The Future of Finance Is Inclusive
Financial services have historically catered to the privileged few, creating a system of exclusion that persists today. But a transformation is underway—previously underrepresented groups are becoming major economic forces and innovative fintech solutions are leading the way to a new financial landscape for everyone.
The economy is changing hands
The traditional financial system is increasingly misaligned with where economic power actually lies. Women are projected to control 75% of discretionary spending by 2028, yet only 37% feel confident in their financial decisions. In emerging markets, where .
Meanwhile, Tala took a fresh approach to credit scoring by using smartphone data instead of traditional credit scores. They've helped 10 million people access financial services, with women—who often struggle with traditional credit systems—.
2. Prioritising education and transparency
Financial barriers go beyond technology—they're deeply psychological and cultural. , leading to a feeling of distrust. And in emerging markets, only 7% of people turn to banks or online tools to learn about money management.
But some companies are changing this. Cleo, an AI chatbot in the US, speaks to gen z and Millennials in their own language, helping them understand and control their finances through personalised insights.
As Kuwait’s first digital bank, Weyay was designed to address the unique financial needs of the country’s young generation. Recognising that many young Kuwaitis are entering a vastly different economic landscape than previous generations, Weyay serves as their entry point to banking— building strong money habits and enhancing financial literacy via an intuitive app experience.
3. Creating user experiences that are simple and intuitive
When financial products are complex, people hesitate to use or trust them. That's why fintechs focus on making their services simple and easy to understand through thoughtful product design and intuitive user experiences.
Take JP Morgan's work with UAE-based Al Fardan Exchange—they built a remittance service specifically for low-income foreign workers. Beyond enabling faster money transfers, they made the service truly accessible with features like voice commands to help users who speak different languages or have varying literacy levels.
These examples reveal a simple truth: financial inclusion happens when solutions adapt to people's lives, not the other way around. When you build products that truly fit people's needs and circumstances, you create both loyal customers and meaningful impact.
The winning strategy isn't just about technology—it's about deeply understanding how people live and what they need. When we do this right, we can break down banking barriers while building successful businesses.
The business case for inclusion
The numbers tell a compelling story. The fintech market is booming, , ) scores,, and seeing
