Fintechs have long been at the forefront of innovation, reshaping banking and payment landscapes, as stated in The Fintech Times. They have also played a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion, developing solutions that support underserved communities. However, as the broader financial ecosystem remains dominated by traditional financial institutions, the question arises: Can fintechs influence these institutions to place a greater emphasis on inclusivity? To explore this, industry experts weigh in on the challenges and opportunities in making financial services more accessible. Monika Liikamaa, co-founder and co-CEO of Enfuce, highlights the hesitance of traditional banks in adopting inclusive and sustainable practices, stating: “A better financial services industry starts with a braver one. Fintechs are defined by our innovation, our ability to move more quickly and take bolder, braver actions in ways that traditional financial institutions can’t.” She criticizes traditional financial institutions for using what she calls the ‘holy trinity of ESG excuses’—compliance, budget, and security—to justify their lack of action: “Each of these excuses sounds different, but they all say the same thing – ‘not us, not yet, not us.’” Liikamaa argues that financial institutions have the capability but lack the courage to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. She emphasizes that sustainable banking is not just ethical but also good business. Huw Davies, co-founder and CEO of Ozone API, underscores the importance of collaboration between fintechs and banks: “The fintech industry perhaps started with a vision of David vs. Goliath; with plucky fintechs taking on the big traditional banks. The reality, however, is very different. It’s an industry of collaboration and partnership.” He explains how open banking is enabling fintech innovation to reach underserved communities. For example, open finance solutions help small merchants in Latin America reduce transaction costs and settlement times, allowing them to transition from cash reliance to digital payments. This shift not only increases safety but also establishes a transaction history that can improve access to credit. “In fact, access to credit is arguably the biggest way banks can improve inclusivity.” By leveraging alternative data sources, fintechs enable banks to conduct faster and higher-quality risk assessments, helping individuals without traditional credit histories access financing. Meri Williams, CTO at Pleo, sees AI as a powerful tool for inclusivity if applied responsibly: “Fintechs are known for their role in technological innovation, and as part of this, they’ve highlighted the great potential tech has in improving inclusivity.” She highlights AI’s ability to remove bias from hiring processes and improve access to financial services. However, she cautions that AI should not replace human decision-making entirely: “Technology, AI particularly, can develop biases based on the person or business that created it, so it should only be used alongside a human who can ensure fair decisions are being made.” Philipp Buschmann, co-founder and CEO of AAZZUR, emphasizes the importance of regulatory reform: “Regulation is one of the most powerful tools we have, but it’s a double-edged sword. Regulation can kill innovation.” He argues that blanket regulations often favor large financial institutions while stifling smaller fintechs. Instead, he advocates for a sandbox approach, allowing fintechs to innovate while ensuring compliance. He also encourages collaboration between fintechs and traditional banks to showcase the business advantages of inclusive practices. Catharina Eklof, CEO of IDEX Biometrics, highlights the potential of biometric smart cards to improve accessibility for individuals with visual or cognitive disabilities: “Biometric smart cards can bridge this gap for people with visual or cognitive disabilities worldwide and who deserve to feel secure, included, and independent.” She explains how biometric smart cards, which link identity verification to fingerprints, enhance security while eliminating the challenges associated with PIN-based transactions. This technology also incorporates tactile markers to assist visually impaired users. Chris Chabot, VP Developer Relations at Shardeum, advocates for open-source fintech solutions to ensure inclusivity: “The key solution to ensuring underserved communities are empowered by fintechs is making their technology open-source.” He argues that open-source technology allows entrepreneurs worldwide to contribute and benefit from fintech advancements, creating a more equitable financial ecosystem. “Open-source doesn’t discriminate against marginalized communities, it values the best contributions. It creates a meritocratic ecosystem accessible to everyone, everywhere.” The path to greater inclusivity in financial services requires a multifaceted approach. Fintechs can lead the way by pioneering innovative solutions, collaborating with traditional banks, leveraging AI responsibly, advocating for smarter regulations, and embracing biometric and open-source technologies. As these changes take hold, traditional financial institutions may find that inclusivity is not just a social responsibility but also a significant business opportunity.

