International Factors Group select Malta for their annual meeting
The International Factors Group (IFG) has chosen Malta for its 52nd annual meeting, which will be held between the 28 September and 1 October 2014. The IFG, which has over 160 members located in 60 different countries, is the international trade association that represents and promotes the interests of the factoring, invoice financing and asset-based lending industry globally. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and has been bringing together like-minded organisations from all over the world since 1963. Its global network facilitates trade, provides education, knowledge sharing as well as the promotion and adoption of best practices.
The IFG annual meeting is the leading global conference for factoring, receivables financing and asset-based finance and is regarded by the market as an annual highlight, offering an unrivalled opportunity for decision makers to network, learn, discuss and develop new business relationships. The opening speech for this year’s meeting will be delivered by Malta’s Minister of Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna.
The chairman of IFG, Margrith Lutschg-Emmenegger, who is also president of Malta-based FIMBank plc, said: “This is IFG’s 52nd annual meeting and we are pleased to present a speaker lineup of the highest international caliber. These will touch on topics such as receivables finance in 2020, new electronic trade platforms for factoring, anti-money laundering and Basel III”. Margrith explained that factoring remained the fastest growing trade finance product globally: “Growth in cross-border factoring has been driven by the continued growth in open account trade, especially used by suppliers in the developing world, and prompted by major retailers and importers in the developed world, as factoring has also become an acceptable alternative to traditional letters of credit. Central bankers and regulators have come to appreciate the product as a safe and secure way to finance trade, while governments and policy makers acknowledge the invaluable role factoring plays in financing SMEs”. The IFG chairman also said that she was “particularly thrilled that this event will be held in Malta. I am certain that the delegates will find these islands unique and will come away with a memorable experience”.
On his part, IFG secretary general Erik Timmermans anticipates a “strong response from key industry players, independent companies as well as service providers who all share the same passion about the importance of Receivables Financing”.
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For further information about the IFG please visit www.ifgroup.com.