Fintech
The Role of FinTech in Improving Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion is a significant global challenge that affects millions of people around the world. Despite advances in technology and financial services, a large portion of the population still lacks access to basic financial services. This gap creates barriers to economic growth and perpetuates poverty.
Financial technology, or fintech, is playing a transformative role in bridging this gap. By leveraging innovative technologies, fintech companies are providing accessible and cheap financial services to disadvantaged populations. This article explores the role of financial technology in improving financial inclusion, highlighting its main benefits, challenges and future prospects.
Understanding Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion refers to the process of ensuring that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs. These services include transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance. Financial inclusion is essential to economic development as it enables individuals to save, invest, and protect themselves from economic vulnerabilities. Despite its importance, billions of people around the world remain unbanked or underbanked.
The impact of financial technology on financial inclusion
Fintech has emerged as a game changer in the quest for financial inclusion. By leveraging technology, fintech companies are breaking down traditional barriers and making financial services more accessible to underserved populations. Here are some key ways fintech is driving financial inclusion:
- Digital payments and mobile banking: One of the most significant contributions of financial technology to financial inclusion is the rise of digital payments and mobile banking. Mobile money platforms, such as M-Pesa in Kenya or Chime in the United States, have revolutionized the way people access and use financial services. These platforms allow people to send and receive money, pay bills, and access credit using their mobile phones, even in remote areas without access to traditional banking infrastructure.
- Credit access: Fintech companies are using innovative technologies to assess creditworthiness and provide loans to individuals and small businesses who do not have a formal credit history. Peer-to-peer lending platforms, microfinance institutions, and digital lenders are using alternative data sources, such as mobile phone usage and social media activity, to assess credit risk. This approach allows them to extend credit to underserved populations who would otherwise be excluded from traditional banking systems.
- Savings and investments: Fintech platforms are also promoting savings and investments among underserved populations. Digital savings accounts and investment platforms offer people the opportunity to save and grow their money, often with lower fees and higher interest rates than traditional banks. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and educational resources to encourage financial literacy and empower people to make informed financial decisions.
- Insurance: Financial technology is making insurance more accessible and affordable for underserved populations. Insurtech companies are using technology to simplify the insurance process, reduce costs, and offer innovative products tailored to the needs of low-income people. For example, microinsurance products provide coverage for specific risks, such as health emergencies or crop failures, at affordable premiums. By mitigating financial risks, these insurance products help individuals and businesses build resilience and improve their overall financial well-being.
Challenges and barriers
While financial technology has made significant strides in improving financial inclusion, several challenges and barriers remain:
- Digital divide: Despite the widespread adoption of mobile phones and internet connectivity, there is still a significant digital divide, particularly in rural and remote areas. Limited access to digital infrastructure and low levels of digital literacy can hinder the adoption and use of fintech services. Closing these gaps is critical to ensuring that fintech solutions reach underserved populations.
- Regulatory environment: The regulatory environment plays a critical role in shaping the fintech landscape. While regulations are necessary to protect consumers and ensure the stability of the financial system, overly stringent or outdated regulations can stifle innovation and limit the reach of fintech services. Finding the right balance between regulation and innovation is essential to foster financial inclusion.
- Trust and security: Building trust and ensuring the safety of fintech services is critical to their success. Many underserved populations may be hesitant to adopt digital financial services due to concerns about privacy, data security, and fraud. Fintech companies must prioritize strong security measures, transparent practices, and effective consumer protection mechanisms to build trust and confidence among users.
- Financial education: Improving financial literacy is critical to the effective use of fintech services. Many underserved populations lack the knowledge and skills to navigate digital financial platforms and make informed financial decisions. Fintech companies should invest in educational initiatives and user-friendly interfaces to improve financial literacy and empower people to take control of their financial future.
Future perspectives
The future of financial technology in improving financial inclusion looks promising. As technology continues to evolve, new opportunities and innovations will emerge to address the challenges and barriers to financial inclusion. Here are some potential future developments:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial services. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized financial advice and support, while ML algorithms can improve credit risk assessment and fraud detection. These technologies have the potential to further expand access to financial services and improve the overall user experience.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize financial inclusion by offering secure, transparent, and low-cost financial transactions. Blockchain can enable the creation of decentralized financial systems accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Cryptocurrencies can also facilitate cross-border transactions and remittances, reducing costs and improving access to financial services for underserved populations.
- Partnerships and collaborations: Collaboration between fintech companies, traditional financial institutions, governments, and nonprofits can accelerate the progress of financial inclusion. Partnerships can leverage the strengths and resources of diverse stakeholders to create innovative solutions and reach more underserved populations. Working together, these entities can drive systemic change and create a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
- Digital Identity and Biometrics: Digital identity and biometric technologies can play a crucial role in improving financial inclusion by providing secure and reliable ways to verify and authenticate individuals. Digital identities can help underserved populations access financial services without the need for physical documents or complex verification processes. Biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, can improve security and simplify access to financial services.
The Present and Future of Fintech
FinTech is playing a transformative role in enhancing financial inclusion by making financial services more accessible, convenient and user-friendly. Digital payments, access to credit, savings and investment platforms and insurance products are just a few examples of how FinTech is driving financial inclusion. However, challenges, such as the digital divide, regulatory barriers, trust and security issues and the financial literacy gap, need to be addressed to maximize the impact of FinTech on financial inclusion.
The future of FinTech in improving financial inclusion looks promising, with advances in artificial intelligence, blockchain, partnerships, and digital identity technologies paving the way for more innovative and inclusive solutions. By leveraging these technologies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can create a more inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers individuals and drives economic growth. Financial inclusion is not only a moral imperative, but a necessary step to achieve sustainable development and reduce poverty around the world. FinTech has the potential to be a powerful tool in this journey, and it is essential that we continue to support and promote its growth for the benefit of all.
This story was created using AI technology.
Fintech
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.
The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.
Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.
The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.
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Fintech
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”
- PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
- GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
- Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
- GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security
PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.
The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.
The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.
This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.
These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.
General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido
GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.
This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.
Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global
Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.
This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.
Co-founder, UK Linkology
GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security
A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.
GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.
For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.
I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.
CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning
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Fintech
M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.
Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.
A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.
What does M2P Fintech do?
M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.
Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.
According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.
Fintech
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

By Gloria Methri
Today
- To come
- Aveni Assistance
- Aveni Detection
Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.
Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.
This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.
FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.
Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.
Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”
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