The auto lending industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), according to defi Solutions. These technologies are streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and improving risk management. According to a Deloitte survey, 86% of AI adopters in financial services believe AI will be «very or critically important to their business’s success» in the coming years. AI, when paired with ML algorithms, enables lenders to provide loans to more people while increasing transparency and improving regulatory compliance. For instance, AI can automate data collection and analysis, assess creditworthiness using both traditional and alternative data, and identify potential fraud. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can resolve customer issues without human intervention, enhancing the overall consumer experience. «AI in auto lending, when paired with machine learning (ML) algorithms, enables lenders to provide loans to more people while increasing transparency and improving regulatory compliance.» Several key trends are shaping the future of auto lending: 1. Automated Underwriting AI evaluates loan applications in real time, leading to faster approvals and increased efficiency. 2. AI-Powered Credit Scoring By analyzing alternative data, such as utility payments, AI expands credit access, reduces bias, and improves accuracy. 3. Personalized Loan Offers AI tailors loan terms based on borrower profiles and preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing conversion rates. 4. Chatbots & Virtual Assistants AI-driven bots improve customer support by handling queries and providing assistance, boosting the customer experience and reducing support costs. 5. Predictive Analytics AI predicts loan repayment risks and borrower behaviors, helping lenders optimize their strategies to minimize defaults and improve return on investment. 6. Loan Servicing Automation AI simplifies post-loan tasks like payment reminders and collections, streamlining operations and improving borrower retention. 7. Vehicle Valuation AI provides dynamic insights into vehicle values, leading to more accurate loan-to-value ratios. 8. Compliance Monitoring AI ensures adherence to lending regulatory requirements, reducing regulatory risk and improving customer trust. «Using AI with auto lending analytics applications allows lenders to evaluate a wide array of data to provide valuable insights.» Integrating AI into auto lending can be achieved through in-house development or by partnering with third-party providers. While in-house solutions offer customization, they require significant resources to maintain. Third-party providers offer scalability and flexibility, making them an optimal choice for many lenders. For example, defi SOLUTIONS collaborates with partners like Point Predictive to provide AI-driven tools that enhance lending operations. The adoption of AI in auto lending is revolutionizing the industry by making operations more efficient, improving customer experiences, and enhancing risk management. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in auto lending is expected to expand, offering even more innovative solutions for lenders and borrowers alike.

The latest 11:FS Pulse Report—the fourth annual edition from the industry-leading benchmarking platform—highlights last year’s best user journeys in financial services and presents expert predictions for 2025, according to FF News. According to experts at 11:FS, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize financial services in multiple ways. The report forecasts: Hyper-Personalized Banking: AI-driven advancements will enhance customer support, refine product discovery, and create tailored user interfaces for a more individualized experience. Crypto’s Big Leap Forward: With pro-crypto regulations expected after Donald Trump’s re-election, traditional financial institutions may face fewer hurdles, leading to increased investments and strategic partnerships. Rising Threats from AI-Powered Scams: As AI and Generative AI (GenAI) continue to mature, financial fraud and scams will become more sophisticated. Banks must innovate rapidly, while fintechs—operating with tighter profit margins—will likely rely on partnerships for survival. Automation and Fraud Prevention: AI’s biggest impact will be beyond chatbots, streamlining compliance processes, automating workflows, and strengthening fraud detection mechanisms. The report also celebrates ‘Pulse Stars’, companies that delivered outstanding user experiences across different financial services sectors. The winners include: Up (Australia): Making complex banking tasks enjoyable. Monzo (UK): Addressing fraud concerns. Niyo (India): Simplifying international travel. Thndr (Egypt): Easing onboarding for first-time investors. Public (US): Empowering investors with AI. Lunar (Denmark): Redefining AI’s role in banking. Lloyds Banking Group (UK): Leading in accessible design. Revolut Business (UK): Simplifying multi-account management. Exodus (US): Transforming crypto portfolio management. Apple (US): Elevating peer-to-peer (P2P) payments. Nubank (Brazil): Enabling cheaper payments via Pix integration. The report introduces a new benchmarking tool analyzing the feature sets of top financial institutions, with five major takeaways: Monzo and Revolut lead UK challengers by seamlessly blending functionality and intuitive design. RBS and NatWest score well on features but lag in usability and visual appeal. A rise in ‘dark UX’ tactics—design strategies that discourage users from seeking customer support. Chase UK’s rapid ascent is due to a strong foundation in digital banking essentials, supported by a select few standout features. Hero features from Monzo and Revolut push the boundaries of what modern banking apps can deliver. Reflecting on the state of fintech, Joe Colchester, Head of Product at 11:FS Pulse, stated: “2024 was a transformative year for financial services. Many fintechs saw profitability become a reality, signaling a much-anticipated shift from growth to sustainable value creation. This evolution marks a maturing industry, with more fintechs going toe-to-toe with traditional banks. As we step into 2025, we do so with cautious optimism—aware of the bold advancements on the horizon, but equally mindful of the risks that accompany rapid transformation.” With AI at the forefront of change, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for financial services, where innovation, collaboration, and security challenges will shape the industry’s trajectory.

