New York, USA – Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and global finance leader Aishah N. Ahmad, CFA, OFR, hosted the inaugural Bridgforte Dialogues Roundtable at the prestigious Harvard Club of New York City last week, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
The event, organized under the Bridgforte Dialogues initiative, convened a diverse group of global stakeholders — including regulators, financial innovators, philanthropists, and underrepresented voices — for an open and candid conversation on the future of financial inclusion and trust in global finance.
Described as “an unusual conversation by design,” the roundtable sought to break traditional barriers between policymakers and practitioners, creating a space where difficult questions about access, equity, and accountability could be addressed.
“Trust is the foundation,” Ahmad emphasized. “Trust for users, trust between providers, and trust in the vital relationship between innovators and regulators. In a world where trust is in short supply, this reminder could not be timelier.”
The event was organized in partnership with the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program and ConsumerCentriX, with John Tully praised for his role in ensuring smooth coordination and execution.
Participants included prominent leaders in finance, governance, and social impact, whose insights underscored the urgency of strengthening trust and collaboration in the pursuit of inclusive economic systems.
Ahmad, who is also the Founder of the Amfani Zhiba Foundation, noted that the first Bridgforte Dialogue reinforced the importance of bringing underrepresented voices to global decision-making tables.
“This first Dialogue confirmed why we need unusual conversations — and why underrepresented voices must always be at the table,” she said.
The outcomes of the inaugural session are expected to be shared publicly in the coming days as the Bridgforte Dialogues initiative continues its mission to build bridges between innovation, regulation, and inclusion.
