Santo Domingo/Amsterdam, 4 March 2026 – For the first time, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) will hold its annual meeting in the Dominican Republic. Hosted by Banco Ademi, the 18th GABV Annual Meeting will bring together chief executives, board members, senior leaders, and impact strategy specialists from the network’s member banks — more than 70 institutions spanning 45 countries worldwide.
The meeting takes place from 9 to 12 March 2026 at the El Embajador Hotel in Santo Domingo, with a focus on the theme ‘Finance as a Force for Inclusion and Equity’. Through a programme of panels, keynote sessions, and interactive workshops, participants will examine the future of responsible banking, sustainable finance, and inclusive development — topics shaping the direction of global banking today.
The host, Banco Ademi, is the only full-service bank specialised in microfinance in the Dominican Republic. That way, the Caribbean country joins previous host countries, including Australia, Italy, the United States, Peru, Bangladesh and Uganda, underscoring the global reach of the Banking on Values movement.
A milestone for Latin America and the Caribbean
This gathering marks GABV’s return to Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time since 2018, bringing the values-based banking agenda back to a region where financial inclusion and climate resilience have never been more urgent.
Andrés Bordas, Chief Executive Officer of Banco Ademi:
“For Banco Ademi, the only full-service bank in the Dominican Republic specialising in microfinance, it is an honour to host the 18th Annual Meeting. This global gathering reflects recognition of the path the GABV has been forging in financial inclusion and sustainability. We are proud to serve as the host financial institution for a meeting that brings together an agenda focused on a financial system that promotes people’s prosperity, social equity and responds to the climate emergency.”
The Latin America and the Caribbean chapter of the GABV currently comprises eleven banks across ten countries: Banco Ademi and Banfondesa (Dominican Republic), Banco Codesarrollo (Ecuador), Compartamos Banco (Mexico), Banco de Antigua (Guatemala), Banco Mundo Mujer (Colombia), Banco Integral (El Salvador), Banco Popular (Honduras), BancoSol (Bolivia), Financiera Paraguayo Japonesa (Paraguay), and Caja Arequipa (Peru).
About the GABV Annual Meeting
Each year, the GABV convenes around 200 leaders from ethical banking, multilateral organisations, impact investors and sustainability experts to discuss trends, share best practices and shape the global agenda for values‑based banking. Collectively, GABV member banks serve nearly 50 million customers, manage more than USD 300 billion in assets, and employ over 100,000 people.
Martin Rohner, Executive Director of the GABV, stated:
“The GABV Annual Meeting is the meeting point for leaders from the world’s most influential values‑based banks. From inclusive finance and the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence, to the importance of environmental finance in a region particularly vulnerable to climate change, this is a space to chart a sustainable path towards the future, at a time when our work is more relevant than ever. We are especially pleased to return to Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time since 2018, to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Dominican people, and to learn from our generous hosts, Banco Ademi.”
About Banco Ademi
Banco Ademi is a leading Dominican financial institution dedicated to financial inclusion and economic development, with a strong focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Originating from a grassroots microfinance initiative, the bank provides tailored financial solutions that promote entrepreneurship, resilience and community wellbeing across the country.
About the GABV
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of independent banks using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development. Their collective goal is to change the banking system so that it is more transparent, creates a positive impact, and serves the real economy. The GABV has 70+ members and operates in 45 countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, North America and Europe.
