ADFIAP and its Canadian member, the International Financial Consulting Ltd. (IFCL), held their second joint online event entitled, “Charting a Course for Resilience and Recovery: Leading a National Development Finance Institution in Uncertain Times” at 9:30 a.m. Manila Time on May 14, 2020. The webinar was presented by IFCL President and CEO Diana Smallridge together with Glen Hodgson, IFCL Chief Economist.

This e-course was designed for national DFIs to ensure they can take an active role in shaping their organisation’s response to the crisis by being at the policy table with government decision-makers and providing inputs into the post-COVID-19 recovery plans. This was premised based on the fact that in many countries, the national DFI is either “forgotten” or takes an intentionally low profile, but under the current economic circumstances, this is both a danger and a lost opportunity. National DFIs are critical portals for financial support to local businesses and entrepreneurs. Without being part of the discussion as to what support is needed for the business community and how best to deploy this support, there is a risk that the solutions are imposed and could have negative implications for the national DFI’s overall business model.

The session covered the following issues: how to get the ear of the government policymakers; a review of the three main approaches to get to

the table; what messages do you need to convey to policymakers; the need for financial sustainability and independence of decision-making;

how to ensure independence in your credit decisions, pricing and collections; how to ensure that financial sustainability remains the focus, even as you are being tasked to deliver financial relief to businesses.

For those who were unable to attend the webinar, you may access the recording of the event via the following link: https://youtu.be/HcBbtiYHWhs. For a copy of the presentation materials and other inquiry, please email Enrique Florencio at [email protected].