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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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In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Steadman, Chief Product Officer at SBS, to explore the lending trends borrowers will genuinely feel this year and beyond. We cut through the noise around AI to look at where it is actually delivering value for borrowers, and where it’s falling short due to poor data quality, lack of transparency, and trust issues. Andrew shares how better use of data, particularly through open banking, can lead to fairer, more informed loan decisions that protect both lenders and borrowers. We discuss why explainability is critical for AI-driven decisions, what lessons the industry has learned the hard way, and how regulation is shaping a more transparent future. The conversation also turns practical: what are the first simple steps lenders can take to make real progress without overhauling their entire systems? Finally, we fast-forward two years to imagine what lending could look like, what will be faster, cheaper, or safer, what role humans will still play, and why the borrower experience at the point of need remains the biggest opportunity for change.

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Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Why do up to 60% of customers abandon digital onboarding? How can banks turn friction into a smart advantage for growth and compliance? In this episode of FinTrends, Hassan Nasser, Deputy General Manager for Digital Engagement at SBS, shares practical insights on reducing drop-offs, leveraging digital ID wallets, and transforming origination into a seamless, engaging experience. Tune in to discover how banks can move from “widget soup” to unified journeys, and why compliance can become your competitive edge.

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