The role of remittances in a broader development context | Leon Isaacs | TEDxBonn

• published: 30 Oct 2014
• views: 27

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In his TEDx talk, Leon Isaacs talks about the importance of remittances in the broader economic and development context. By going through the specifics of why providing access to financial services in countries that are not usually in this position is important, he emphasizes on the social and inclusiveness benefits of remittances. Leon Isaacs, Chief Executive Officer - Developing Markets Associates Limited (DMA) has over 20 years hands-on experience in the remittance industry and has been involved with two successful start-up money transfer businesses during that time. Before establishing DMA, Leon was part of the senior management team running Coinstar Money Transfer Limited (formerly Travelex Money Transfer Limited). Aside from his functional responsibilities Leon was responsible for the business in UK, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands. Prior to this, Leon was Commercial & Marketing Director at MoneyGram International and worked for the Thomas Cook Group. He began his career with NatWest Bank. He was a steering group member of the UK Government's Remittances Task Force, form its inception in 2005 until the completion of its work early in 2010. He is an observer to the G20 Consultative Committee of the Private-Public Sector Partnership on Remittances. Leon has spoken at, and chaired, numerous international conferences on remittances including at the World Bank, the United Nations and the G8. Leon was also Managing Director of the International Association of Money Transfer Networks, an international trade association, 2009 and 2013. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)