The return of Donald Trump to the presidency is expected to bring significant changes to the financial technology (fintech) and insurance technology (insurtech) sectors, shaping market confidence and regulatory frameworks, as highlighted in FinTech Magazine. His second term signals a potentially transformative period for these industries, as evidenced by the presence of top tech leaders—Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos—at his inauguration. Rory Yates, Global Strategic Lead at EIS, highlights the significance of Trump’s second term, referring to it as «Trump 2.0» due to the anticipated regulatory shifts favoring fintech growth. «They are calling this Trump 2.0, and for good reason. Getting Elon, Mark, and Jeff to sit together at the inauguration alone seems to signal that tech will be a strong feature in Trump’s second presidency,» Yates explains. Yates points to a surge in optimism within the fintech industry, particularly in sectors like cryptocurrency, where investors foresee tax policies and administrative changes fostering expansion. The relationship between traditional finance and tech is evolving, with Silicon Valley gaining greater influence over the financial ecosystem. This shift has been observed across various platforms, including insights from Leo Schwartz in Fortune. «In the case of fintech, you could argue this 50:50. However, I am inclined to believe the focus will be more in favor of the tech companies, as opposed to those using technology to disrupt other markets,» says Yates. A notable example of this shift is Aspen Insurance Group’s decision to launch its initial public offering (IPO) in New York rather than London, illustrating the growing appeal of the U.S. market for financial and insurance innovations. Despite these positive trends, the evolving economic and regulatory landscape presents challenges. Increased market volatility, changing interest rates, and inflation remain key concerns for financial and insurance institutions. Yates elaborates: «All in all, we will see a degree of volatility which isn’t straightforward for any financial services or insurance business, and we will see the global economic and competitive landscape continuing to change, impacting inflation and interest rates.» However, Yates remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for adaptability among fintech and insurtech firms: «Predictions aside, it’s evidence yet again that tech-led start-ups need to be highly adaptive, and able to adjust to geo-politics, economics, and societal changes like never before. So focusing on value creation will be key, as will selective growth and a keen eye on profitability, or the quickest path to it.» The fusion of streamlined regulation and increased technological integration presents opportunities for innovation within the insurance sector. Companies that can effectively balance traditional risk management with cutting-edge tech advancements will likely emerge as leaders in the evolving landscape. As market dynamics shift, fintech and insurtech firms must navigate political policies, economic trends, and technological progress with agility. The success of these industries in the Trump 2.0 era will depend on their ability to innovate, adapt, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in an increasingly tech-centric financial world.

Visa has partnered with fintech company DealMe to introduce a cross-border instalment payment service for Vietnamese travelers shopping in South Korea, according to Finextra. This collaboration will allow cardholders with locally issued Visa credit cards in Vietnam to access real-time instalment offers at major merchants in South Korea. According to Visa’s data, 75% of Vietnamese consumers are planning to travel for leisure in the upcoming year, with South Korea emerging as the top choice—18% of respondents indicating plans to visit. At participating locations such as duty-free shops and department stores, Vietnamese shoppers will be able to check their card eligibility for the instalment payment service at the time of purchase. Currently, DealMe is piloting the service in South Korea but has ambitions to expand into other key markets, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Kim Tae Hong, Senior Vice President at DealMe, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: «We are delighted to partner with Visa to enable card instalment payment on cross-border transactions. This gives consumers an additional payment option when traveling overseas.» This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing payment flexibility for international shoppers, making transactions more convenient and accessible for Vietnamese travelers abroad.

