Financial inclusion is the principle that everyone, regardless of their income, social status, or location, should have access to affordable, convenient, and quality financial services.

This includes access to savings accounts, loans, insurance, and other financial products and services that can help people manage their money, grow their savings, and protect their assets.

What Does Financial Inclusion Stand For?

In the context of consumer lending, financial inclusion plays a crucial role by guaranteeing that everyone has an equitable opportunity to borrow money when required. Here’s why it matters:

• Fair access: people from all backgrounds can get loans, no matter how much money they have or where they come from. It’s about giving everyone an equal opportunity to borrow based on their ability to repay, rather than judging them by their income or social status.
• Better opportunities: more individuals can borrow money to invest in education, start businesses, buy homes, or cover important expenses.
• Fighting poverty: providing loans to people with limited income, they can use the borrowed money to create new sources of income, handle unexpected expenses, or improve their overall quality of life. 
• Dealing with emergencies: when unexpected events happen or financial difficulties arise, having access to credit allows people to manage those situations, cover essential costs, and protect themselves from financial hardships.
• Building a credit history: financial inclusion in consumer lending helps individuals build a positive credit history. It becomes important in the future, as it helps individuals qualify for better loans and lower interest rates.
• Protection for borrowers: consumer protection measures ensure that lenders treat borrowers fairly, with clear terms and responsible lending practices. 

Global Perspective On Financial Inclusion

For finance establishments worldwide financial inclusion became a concern Efforts are being made by countries and organizations to promote access to financial services.

Here are some global statistics and perspectives on financial inclusion:

• The Global Findex, published by the World Bank, provides comprehensive data on financial inclusion indicators. According to the latest Findex report (2017), about 69% of adults worldwide have an account with a financial institution or mobile money provider.
• Gender inequality in financial inclusion remains a significant challenge. Globally, women are more likely to be financially excluded compared to men. According to the Findex report, women are 7% less likely to have access to formal financial services than men.
• Mobile money has played a transformative role in expanding financial inclusion, especially in regions with limited banking infrastructure. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), there were over 1.2 billion registered mobile money accounts globally in 2020.
• FinTech innovations, including digital payments and mobile banking, have enabled greater financial inclusion by providing accessible and affordable services. FinTech adoption has been growing rapidly, particularly in countries with high mobile phone penetration.
• Governments and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in fostering financial inclusion. Policies and regulations are implemented by countries worldwide to promote inclusive financial systems, encourage competition, and protect consumers.

Financial Inclusion Benefits Consumer Lending Institutions

At first glance it may seem like financial inclusion was invented only to protect borrowers, causing additional costs and risks for lending institutions.

In fact, the real mission of this concept is to create a healthy and balanced finance market, that would benefit both lenders and consumers.

In their turn, lenders can also benefit from financial inclusion in a number of ways.

Market Expansion

The potential customer base for consumer lenders is expanding. Lenders can tap into new markets and target a larger pool of borrowers by reaching underserved populations and previously excluded individuals. This can lead to increased loan demand and business growth for lenders.

Reduced Risk

When more people have access to formal financial services, it can contribute to a more stable lending environment.

Borrowers are more likely to have a credit history and formal identification, making it easier for lenders to assess their creditworthiness. 

Diversification Of Loan Portfolio

Finance businesses diversify their loan portfolios by serving a broader range of borrowers.

This way lenders can offer a variety of loan products tailored to different needs and risk profiles. Such diversification helps mitigate risk and potentially improve overall portfolio performance.

Innovation and Product Development

Financial inclusion fosters innovation in consumer lending. When lenders cater to diverse customer segments, they are incentivized to develop innovative loan products, adopt new technologies, and create flexible repayment options.

This can lead to more customer-centric and inclusive lending practices, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Regulatory Compliance and Market Recognition

Lending businesses align with regulatory initiatives and policy objectives in many jurisdictions thanks to adopting financial inclusion.

Lenders that actively promote financial inclusion are more likely to comply with regulatory requirements and benefit from supportive policies.

Furthermore, participating in financial inclusion initiatives can enhance the lender’s reputation in the market and foster positive relationships with regulators and industry stakeholders.

How Can Consumer Lenders Embrace Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion has transformative potential in consumer lending. Not only it gives financials a competitive advantage, but also creates a new perspective on business development.

To effectively advance this imperative, consumer lending institutions should implement a range of strategic approaches.

1. Enhance the loan application process by digitizing workflows, minimizing documentation requirements, and leveraging intuitive interfaces. Simplifying and expediting the application journey can facilitate greater access for individuals across socioeconomic strata.
2. Proactively explore innovative credit scoring methodologies to accommodate borrowers with limited or unconventional credit histories. By leveraging alternative data sources and advanced analytics, lenders can develop dynamic models that evaluate creditworthiness more comprehensively.
3. Introduce tailored microloan products catering to diverse financial needs. These offerings should exhibit flexibility in terms of loan amounts, repayment plans, and interest rates, aligning with the unique requirements of underserved communities.
4. Foster financial education initiatives to empower borrowers with improved financial literacy and decision-making capabilities. Collaborate with educational institutions, NGOs, and governmental bodies, to nurture informed customers, bolstering their financial acumen.
5. Harness the potential of cutting-edge technologies, such as digital platforms, mobile banking, and consumer lending software, to bridge geographical disparities. Lenders can transcend physical barriers and deliver inclusive loan services even to remote populations by embracing digitalization.
6. Engage with emerging fintech startups to capitalize on their disruptive capabilities. Collaborations enable lenders to leverage technology-driven solutions, data analytics, and advanced algorithms to unlock novel approaches to inclusive lending.

Consumer lenders can drive financial inclusion by implementing these practices, fostering equitable access to their services across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

We are ready to support and guide lenders in this transformative journey toward a more inclusive financial landscape.