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Three Ways Technological Disruption is Fighting Inequality in Asia – And One Challenge it Hasn’t Yet Overcome
A wave of economic development is transforming Asia. But along with its many benefits, this growth is straining the region’s natural resources and leaving many poor communities behind. However, Sangeetha Watson at AVPN highlights some good news: Sustainable, tech-based solutions can help address these inequalities, particularly in financial inclusion, health care delivery and gender equity. She explores technology's impact on these areas – and flags one problem that tech has largely failed to address.
- Categories
- Technology
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Rockefeller Foundation Aims to Make Tax Perk Work for Poor
The Rockefeller Foundation is set to announce Tuesday that it will hand out $5.5 million to help six U.S. cities promote “responsible” investment in areas designated as opportunity zones.
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- Investing
- Region
- North America
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Speculating on the Future of Financial Inclusion: Predictions, Solutions (and Warnings) for the Next 20 Years
We live in extraordinary times: In the next 20 years, futuristic technologies like drones, driverless cars, virtual reality and robotics will transform communities and entire industries. Meanwhile, says MSC founder Graham Wright, breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence, big data and mobile connectivity will have a similar impact on financial inclusion. Wright makes some bold predictions, and highlights the trends and technologies that are likely to play important roles in the sector’s development.
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- Finance, Technology
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U.S. Democrats push financial inclusion as 2020 election race heats up
Following the 2008 financial crisis, many banks pulled back from their poorest customers. The shift has had lasting costs for millions of Americans now struggling to access mainstream financial services such as checking accounts and credit cards.
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- Finance
- Region
- North America
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Gender Discrimination Drives Income Inequality: How Impact Investors Can Respond
Investors have increasingly begun to realize that income inequality is one of the most urgent socioeconomic challenges of our time. But while the problem has many causes, few stand out as significantly as gender discrimination. In light of a new report on how investors can respond to income inequality, William Burckart, Michael Musuraca and Steve Lydenberg explore the high cost of gender discrimination – and share some of the ways investors are addressing the issue.
- Categories
- Investing
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Inexpensive Impact: The Case for Frugal Innovations
Over 4 billion people around the world lack necessities like food, water, energy, health care and housing. This represents not only a major social challenge but a major market, as low-income consumers have an annual purchasing capacity of US $5 trillion. Rajat Chabba and Sheena Raikundalia at Intellecap explore how entrepreneurs are developing innovative, frugal products to meet these customers’ needs – and why an ecosystem approach is needed to help them scale their solutions.
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- Entrepreneurship, Technology
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The Impact of Inconsistency: Uncovering the Hidden Cost of Variable Work Schedules
There’s no shortage of apps and initiatives intended to help low-income people budget their money and boost their savings. But for millions of Americans, no amount of budgeting or discipline can overcome a lack of stable income. Studies show that almost 40 percent of working adults experience a drop in income at least one month per year, making it difficult to cover expenses like food, rent and other necessities. Analysts at Duke's Common Cents Lab explore the often-hidden impact of this problem – and discuss some ways product developers and employers could help.
- Categories
- Finance
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Perspective: A global tipping point: Half the world is now middle class or wealthier
So September 2018 marks a global tipping point. After this, for the first time ever, the poor and vulnerable will no longer be a majority in the world. Barring some unfortunate global economic setback, this marks the start of a new era of a middle-class majority.
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