ASA International Group plc - Board and Leadership Update

ASA International Group plc (LSE: ASAI), one of the world's largest international microfinance institutions announces today that Rob Keijsers has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer and Chris Low has assumed the role of Non-Executive Chairman.

Rob Keijsers' appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer will be effective as of 1 April 2025. At the time of Rob's appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer on 1 November 2024, Chris Low stepped up from his Independent Non-Executive Director role to become Executive Chairman. As expected, following the appointment of a permanent Group Chief Executive Officer, Chris will now assume the role of Non-Executive Chairman also effective 1 April 2025.

Chris Low, ASA International Chairman, said:

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Rob Keijsers as Group Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous internal and external search. Rob has demonstrated a strong track record during his extensive career in financial services in both leadership as well as digital transformation. Over the last few months as interim Chief Executive Officer, the Board and I have been impressed with his energy and decisiveness with regards to driving growth at ASA International and to make the organisation function more efficiently and effectively. Rob has the full support of myself and the Board for his plans for ASA International which will ultimately increase female financial inclusion in the markets we operate in."

Rob Keijsers, ASA International Group CEO, added:

"I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer. I believe ASA International is a truly special company and has the ability to empower women and increase their economic and social position through access to financial services. To realise this potential, ASA International needs to accelerate growth further and leverage the benefits expected from our existing digital transformation strategy."

Contact Details

ASA International Group plc

Investor Relations

Jonathan Berger

[email protected]

Notes to Editors

Rob Keijsers took on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of ASA International Group plc on 1 November 2024 having been Chief Digital and Information Officer since July 2023. He originally joined as Chief Information Officer in May 2022. Other than leading the IT department, he is responsible for the overall digital transformation journey which includes the implementation and adoption of the specific digital technologies as well as the way in which people, processes and technology can enable this digital way of working. Rob joined from ABN Amro Bank and over the past 15 years has gained experience in the cross section of business operations and IT in a multinational banking environment, specifically in large scale digital transformations, post-merger and agile integrations, and setting up green field operations.

Chris Low was appointed Executive Chairman of ASA International Group plc on 1 November 2024 having served as an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) since February 2023. Further he sits as an INED on the Boards of United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited, EdPartners Africa Holdings Ltd, a provider of finance to affordable schools in Kenya, and the Scottish African Business Association. In addition, he advises the Zephyr Acorn Fund, an investor in early-stage impact companies in East Africa, the Mobility Credit Fund that has been established to capture opportunities in the Africa electric mobility sector and several FinTech businesses operating on the continent. Prior to these appointments he was I&M Group Plc's Regional Director for its East Africa businesses. With over 30 years in international financial services, risk management and digital transformation, Chris has specialised in emerging markets, working across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

This announcement is made pursuant to Listing Rule 6.4.6R. In accordance with LR 6.4.8R, the Company confirms that there is no information to be disclosed in terms of LR 6.4.8R (1) to LR 6.4.8R (6) inclusive in respect of Rob Keijsers.

About ASA International

ASA International Group plc (LSE: ASAI) is one of the world's largest international microfinance institutions, with a strong commitment to financial inclusion and socioeconomic progress. The company provides small, socially responsible loans to low-income, financially underserved entrepreneurs, predominantly women, across South Asia, South East Asia, West and East Africa.

Disclaimer

'ASA International', the 'Company', the 'Group' all refer to ASA International Group plc and its subsidiaries.

This announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, nor any solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell, or otherwise dispose of any securities. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restriction.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated by the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No.596/2014, as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

The person responsible for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company for the purposes of MAR is Martijn Bollen, Chief Legal Officer.