The role of a microfinance supervisor has evolved from traditional, on-site audits to real-time, data-driven oversight. With the rapid digitization of financial services, the volume and complexity of data have grown exponentially, making it impossible for regulators to rely solely on manual processes. Supervisory Technologies (SupTech) are a suite of tools and platforms that leverage data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation to enable regulators to monitor, analyze, and enforce regulations more efficiently and effectively. These technologies empower supervisors to move from a reactive to a proactive stance, allowing them to identify emerging risks, detect fraud, and ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system in a digital era.

For microfinance institutions (MFIs) in particular, SupTech offers a powerful means for regulators to scale supervision in hard-to-reach areas and gain real-time insights into the financial health and consumer protection practices of diverse institutions. This shift helps to create a more level playing field, reducing the regulatory burden on compliant MFIs while simultaneously enhancing the ability of supervisors to protect vulnerable clients from predatory practices. By adopting SupTech, financial authorities can create a more transparent and resilient ecosystem that supports innovation, safeguards consumers, and accelerates the push for financial inclusion.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Regulators and policymakers from central banks
• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and executives
• Professionals in charge of digital transformation and compliance
• Legal and governance specialists
• Risk management professionals
• Financial inclusion practitioners
• FinTech startup founders
• Data scientists and analysts
• Researchers in financial regulation

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts of Supervisory Technologies (SupTech).
• Understand the strategic business case for implementing SupTech.
• Learn how to design a data-driven supervisory framework.
• Grasp the complexities of using AI and machine learning for risk assessment.
• Explore strategies for managing and analyzing large volumes of data.
• Understand the role of SupTech in real-time monitoring and off-site supervision.
• Learn how to foster a collaborative relationship between regulators and MFIs.
• Understand the legal and ethical considerations of data privacy.
• Analyze global best practices and case studies of SupTech adoption.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for implementing a SupTech solution.

Module 1: The SupTech Revolution

• What is SupTech and its purpose
• The difference between SupTech and RegTech
• The strategic shift from reactive to proactive supervision
• The business case for investing in SupTech
• The role of SupTech in the broader digital transformation

Module 2: Data-Driven Supervision

• The importance of a centralized data repository
• The role of standardized reporting formats (e.g., XBRL)
• Using APIs for real-time data collection
• The importance of data quality and governance
• The ethical use of data in supervision

Module 3: AI and Machine Learning for Risk

• How AI and machine learning can be used to identify risks
• Using predictive analytics for early warning systems
• The role of natural language processing (NLP) for unstructured data
• The importance of explainable AI (XAI) in regulatory models
• Case studies of AI-powered risk assessment

Module 4: Real-Time Monitoring and Surveillance

• The ability to monitor MFIs in real-time
• The use of dashboards and data visualizations
• Setting up automated alerts and triggers for anomalies
• The strategic shift from periodic to continuous monitoring
• The role of SupTech in off-site supervision

Module 5: Regulating Digital Channels

• The challenges of regulating mobile money and agent banking
• The use of SupTech to monitor payment flows
• The role of technology in combating money laundering and fraud
• The importance of a unified view of the digital ecosystem
• Case studies of digital channel supervision

Module 6: Legal and Ethical Considerations

• The importance of a well-defined legal framework
• Navigating data privacy and protection laws
• The role of a clear data-sharing agreement
• The importance of cybersecurity and system integrity
• The ethical implications of using advanced analytics

Module 7: The Partnership Ecosystem

• The importance of collaboration between regulators and MFIs
• The role of industry associations and FinTech startups
• Building a network of trust and open communication
• The role of a public-private partnership
• Leveraging partnerships for knowledge sharing

Module 8: Technology and Implementation

• The technology stack for a SupTech platform
• The importance of a scalable and secure architecture
• The process of system implementation and rollout
• The importance of user training and change management
• The challenges of integrating with legacy systems

Module 9: Global Best Practices

• A comparative analysis of different countries and models
• Lessons learned from pioneering regulators
• The role of international standards and bodies
• The impact of global trends on local regulation
• The future of global regulatory convergence

Module 10: Scaling and Sustainability

• The challenges and opportunities of scaling a SupTech program
• Measuring the return on investment (ROI)
• The long-term financial sustainability of the approach
• The future of financial inclusion with SupTech
• New trends and innovations in the sector

 Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.