The Microinsurance Network (MiN), a Luxembourg-based non-profit association, has announced the appointment of inclusive finance expert Matthew Genazzini as its new Executive Director, effective October 1, 2024.
With 18 years of experience, 15 of which are in the field of inclusive finance, Genazzini brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to promoting financial resilience among vulnerable communities.
Throughout his career, the executive has worked with financial institutions in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
This, alongside his tenure as a member of the MiN Board of Directors since 2019 further solidifies his capabilities.
Genazzini’s experience with his current employer, Appui au développement autonome (ADA), another Luxembourg-based non-governmental organisation working in the sector, make him familiar with the thriving inclusive finance ecosystem supported by the Government of Luxembourg.
Additionally, he also leads ADA’s Smallholder Safety Net Upscaling Programme (SSNUP), a public-private partnership initiative to strengthen agricultural value chains with impact investors.
Lorenzo Chan, President and CEO of Pioneer Inc. and Chair of the Microinsurance Network Board, said: “In taking on the role of Executive Director, Matt’s involvement with the MiN comes full circle. In 2009, he was the communication and working group officer for the Network when it was still an initiative housed within ADA.
“When the MiN became an independent entity, he remained with ADA to focus on numerous projects developing solutions for underserved segments of the population, which include working with migrants, cooperatives and agricultural producers. He likewise continued his involvement with the MiN as co-facilitator of the Performance Measurement Working Group, then becoming a member of its Board in 2019.”
Chan added: “We are confident his keen understanding of inclusive finance, valuable experience on the ground and familiarity with managing donor and funding relationships will serve the MiN well in these evolving times as it carries on its mission to close the protection gap by contributing to financial resilience, especially against climate risks and threats to lives, health, livelihoods, and properties.”
Genazzini also expressed his vision for MiN’s strategic priorities as a network renowned for its commitment and expertise in inclusive insurance.
He said: “The Microinsurance Network has and will continue to have a defining role in realising the full potential of microinsurance. I believe in a holistic approach to risk management and while insurance is but one of the many tools that can be used when coping with risk, it is an essential part of the toolbox.
“And in order to ensure insurance plays its part, we must continue addressing the challenges faced by our members, which include questions around accessibility, affordability, suitability, ensuring value, ease of comprehension, and simplicity of claim processing. The mandate of the MiN goes beyond just expanding coverage; it’s about contributing to the development of insurance markets, sharing knowledge and best practices, encouraging innovation and partnerships, and finally building resilience.”
