Giorgi Lekiashvili is a development practitioner with expertise in financial inclusion and MSD approaches. A banker for 15 years, Giorgi has extensive experience in banking and leadership roles in private banks, including Pasha Bank and Bank Republic, and micro-finance organisations, including as CEO for Leader Credit in Georgia and Swiss Capital in Kazakhstan. Giorgi is currently Portfolio Lead for the SDC-financed Rural SMEs Development Project in Georgia. The project uses the MSD approach to enhance access to business support services and financial resources for rural SMEs. By facilitating innovative strategies for state agencies and financial institutions, the project improves the financing environment for SMEs, including underserved communities.