UNHCR x FIF: Advancing Financial Inclusion for Forcibly Displaced People

An evening of conversation, bringing together financial inclusion and forced displacement experts. Join UNHCR and FIF to explore research insights and partnerships advancing financial inclusion and well-being for displaced people. Date & Time: December 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM (GMT) Venue: S209, Senate House, Paul Webley Wing, SOAS With forced displacement at record levels and many refugees and other forcibly displaced people spending years, and often decades, away from home, supporting self-reliance and economic inclusion has never been more important. Access to financial services such as bank accounts, credit, savings, digital payments, and insurance can play a critical role in helping forcibly displaced people rebuild their lives, manage risks, and invest in their futures. Drawing on the findings of global research conducted by UNHCR and DLA Piper on the regulatory frameworks governing the financial inclusion of forcibly displaced persons across 79 countries, this event will explore progress to date and the challenges that remain in translating policy and regulatory advances into meaningful access to financial services. The research highlights encouraging developments across a range of countries, while also identifying persistent barriers and implementation gaps that continue to limit access in practice. Looking beyond regulatory frameworks, the event will bring together practitioners, researchers, humanitarian and development actors, and financial inclusion stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing financial inclusion. Through presentations and panel discussions, participants will learn from UNHCR and its partners' experiences and promising practices, draw lessons from different contexts, and consider how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen inclusive financial ecosystems that foster financial well-being, resilience, and self-reliance among forcibly displaced people and host communities. Speakers include: - Micol Pistelli, Senior Financial Inclusion Officer at UNHCR - Lydia Baffour Awuah, Director of International Programmes at Opportunity International UK - Rabih Yazbeck, Chief Program and Impact Officer at Near East Foundation - Charlie Fraser, Co-founder at TERN - The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network Moderated by Kara Norton, Executive Director of Financial Inclusion Forum The evening will conclude with networking and refreshments, providing the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas, and spark future collaborations.