Fintech
Making FinTech More Accessible | G+D and Project Nemo
It’s time to make financial technology more accessible.
At Money 20/20 Europe we spoke to Gabrielle Bugat, CEO of G+D ePayments, and Joanne Dewar, who heads Project Nemoa new initiative aimed at accelerating disability inclusion in fintechIn this fascinating conversation, Dewar discusses their role in connecting inclusion experts with fintech leaders, and Bugat discusses how they engage with various stakeholders.
Some of the practical changes they’ve already seen include improving usability for the blind and simplifying product interfaces. It’s an incredibly important issue that also has huge commercial potential, with 23% of the population having some form of disability. Watch the interview or read on to learn more.
There is much work to be done on inclusion
The interview features both speakers discussing their progress and initiatives to improve accessibility in their industry. Bugat noted that their journey towards accessibility began a year ago at the same event, which involved engaging with associations to identify key issues and goals. This is often how events like Money20/20 They can be great catalysts for important conversations.
This initial phase led to workshops and a re-evaluation of engineering processes and market engagement strategies within their company, marking an enlightening and transformative period for G+D.
Dewar reflected on her own similar experience, noting that she had never considered the accessibility aspects of their industry before preparing for a panel with Bugat. This realization inspired her to use her time and network to start Project Nemo, aimed at addressing accessibility in a comprehensive way. She recognized the extensive work needed to make products and services more accessible and saw this as a major opportunity to drive change.
The work Giesecke+Devrient are doing
In the interview, Bugat explains its efforts to involve various stakeholders, including associations, partners, regulators and customers, in its accessibility initiatives. This global commitment has led to new ways of working and workshops that have significantly influenced its approach.
And what about practical changes? They’ve seen a few, including improving payment card usability for visually impaired users and simplifying menu navigation. Bugat noted that creating simple, visible solutions and giving consumers choices were key learnings that now drive their product development and engagement strategies.
We also get some insights into how Project Nemo facilitates industry change by connecting disability inclusion experts with FinTech leaders. He noted that many companies aren’t aware of their accessibility shortcomings until those issues are brought to light.
Dewar shared examples of small but significant steps forward, such as sourcing products from organizations that employ people with disabilities. He highlighted the significant market potential, with 23 percent of the population having some form of disability, stressing that accessibility is not just a moral imperative, but also a substantial business opportunity.
For more G+D interviews from Money20/20, go here.