The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) has revealed that their organization and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School are teaming up with the Inter-American Development Bank, which works to improve lives of people in the Latin America (LatAm) and the Caribbean region.
We are partnering with @the_IDB & 40+ #FinTech platforms across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico & Peru to examine SME Access to Finance. If you are a small business in the region, take just 15-20 minutes to shape the future of SME funding https://t.co/MefnchHVj0 pic.twitter.com/Ra9w4gCtgU
— Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance CJBS (@CambridgeAltFin) January 29, 2021
The CCAF is also partnering with more than 40 Fintech platforms across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in order to examine SME Access to Finance. If you’re operating a small business in these areas, then you may complete a survey focused on “shaping the future of SME funding.”
The survey is being collected by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School (in partnership or collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank).
Across the Latin American region, digital or online lending and capital fundraising Fintech firms have “increasingly serviced” the Small Business sector. During 2020, over $1 billion was reportedly delivered to small and medium-size enterprises that utilized a Fintech channel for their funding requirements. Therefore, the CCAF and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are inviting people to take part in the second Small Business Access to Finance in LATAM Study.
As stated in the update:
“With a quickly growing entrepreneur and SME sector, governments and policymakers across LATAM require evidence-based data to determine best practices for SME-focused financial inclusion. Part of this discussion must explore and understand the role of Fintech. This study aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses in Latin America when seeking finance through a Fintech channel and how this may compare to traditional finance options, such as banking.”
The survey will aim to serve as the main or primary data used to prepare the final report, and will “directly inform the way that ‘FinTech for SMEs’ continues to develop.” By taking part in the survey, participants will get the opportunity to have their “individual voice heard and help shape policy and regulation in your country.”
The update further noted that by taking part in the survey, you may win an Amazon Gift Card. All responses “received before February 17, 2021” will be eligible to potentially receive Amazon Gift Cards. (Note: more details available here.)
As reported earlier this month, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance had launched the Cambridge Alternative Finance Collaboration Network, which seeks to facilitate evidence-based regulation.
The CCAF is the leading Fintech research organization in the world having published dozens of research reports.
According to a presentation, CAFCN is a “network of regionally embedded resources and capabilities engaged in the creation and exchange of knowledge needed by policymakers, regulators & industry to navigate the digital transformation of the global financial system.”