DriveScore, a free app designed to help drivers save money on car insurance using telematics technology, has introduced a world-first initiative—discounted car finance for good drivers, as stated in FF News. The new offering, backed by major lenders such as Zopa Bank, Admiral, AA Car Finance, and My Car Credit, provides eligible borrowers with an average discount of £170. This groundbreaking development means that drivers who exhibit safe and responsible driving habits can now benefit financially, not just through lower insurance premiums but also by securing better car loan deals. It marks a significant shift in how financial institutions assess risk and reward good behavior on the road. DriveScore leverages advanced technology through a partnership with Cambridge Mobile Telematics, one of the world’s leading telematics firms. The app tracks a user’s driving behavior and assigns them a score out of 1,000, with a score of 750 or above being classified as «good.» Previously, DriveScore allowed users to share their driving score with insurers to obtain lower car insurance rates. With this latest expansion, that same data can now be shared with lenders to secure discounted car finance deals, extending the financial benefits of safe driving. The initiative is part of The ClearScore Group, a well-known financial technology company specializing in data-driven financial solutions. By working closely with its sister brand, ClearScore—the UK’s leading financial marketplace—DriveScore has been able to analyze data from hundreds of thousands of users. Their findings indicate that good drivers are significantly less likely to fall behind on payments for credit cards, loans, or car finance. This insight has enabled DriveScore to negotiate better financing terms for responsible drivers. Andrew Hooks, Managing Director at DriveScore, emphasized the significance of this innovation: “At a time when our users are actively searching for better deals to save money, we are bringing a completely new concept to market—namely that being a safer driver can save you money on your car finance as well as on your car insurance. This is about empowering people to leverage their personalised driving data to bring tangible financial benefits.” Hooks also pointed out that telematics technology has traditionally been geared toward high-risk young drivers, leaving the majority of consumers disengaged. DriveScore is changing that by making telematics more accessible to everyday drivers, allowing them to take control of their data and use it to their advantage. Since its launch, DriveScore has gained significant traction. Over 750,000 people have downloaded the app, and users have collectively logged more than two billion miles of driving. Notably, three-quarters of DriveScore users achieve a «good» driving score, thanks to the app’s tools and resources that help drivers improve their habits over time. For insurers and lenders alike, DriveScore presents a valuable opportunity to better assess customer risk and offer competitive pricing. By using real-world driving data rather than just traditional credit scores, financial institutions can make more accurate lending decisions, benefiting both consumers and businesses. This innovation represents a major shift in the automotive finance industry. Until now, financial products like car loans have primarily been priced based on a borrower’s credit score and financial history. With DriveScore’s model, driving behavior itself becomes a key factor in determining affordability. For good drivers, this means tangible savings on both car insurance and car finance—an incentive that could encourage safer driving habits across the board. Meanwhile, lenders benefit by gaining access to a lower-risk pool of customers who are more likely to make timely repayments. As DriveScore continues to expand its offerings, this could be the beginning of a larger movement toward behavior-based financial products, where responsible actions lead to better financial opportunities.

As the financial landscape evolves in 2025, businesses face increasing pressure to modernize their operations. Legacy back-office systems are proving inadequate in keeping pace with technological advancements, according to PYMNTS. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), innovations in B2B payments, and significant investments in FinTech is reshaping how organizations operate, collaborate, and transact. The importance of integrating advanced technologies like AI into B2B operations cannot be overstated. Once considered a luxury, AI has become a necessity for streamlining processes, improving decision-making, and driving efficiency. The financial technology sector, buoyed by investments and acquisitions, reflects a maturing industry poised to meet the growing demands of modern businesses. «Generative AI has the potential to change multiple industries, and the [B2B] payment industry is no exception,» said Rinku Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at Boost Payment Solutions, in an interview with PYMNTS on January 23. A recent PYMNTS Intelligence report revealed that 78% of middle-market CFOs plan to increase AI investments for accounts receivable. This growing trend underscores the potential of technologies like generative AI (GenAI) to automate data extraction, minimize