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What if finance really did start at the grassroots level? In this new episode of Fintrends, I’m joined by Camil Bennani-Smirez, General Manager of SBP Core Amplitude at SBS, ahead of the Connect MEA event in Douala (24 March) and Abidjan (26 and 27 March). Camil explains how an event launched a few years ago in Abidjan has become an unmissable gathering for African banks, to the point of inspiring all regions within SBS. Spanning financial inclusion, microfinance, data, AI and digitalisation, he shares a strong conviction: it is locally devised solutions (sometimes co-designed directly with clients) that truly transform access to financial services. A discussion firmly rooted in African realities.

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What does it really take to be a modern lender in 2026? In this episode, James Powell, Head of Lending, Global Accounts and Market Development at SBS, shares a clear-eyed view on why lenders are becoming technology companies, why focus matters more than ever, and where real value is created across the lending journey. From AI and SaaS to customer experience and trust, this conversation cuts through the noise to what truly drives progress.

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