The Global Reputation Forum (GRF), in celebrating achievements in world banking and fintech industry, has honoured outstanding individuals at the 2023 edition of the Reputable Banks and Fintech Awards & Conferences (RBFA), in London.
The award ceremony was part of a preceding larger gathering at the Banking & Fintech Summit at the British London Marriott County Hall, Westminster Bridge, London and the House of Lords.
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Banking for Women and breaking down international trade barriers were high on the agenda.
One of the awardees, Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Founder/President of WinTrade Global Network, a recipient of the Excellence Award, said the RBFA recognition was her 3rd award within one week.
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“Receiving this award was not just a personal milestone, but also a moment of reflection on the journey that led to it. It was a privilege to be recognized in such esteemed company and at such a notable event”, she said.
Olori Atuwatse Ill, the Queen of Warri Kingdom, Lord Oxmantown (Heir apparent to the Earldom of Rosse) and Prof Simon Hepburn former CEO UK Cyber Security Council made honorary rounds.
Another awardee, Peter Kolade Fashesin-Souza, Head of Technology and Security Risk Oversight, Bank of England, described the event as a great platform for shared enriching experience.
“The conversations and speeches touched on aspects of digital banking as an opportunity as well as a challenge in the financial sector, particularly in Africa,” he said.
First Time Woman President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, who delivered a speech during the summit, appreciated the impact of globalization on world development and events with trends happening in one part of the world spread with a ripple effect to another corner of the globe. This, she said, has also given women a chance to break grounds that once stood as barriers against them.
Olori Atuwatse III, who delivered a paper focused on ‘The Transformative Impact of Fintech on Financial Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Economic Empowerment’ also spoke on how limitations in gender-biased environments have immensely impacted several women with development impediments.
She said that in Nigeria, although about 40% of small and medium enterprises are owned by women, over 25 million women are unbanked, and over 16 million women in rural communities rely on informal financial services.
“Without meaningful interventions in financial inclusion, gender equality, and economic empowerment, a lot of aspirations of young girls and women would fade into a cycle of hardship and unfulfilled potential, repeating a cycle of those before them”, Olori Atuwase said.