errors, and accelerate cash flow cycles — critical for businesses navigating economic uncertainty. “For a long time, the industry has offered up paperless alternatives to payments,” said Alex Hoffmann, General Manager of North America at Edenred Pay. “What GenAI adds on top of all this is that beyond the payment, we can automate the invoice-to-pay cycle.” AI integration has extended to platforms like Springbrook Software, which recently enhanced its ERP system with AI tools to improve invoicing for local governments. These tailored solutions demonstrate how AI can address specific industry challenges while enhancing efficiency and decision-making. The demand for faster, more secure, and scalable payment systems remains a cornerstone of the financial ecosystem. Emerging platforms are addressing inefficiencies in legacy systems while enhancing workflows and managing intricate data requirements. For instance, Ramp added a treasury solution to its financial operations platform, providing businesses with better visibility into cash flows. Similarly, Waza introduced a multi-currency account platform to streamline cross-border payments, aligning with the growing need for seamless global trade solutions. Cloud-native architectures are gaining traction as a solution to the challenges posed by outdated infrastructure. As businesses adopt these modern systems, they gain the agility and scalability required to thrive in an evolving market. The rapid maturation of the FinTech sector is evident in the surge of investments and acquisitions. For example, Smartsheet was acquired for $8.4 billion, reflecting the demand for AI-enhanced workflow management tools. Highnote’s $90 million funding round and MoneyHash’s $5.2 million raise further underscore the confidence investors have in innovative solutions addressing critical industry needs. In addition, Sereact secured $26 million for warehouse robotics, showcasing AI’s expanding role across sectors beyond traditional finance. These developments highlight how cross-industry innovations are shaping efficient ecosystems. As the World Economic Forum emphasizes adaptability in its “Intelligent Age” framework, businesses must transition from viewing technology as a tool to adopting it as a mindset. This shift will be crucial for firms aiming to lead in a financial ecosystem defined by agility, innovation, and collaboration. For B2B companies, the future lies not only in keeping pace with technological trends but in shaping them. By leveraging AI, modernizing payment systems, and fostering a culture of innovation, businesses can secure their position as leaders in this transformative era.

cyber technology concept design with digital face and network diagram Goldman Sachs is introducing a cutting-edge generative AI assistant aimed at replicating the thought processes and actions of an experienced banker, according to Finextra. Dubbed the GS AI assistant, the program is currently being rolled out to around 10,000 employees, with plans to expand access to all the company’s knowledge workers by the end of the year, according to Chief Information Officer Marco Argenti. The AI assistant is designed to handle various tasks, including summarizing emails, proofreading, and translating code between programming languages. While its current capabilities focus on responding to queries, composing emails, and condensing lengthy documents, Goldman Sachs envisions future iterations of the AI developing advanced, autonomous abilities that will enable it to execute complex, multistep tasks with minimal human oversight. Argenti, who joined Goldman Sachs from Amazon in 2019, likened the AI’s development to onboarding a new employee who gradually absorbs the firm’s culture and practices. «The AI assistant becomes really like talking to another GS employee,» he explained in an interview with CNBC. «As we progress, the second step is when you’re starting to have this agentic behavior. That’s where the model is going to start to do things like a Goldman employee, not only say things like a Goldman employee.» Initially, the AI will rely on data from Goldman Sachs, processed using advanced models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s Llama, among others. As the system evolves over the next three to five years, it is expected to emulate the reasoning and decision-making processes characteristic of seasoned Goldman Sachs employees. For example, it will understand when to verify information with multiple data sources or apply specific algorithms for calculations. Goldman Sachs isn’t the only financial firm venturing into generative AI. Morgan Stanley has rolled out similar OpenAI-based tools to as many as 40,000 employees, while JPMorgan Chase has deployed its own in-house AI assistant, which it compares to having a research analyst at your desk. While these advancements promise to revolutionize the financial industry, they also raise concerns about job security. A recent Bloomberg report estimated that up to 200,000 positions in financial services could be at risk as intelligent systems become integral to operations. As AI continues to evolve within Wall Street, Goldman Sachs’ approach underscores its focus on blending cutting-edge technology with the firm’s unique culture and expertise, positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation.

