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Digital Financial Inclusion in the Times of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a game changer for digital financial services.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Viewpoint: The Importance of Digital Microfinance for Emerging Markets in a COVID-19 World
Digital products and features that speak directly to customer needs are most likely to have an impact, particularly during a time when we’re seeing a spike in digital inquiries as a result of the stresses and concerns prompted by the pandemic. Real-time advice and quick access to practical solutions that enable quick action are among the most direct routes to improved financial health during an increasingly challenging time.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
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Why It’s Time for Africa to Adopt a Regional Digital Financial Identity
Over 1 billion people globally lack any form of officially recognized identification. According to Nkosinathi Ncube at FinMark Trust, this is a significant obstacle to financial inclusion and other development efforts – but overcoming it is no easy task. He explores some of the challenges to expanding access to formal identity in Africa, and explains why an effective solution will require regional action.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
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Building Back Better: How the COVID-19 Crisis Could Lead to an Integration of Health Care and Finance
Since COVID-19 started, the health care world has been talking about finance, trying to lessen the economic damage of lockdowns. And the financial world has been talking about health, launching new products that address the challenges of the pandemic. Chris Wolff explores how the two industries can use their combined response to rebuild in a way that leaves the world in a better place than it was before.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Health Care, Technology
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Designing for Women: How COVID-19 Could Allow Government Payment Programs to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment
Governments around the world are deploying government-to-person programs to address the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. But as Amanda Schwartz at IDEO.org points out, unless these programs are designed around women’s unique needs, they could exacerbate gender inequality and financial exclusion. She explores how a gender inclusive approach could "make the single biggest push for women’s economic empowerment that the world has ever seen."
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
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Weathering a Perfect Storm – Part 1: The Challenges Facing Fintechs in Emerging Markets During COVID-19
Fintechs have proven their potential to deliver financial services to low- and middle-income customers in emerging markets. But even the most innovative approaches can fail in an economy devastated by COVID-19. In this article – the first in a two-part series – analysts at MSC explore the challenges and opportunities the pandemic brings to the fintech sector.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
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Digital Financial Services Could Fast-Track UN SDGs
Change is afoot in Africa as governments work tirelessly to identify their most vulnerable citizens for emergency disbursements. Banks, mobile money operators and Fintech firms are providing innovative solutions to meet their client needs and this may be a significant opportunity for lasting positive change.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital finance, fintech, SDGs
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Press Release: GoBear Grabs $17M in Funding to Accelerate Its Financial Services Across Asia
GoBear, a Singapore based fintech startup, has raised US$17 million in a funding round led by returning investors Walvis Participaties, a Dutch VC firm, and Aegon N.V., a Netherlands-based asset management company, according to a press statement.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Tags
- digital finance, fintech, startups
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