterterrorism Bureau, FSVC works in Albania to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat the financing of terrorism (CFT).
In September, FSVC organized a training in Tirana aimed at equipping investigators and prosecutors with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully gather intelligence and prosecute cases of money laundering or terrorism financing. The training attracted participants from the Special Structure Against Corruption, the General Prosecution Office, the Albanian State Police, and the Albanian Financial Intelligence Unit. FSVC experts Michael J. Messier and Francisco T. Matias, who have experience working at both law enforcement agencies and private banks, led discussions on the regulatory framework required to tackle corruption within financial institutions, and the importance of fostering interinstitutional coordination and information exchange among the authorities actively engaged in CFT.
As a result of this training, participants gained a greater appreciation for the necessity of establishing public-private partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of the CFT system. Participants also acquired a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other key institutions within the AML/CFT framework. By emphasizing the importance of a coordinated, multiagency approach, Albania is now better positioned to fortify its AML/CFT system. FSVC looks forward to continuing this valuable work in the country.
FSVC organized a training in Tirana aimed at equipping investigators and prosecutors with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully gather intelligence and prosecute cases of money laundering or terrorism financing. The training attracted participants from the Special Structure Against Corruption, the General Prosecution Office, the Albanian State Police, and the Albanian Financial Intelligence Unit. FSVC experts Michael J. Messier and Francisco T. Matias, who have experience working at both law enforcement agencies and private banks, led discussions on the regulatory framework required to tackle corruption within financial institutions, and the importance of fostering interinstitutional coordination and information exchange among the authorities actively engaged in CFT.
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| USA: Engaging the FSVC Community
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FSVC President & CEO Andy Spindler and Country Director for Tajikistan Dilshod Fathullo
(second and third from left, respectively) meet with FSVC volunteer experts and friends of the organization at a Roundtable Event in New York. October 2023.
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FSVC hosted a roundtable lunch in New York on October 10, bringing together volunteer experts and friends of the organization to engage in a discussion about FSVC’s core mission and global impact. The event was co-led by FSVC’s President & CEO, Andy Spindler, and FSVC’s Country Director in Tajikistan, Dilshod Fathullo. Mr. Spindler first gave an overview of FSVC’s history, recent developments and future prospects given the current international context. Mr. Fathullo, who is based in Dushanbe, provided an informative overview of FSVC’s initiatives in Tajikistan, which focus on strengthening financial transparency and integrity in the country.
FSVC expresses its gratitude to the volunteer experts and friends who attended for their time, valuable contributions to the discussion and their continued support for the organization.
If you are interested in attending future FSVC roundtable events, please contact FSVC’s Program & Communication Coordinator, Alyssa Friend.
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About Us
The Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC) is a not-for-profit organization that helps strengthen financial sectors in developing and emerging market countries. It does so with the ultimate aim of promoting job creation, economic growth and a better quality of life. FSVC structures practical, results-oriented technical assistance and training missions staffed by senior financial sector professionals who serve as unpaid volunteer experts. Over the past 33 years, more than 10,000 volunteer experts from the international financial, legal and regulatory communities have taken part in 3,600 missions, impacting millions of people in 70 countries.
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Help support FSVC’s mission! As our work expands, private contributions are critical, as they help build the working capital foundation required to support the establishment of new programs and the exploration of new opportunities.
Your contribution to FSVC, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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