Crown Princess Maxima attended Responsible Finance Forum

On January 27th, Princess Maxima attended the International Responsible Finance Forum at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.

During the meeting, a group of 40 global investors signed the “Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance”. By signing the principles, investors stated their commitment to fair treatment and protection of the interests of the ultimate client in inclusive finance, low-income households and small and medium-enterprises. Signatories assert their goal of supporting and investing in those financial service institutions that offer responsible micro-finance, including a wide range of quality services to clients. They embrace transparency and sustainability.

The signatories commit themselves to promoting them in the market and among peer networks in order to build global awareness, gain additional signatories and create a culture where adherence to the Principles is the norm.

“Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance” is the initiative of a core group of investors, including the German Ministry of Development, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) and International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank and Princess Máxima, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.

Princess Maxima in her speech said, “The concept of ‘inclusive finance’ is broader than microfinance, and potentially even more powerful. Inclusive finance implies universal access, at a reasonable cost, to a wide range of financial services, for everyone needing them, provided by a diversity of sound and sustainable institutions.”

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged Inclusive Finance, Microfinance, Patronage, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.