16 Mar 2024
The Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, together with e-MFP and InFiNe (Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg), today announced a new chapter for the European Microfinance Award. After twenty years of recognising excellence in microfinance, the Award will now be known as the Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance
This evolution represents both continuity and adaptation to the profound changes shaping the financial inclusion sector. It also reflects Luxembourg’s long-standing commitment to promoting more accessible, responsible, and inclusive financial solutions worldwide.
Since its creation in 2005, the award has become an internationally recognized benchmark, highlighting innovative initiatives that expand access to financial services for underserved populations. Over two decades, it has showcased pioneering approaches, fostered knowledge sharing, and strengthened a global ecosystem united by a common goal: making finance more inclusive.
During this time the financial inclusion landscape has evolved considerably. Where microfinance once formed the core of the sector, it now encompasses a far broader range of solutions. Digital financial services, microinsurance, climate-resilient finance, small enterprise inclusion and responsible fintech innovation are shaping a new generation of tools designed to widen access to finance.
The Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance (LAIF) reflects this broader reality and aims to recognise the diversity of initiatives that are transforming access to financial services today. Alongside its new name, the award also unveils a refreshed visual identity, reflecting its evolving vision and the expanding landscape of inclusive finance.
“After 20 years dedicated to promoting excellence in microfinance, this evolution represents a natural step towards inclusive finance. Indeed, inclusive finance is broader and has a stronger impact around the world, also allowing for the use of innovative tools.” Anne Bastin, Executive Director, InFiNe.
“This is a natural evolution of the Award and the sector it represents. The Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance reflects how inclusive finance has grown and diversified, while maintaining the rigour and credibility that have defined the Award since its inception.”
Christoph Pausch, Executive Secretary, e-MFP.
The award maintains its international focus, continuing to celebrate innovation, excellence, and measurable impact across all regions of the world.
The rebranding also highlights Luxembourg’s growing role in advancing inclusive finance globally. Over the years, the country has positioned itself at the intersection of international finance, innovation and responsible development. Through a combination of regulatory expertise, financial institutions engaged in impact investing and strong partnerships with international organisations, Luxembourg has built a recognised ecosystem that supports the continued evolution of inclusive and sustainable finance.
Applications for this year’s edition is now open. The theme, Unlocking Youth-Inclusive Finance, reflects a rapidly emerging dynamic within the sector. Around the world, a new generation is gaining access to financial services through evolving technologies, practices and business models. By focusing on youth financial inclusion, this edition seeks to highlight initiatives that support this transformation and open new pathways towards more accessible, responsible and forward-looking finance.
The prestigious award ceremony will take place during Inclusive Finance 26, on 12 November 2026, in Luxembourg.
The Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance is organized jointly by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, e-MFP, and InFiNe (Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg).
For more information, please visit: inclusivefinanceaward.lu
About the Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance
Founded in 2005, the award highlights a different theme each year, addressing key issues such as climate resilience, technological innovation in financial inclusion, and women’s empowerment. The LAIF has a dual purpose: to reward excellence in financial inclusion and to showcase inspiring, replicable practices.