Finance Minister Fayval Williams has hailed Access Financial Services Limited (AFS) for pioneering growth in Jamaica’s microfinance sector.

Williams, in her keynote address at AFS’ 25th anniversary gala at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, applauded the microlender as a shining example of what is possible when a company scales with vision and discipline.

“As the minister responsible for finance, it fills me with immense pride to see Access Financial Services, a homegrown Jamaican enterprise, achieve this extraordinary milestone. From its inception, Access Financial understood a fundamental truth that sustainable economic progress can only take root when access to credit and financial services is not a privilege for the few but a right afforded to all Jamaicans. Today, as we reflect on that journey, we also look ahead with optimism, knowing that this commitment to financial inclusion continues to play a vital role in building a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Jamaica for generations to come,” Williams told the large audience in attendance. 

In her first public address since being sworn in as finance minister for a second time, Williams praised the company for its recognition of the many stakeholders, who have contributed to the success of the organisation.

The company awarded long-standing customers with Pioneering Customer Awards, some of whom have been clients of the business since 2001. 

Long-standing customers awarded

Three customers also received the AFS Women in Business Award in recognition of their entrepreneurial journey and their contribution to community life. Almost 100 employees received long-service and performance awards. 

Business and industry leaders such as president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, Metry Seaga; executive director of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Jamaica, Kathryn Silvera; Jamaica Stock Exchange CEO Livingstone Morrison; and acting CEO of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Harold Davis, were among the guests who came out to celebrate the AFS milestone.

For Davis, “this celebration is also personal to us at JBDC because of the strong partnership that has developed between our two organisations.”

“Our relationship, solidified through the signing of an MOU last year, represents a shared commitment to the same goal: building credible, profitable, and sustainable MSMEs. Through this partnership, we are equipping entrepreneurs with training, technical support, and capacity-building to complement the financial resources you provide,” he added.

Davis noted that Access went further “by pledging cash towards JBDC’s training programmes, ensuring that MSMEs not only access finance but also acquire the skills and systems to thrive”.

“That is the true meaning of partnership,” contended Davis, in reference to a J$250,000 grant provided by AFS for business development training.

AFS founder and executive director Marcus James expressed pride in the company’s legacy and vision for the future, “Access was built on the belief that financial inclusion changes lives adding, “over the past 25 years, we have not only grown as a business but also helped to fuel the growth of communities, small enterprises, and families across Jamaica. Tonight, we celebrate not just our success, but the people who made it possible.”

Milestone celebrations

The microlender’s 25th anniversary celebrations included a series of key activities reflecting a stated commitment to both business growth and community impact. In May, the business launched the Access Hope community initiative through which it invested J$6.25 million in 25 community projects, including schools, community centres, and business development training. 

Additionally, the company rolled out its Marcus James Scholarship for Entrepreneurship, a J$750,000 annual award to support students pursuing a business or entrepreneurship degree. For its customers, AFS has been running a promotion aimed at interest relief. 

Under the Lucky Loans Promotion, a total of 300 customers will receive a 25 per cent discount on their loan interest or pay absolutely no interest if they are selected as grand prize winners.

Since the company was established in 2000, AFS has transformed the financial landscape for underserved Jamaicans, providing same-day-approved personal and business loans to individuals and small businesses that traditional banks often overlook. 

Today, the company operates 17 branches nationwide, employs nearly 200 staff, and manages J$8.11 billion in assets.