Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific

30/09/2026

𝐀𝐃𝐅𝐈𝐀𝐏 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞‑𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Colombo, Sri Lanka — September 25, 2026. The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) marked a historic milestone at its 100th Board of Directors Meeting in Colombo by electing new officers to its leadership team. Alongside the Chairman, the Board elected two distinguished leaders as Vice‑Chairmen, reflecting the Association’s diversity and regional strength.

𝐌𝐫. 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐥‑𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢, 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞‑𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧

Mr. Hussain Al‑Lawati, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank (Oman), was elected First Vice‑Chairman of the ADFIAP Board. Mr. Al‑Lawati has been instrumental in advancing Oman’s development finance sector, spearheading initiatives that support SME growth, infrastructure investment, and sustainable financing. His leadership emphasizes innovation and regional collaboration, bringing valuable Gulf and Middle East perspectives into ADFIAP’s collective dialogue.

𝐌𝐫. 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐪𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐪𝐚, 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞‑𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧

Mr. Filimone Waqabaqa, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Development Bank, was elected Second Vice‑Chairman. He has championed inclusive finance in the Pacific, with a strong focus on agriculture, SME development, and climate‑resilient projects. His leadership ensures that the unique challenges and opportunities of Pacific island nations are represented within ADFIAP’s regional agenda.

Significance for ADFIAP

Together, Mr. Al-Lawati and Mr. Waqabaqa will support the Chairman and the Board in advancing ADFIAP’s mission to promote sustainable development finance. Their election underscores the Association’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and regional balance—bringing voices from the Middle East and the Pacific to the heart of ADFIAP’s leadership.

Looking Ahead

The Colombo meeting underscored the importance of partnerships and collective action under the theme “Partnerships for Prosperity: Unlocking Regional Potential.” With its new leadership team, ADFIAP looks forward to deepening cooperation, sharing knowledge, and unlocking opportunities for prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

ADFIAP elects Hussain Al-Lawati and Filimone Waqabaqa as new Vice-Chairmen to strengthen regional leadership and advance sustainable development finance.

30/09/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐁’𝐬 𝐇.𝐄. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐚𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐃𝐅𝐈𝐀𝐏 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

Colombo, Sri Lanka — September 24, 2026. The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) is pleased to announce the election of H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) of Cambodia, as Chairman of the ADFIAP Board of Directors for the term 2026–2029. The election took place during the Association’s historic 100th Board of Directors Meeting, held in Colombo in conjunction with the 49th Annual Meetings.

A Visionary Leader in Rural Development Finance

Dr. Thach has led Cambodia’s financial sector, guiding ARDB toward innovative solutions that empower farmers, rural communities, and small enterprises. His leadership has prioritized inclusive access to finance, agricultural modernization, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under his stewardship, ARDB has become a model for integrating sustainability into rural lending, ensuring that economic growth is both equitable and resilient.

Significance of His Election

The election of Dr. Thach as Chairman reflects ADFIAP’s recognition of the vital role rural and agricultural finance plays in achieving inclusive prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region. His appointment underscores the Association’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices in its leadership, particularly those from emerging economies, where development finance institutions serve as catalysts for transformation.

As Chairman, Dr. Thach will lead the Board in shaping ADFIAP’s strategic direction, strengthening member engagement, and advancing initiatives that promote climate finance, SME digitalization, and regional cooperation. His leadership is expected to infuse the Association’s mission of fostering partnerships for sustainable development with renewed energy.

A Milestone for ADFIAP Governance

The 100th Board Meeting marked a significant milestone in ADFIAP’s governance history, not only electing Dr. Thach as Chairman but also reaffirming the Association’s commitment to continuity and inclusivity. Alongside newly elected officers and Board members, Dr. Thach’s chairmanship signals a forward-looking era for ADFIAP as it prepares for its golden 50th Annual Meetings in Fiji in May 2027.