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with Apple to launch Apple Pay for Visa cardholders in Egypt. This collaboration is set to meet the growing demand for secure, seamless, and contactless payment solutions, aligning with the nation’s shift towards a digital-first lifestyle, as reported by FF News. Visa, known for its extensive payment network and role in fostering secure and reliable transactions, has been pivotal in driving the adoption of contactless payments worldwide. By joining forces with Apple, Visa aims to further enhance digital payment options in Egypt. Apple Pay allows users to make contactless payments by simply double-clicking the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch and holding the device near a payment terminal. The service employs advanced security measures, such as Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, along with a one-time dynamic security code. Card details are encrypted and stored securely on the device’s Secure Element chip, ensuring an extra layer of protection. Apple Pay is accepted at a variety of establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and taxis, as well as online through apps and websites. Setting up Apple Pay is simple—users just add their Visa credit or debit card to the Wallet app on their iPhone. Visa cardholders will continue to enjoy the same rewards and benefits with Apple Pay as they do with their physical cards, further enhancing the appeal of this service. Commenting on the launch, Malak El Baba, Vice President and Visa’s Country Manager for Egypt, stated: “The introduction of Apple Pay in Egypt is a significant milestone in our journey towards bringing payment innovations to even more markets. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, we are committed to providing solutions that are secure, convenient and importantly, align with their digital-first lifestyle. Contactless payments are already trusted and popular in Egypt, and we’re excited to bring Apple Pay to our Visa cardholders.” Visa’s launch of Apple Pay in Egypt underscores its dedication to expanding digital payment services in emerging markets. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing secure and convenient payment solutions to consumers, paving the way for a more digitally integrated financial future in the region.

The fintech industry continues to revolutionize banking and payments, often spotlighted for advancing financial inclusion and fostering healthy financial habits, as stated in The Fintech Times. However, the path to ensuring meaningful social impact is fraught with challenges. In this article, we explore insights from industry experts on the hurdles fintechs must overcome to align profit with purpose and foster a more inclusive, socially conscious financial ecosystem. Thekla Paschali, CTO at Payabl., emphasizes that social impact must be ingrained in a fintech’s culture and operations. “When the market is challenging, investors are pushing for returns, and the board is focused on profits, how does a fintech maintain its focus on social impact?” Paschali asks. “The reality is that delivering positive and measurable social impact isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about weaving it into the fabric of the business—it’s culture, DNA, and identity.” Sergiy Fitsak, managing director at Softjourn, points out that scaling inclusivity while remaining profitable is a key challenge. He highlights the need to navigate outdated regulatory frameworks and prioritize data privacy and ethical AI deployment. Fitsak also advocates for collaboration with governments and NGOs to responsibly expand fintech’s reach. Wendy Murphy, VP of corporate communications at Exinity, warns that financial pressures can threaten a company’s commitment to social impact. “Even when everyone is aligned on being a force for good, this belief may waver during tough financial times,” Murphy notes. She advises fintechs to develop contingency plans and maintain a realistic understanding of the need to run as a competitive business while staying true to their mission. Jayne Sibley, CEO of Sibstar, stresses the importance of designing inclusive products that cater to financially vulnerable populations. She identifies regulatory hurdles as a significant challenge, requiring fintechs to balance flexibility with compliance while maintaining authenticity to build trust. “Social impact is a long game,” Sibley says. “Customers need to see consistency and authenticity before they buy in.” Elena Bazhenova, payment specialist at Exactly, highlights cybersecurity as a critical area of focus.“In 2023, the finance sector experienced the highest number of breaches, underscoring the risks fintechs face,” Bazhenova explains. She urges fintechs to prioritize secure technology, adapt to evolving regulations, and address financial illiteracy to make a lasting impact. Deep Varma, CTO at Alkami, underlines the need to address barriers like limited digital infrastructure and financial literacy in underserved populations. “Investing in financial wellness to drive inclusion and literacy must be an underlying value system,” Varma says. He also stresses the importance of balancing profit and purpose while navigating regulatory complexity and ensuring data security. Matthieu Maurin, CEO of Iceberg Data Lab, emphasizes the need for investment in ESG expertise and sustainable financial practices. He calls for efficiency gains and open-source financial data hubs to free up resources for climate, nature, and social data investments. Sameer Goyal, head of engineering at Acuity Knowledge Partners, highlights several areas fintechs must address, including: Data privacy and security. Financial inclusion for underserved populations. Balancing growth with sustainability. Building trust and transparency. Securing funding for socially driven initiatives. As fintechs continue to innovate, they must confront these challenges head-on to create lasting social impact. By embedding social good into their DNA, balancing profit with purpose, and addressing barriers like accessibility and cybersecurity, fintechs can lead the charge in fostering a more inclusive and equitable financial future.