AGFUND Receives International Award for Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact
In a significant recognition of its efforts in promoting inclusive banking and social impact, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) has been awarded the prestigious 'Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact' accolade at the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Awards. This ceremony, held in Bangkok, Thailand, was organized by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in collaboration with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG).
AGFUND's Chief Executive Officer, Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid, was present to accept the award, further cementing the organization's reputation as a leader in the field of microfinance and social responsibility. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the president of AGFUND, highlighted the organization's dedication to leveraging financial services to enhance the livelihoods of underprivileged communities and promote economic independence.
The recognition reflects over two decades of commitment from AGFUND in developing inclusive financial systems that cater to the needs of underserved populations. Prince Abdulaziz acknowledged the foundational work laid out by the founders of AGFUND's microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, emphasizing that their vision was to create institutions dedicated to empowering individuals and communities.
Since its inception, AGFUND has provided significant financial services, having served over 1.3 million clients and disbursed an impressive sum of more than $1.37 billion in loans. Notably, women comprise 59% of the loan recipients, showcasing their crucial role in driving economic empowerment and development.
The award presented by WSBI and ESBG honors a holistic approach that intertwines financial services with social impact and sustainable development. AGFUND began its journey by establishing its first bank in Jordan in 2004 and has since expanded its reach across nine countries: Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. The focus remains on communities that are traditionally underserved by conventional financial institutions.
To date, AGFUND has granted over 1.5 million loans, opened upwards of 927,000 savings accounts, established 112 branches, and employed more than 1,500 staff members. Their efforts are designed to finance micro and small enterprises as well as income-generating activities, thereby improving livelihoods and fostering economic independence.
Looking forward, AGFUND aims to strengthen development partnerships, promote digital solutions, and innovate financial products that align with the needs of diverse communities. Alongside this, the organization is evaluating geographical expansion opportunities, particularly into Africa, by forming institutional partnerships that adapt successful methods to local contexts and extend sustainable financial inclusion to more communities.
With this award, AGFUND not only celebrates its accomplishments but also sets a standard for the financial services sector in prioritizing social impact and inclusiveness, inspiring other organizations to follow suit and contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development and financial empowerment.
AGFUND's Chief Executive Officer, Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid, was present to accept the award, further cementing the organization's reputation as a leader in the field of microfinance and social responsibility. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the president of AGFUND, highlighted the organization's dedication to leveraging financial services to enhance the livelihoods of underprivileged communities and promote economic independence.
The recognition reflects over two decades of commitment from AGFUND in developing inclusive financial systems that cater to the needs of underserved populations. Prince Abdulaziz acknowledged the foundational work laid out by the founders of AGFUND's microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, emphasizing that their vision was to create institutions dedicated to empowering individuals and communities.
Since its inception, AGFUND has provided significant financial services, having served over 1.3 million clients and disbursed an impressive sum of more than $1.37 billion in loans. Notably, women comprise 59% of the loan recipients, showcasing their crucial role in driving economic empowerment and development.
The award presented by WSBI and ESBG honors a holistic approach that intertwines financial services with social impact and sustainable development. AGFUND began its journey by establishing its first bank in Jordan in 2004 and has since expanded its reach across nine countries: Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. The focus remains on communities that are traditionally underserved by conventional financial institutions.
To date, AGFUND has granted over 1.5 million loans, opened upwards of 927,000 savings accounts, established 112 branches, and employed more than 1,500 staff members. Their efforts are designed to finance micro and small enterprises as well as income-generating activities, thereby improving livelihoods and fostering economic independence.
Looking forward, AGFUND aims to strengthen development partnerships, promote digital solutions, and innovate financial products that align with the needs of diverse communities. Alongside this, the organization is evaluating geographical expansion opportunities, particularly into Africa, by forming institutional partnerships that adapt successful methods to local contexts and extend sustainable financial inclusion to more communities.
With this award, AGFUND not only celebrates its accomplishments but also sets a standard for the financial services sector in prioritizing social impact and inclusiveness, inspiring other organizations to follow suit and contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development and financial empowerment.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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