With a background in journalism and digital media analytics, Alex Kessler played a leading role in CFI’s research and policy work on advancing responsible data practices for inclusive finance and addressing the barriers to women’s financial inclusion. Alex joined CFI in 2017, originally focused on consumer protection and digital finance.
In her previous role at Monitor 360 (now Protagonist Technologies), a digital communications consultancy, Alex advised on product development and led strategy engagements for clients in the government, foundation, and corporate sectors. From 2010 to 2013, Alex served as the international editor for The Daily Star newspaper in Beirut, Lebanon, where she also reported on Middle East politics and Lebanese civil society. More recently, Alex led projects examining the barriers to entrepreneurship in the Middle East for the Wamda Research Lab and analyzed Rwanda’s regulatory environment for financial inclusion for The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Alex holds a master’s degree from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tufts.

Former Research Manager

Alex Kessler

Isabelle led global efforts to keep clients first in financial inclusion. She came to the Smart Campaign with over 20 years of experience in financial inclusion and banking. Deeply motivated to reduce inequality and improve the lives of vulnerable people, she has devoted her career to spearheading innovative solutions that increase access to quality financial services and contribute to improving people’s lives. From 2007 to 2010, she managed Kiva’s early operations and developed its global strategy to maximize social impact. She helped to create the MIX in 2002, and led its strategic initiatives until 2007.
Isabelle holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Montréal, an MBA from McGill University, and a post-graduate degree in development economics from the Sorbonne and is fluent in English, French and Spanish.

Former Vice President and Campaign Director, Smart Campaign

Isabelle Barrès

The Smart Campaign is presenting its draft digital lending standards and the future of Smart Certification for digital credit providers. Campaign Director Isabelle Barres will also participate on the Evolving Practices for Responsible Digital Financial Services panel.

The Smart Campaign is delighted to participate in the Responsible Finance Forum's Responsible Finance for Digital Inclusion: Investing for Impact event. Smart Campaign director Isabelle Barres will speak on the Evolving Practices for Responsible Digital Financial Services panel, and host a luncheon to share the draft digital lending standards and the future of Smart Certification for digital credit providers.

Event

Smart Campaign team members <a href="/bio/isabelle-barres">Isabelle Barres</a> and <a href="/bio/alex-taylor">Alex Taylor</a> will lead a lunch session on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 to share the <a href="/help-us-shape-standards-for-responsible-digital-lending">draft digital lending standards</a> and discuss the future of Smart Certification for digital credit providers.
On Thursday, April 4, 2019, Isabelle Barres will present on a panel entitled Evolving Practices for Responsible Digital Financial Services.
Panel Description:
Regulations and supervisory frameworks in DFS are often nascent or fragmented, with industry associations evolving to help DFS players to mitigate DFS risks. This session will highlight the latest industry practices, along with innovators that have adapted their business to manage new risks, while scaling digital financial services. Examples by product and business models may include: payments, mobile, solar energy, digital identity, among others. What are the latest movements in responsible digital inclusion and how can signatories and investors apply evolving practices today?

Responsible Finance for Digital Inclusion: Investing for Impact

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