Looking Ahead

With Dr. Thach at the helm, ADFIAP is poised to deepen its role as a convening platform for development finance institutions worldwide. His vision to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation, and embed sustainability will guide the Association through its next chapter, ensuring ADFIAP remains a strong, diverse, and future-oriented voice in global development finance.

H.E. Dr. Kao Thach of ARDB Cambodia has been elected Chairman of ADFIAP (2026–2029) during the 100th Board Meeting in Colombo to drive sustainable finance.

29/09/2026

Happening now!

Financial and Economic Appraisal of Investment Projects

Resource person: Dr. Luis Dumlao

We are joined by participants from the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB Bank), Development Bank of Tuvalu, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero), Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF)

24/09/2026

ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards 2026

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo

24/09/2026

Catch the ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards 2026 tonight!
Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/

7:00 PM Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST)
9:30 PM Philippine Standard Time (PST)

Hosted by: DFCC Bank

https://49agm.adfiap.org/

24/09/2026

Day 2: 49th ADFIAP Annual Meetings
Partnerships for Prosperity: Unlocking Regional Potential
https://49agm.adfiap.org/

Hosted by: DFCC Bank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFVv4vLgKCQ

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo

23/09/2026

49th ADFIAP Annual General Meeting
Sept 23-25, 2026 | Cinnamon Life City of Dreams Hotel | Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hosted by: DFCC Bank

SESSION 5 “Partnerships for Social Inclusion and Equity”

Prosperity must be inclusive to be sustainable. This discussion will highlight partnerships that ensure marginalized groups—such as women, youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities—benefit from regional growth. It will showcase programs that promote financial inclusion, social protection, and equitable access to opportunities. The session will focus on how inclusive policies and collaborative efforts strengthen community resilience and foster shared prosperity.

Moderator:
Mr. Hussain bin Ali Al Lawati
(ADFIAP First Vice Chair)
Chief Executive Officer
Development Bank / Sultanate of Oman

Speakers:
H.E. Dr. Kao Thach
(ADFIAP Chairman)
Chief Executive Officer
Agricultural & Rural Development Bank/Cambodia ARDB Bank

Mr. Paduma Subasinghe
Chief Human Resources Officer
DFCC BANK PLC DFCC Bank

23/09/2026

Live from the Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo, Sri Lanka

The 49th ADFIAP ANNUAL MEETINGS
Partnerships for Prosperity: Unlocking Regional Potential
https://49agm.adfiap.org/

Hosted by: DFCC Bank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUjOK-CQNts

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo

21/09/2026

49th ADFIAP Annual General Meeting
Sept 23-25, 2026 | Cinnamon Life City of Dreams Hotel | Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hosted by: DFCC Bank

SESSION 4 – “Digital Transformation for Inclusive SME Growth”

Digital technologies are reshaping how economies operate, creating new pathways for financial access, innovation, and competitiveness. This session examines how fintech partnerships, digital banking, and regional digital platforms can broaden inclusion – especially for underserved communities that remain outside the formal financial system. Strengthening cybersecurity, data governance, and digital literacy will be emphasized as essential foundations for trust in the digital economy. At the same time, the discussion will highlight how SMEs can use these digital tools to scale their operations, improve productivity, and connect with regional and global markets. Financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and market access initiatives will be showcased, along with the role of regional collaboration, trade agreements, and innovation hubs in accelerating SME growth. This session positions digital transformation as a catalyst for empowering SMEs and advancing more inclusive, sustainable economic development across the region

Moderator:
Mr. Romani de Silva
Deputy Chairman and Managing Director
Alliance Finance Company PLC

Speakers:
Mr. Filimone Waqabaca
(ADFIAP Board Member)
Chief Executive Officer
Fiji Development Bank

Mr. Robert C. Bastillo
President and Chief Executive Officer
Small Business Corporation

Mr. Sailesh Prasad
General Manager
Export-Import Bank India India Exim Bank

Mr. Channa de Silva
Chief Executive Officer of LankaPay
ICT industry veteran