Financial inclusion

The Human Account, a survey of 11,500 people, is intended to inspire banks and governments to come up with better ways to help low-income people.

A new credit score that includes consumers' cash flow alongside their credit score is winning praise for its potential to help expand access to credit, but some worry it gives the credit bureaus even more data that could be compromised.

The agency’s biennial survey showed gradual improvement in access to mainstream banks, but over 14 million adults lack ties to a federally insured institution.

Better web access, paid for by banks, could go a long way toward moving the unbanked into the mainstream. It was one of many ideas batted around at a recent a conference on the role fintech can play in promoting financial inclusion.

Banks should work to shield some customers who may otherwise be flagged or blocked by AI-powered safeguards, and consider using alternative data to expand services to the underbanked.

An OCC charter for fintechs requires firms to meet a “financial inclusion” standard instead of conventional Community Reinvestment Act requirements. That’s a problem.

Judy Long, president of First Citizens National Bank in Dyersburg, Tenn., launched the Smart Women financial literacy program after seeing female customers struggle with managing their finances.

An OCC charter for fintechs requires firms to meet a “financial inclusion” standard instead of conventional Community Reinvestment Act requirements. That’s a problem.

It bothered Jeannie Tarkenton, founder of Funding University, that too many kids from lower-income families didn't graduate because they lacked just a few thousand dollars and couldn't get a loan.

The bank's $7 million over four years toward the initiative is its largest overseas philanthropic commitment.

A $52 million-asset African-American-owned bank in South Carolina is hoping its efforts can be expanded to help underbanked consumers nationwide.

The OCC has simplified language detailing how fintech charter applicants will clear requirements for meeting community needs. The move has some consumer groups worried.

While mass transit has long been seen as a potential catalyst for changing payment habits, it's apps such as Uber, Grab and Lyft that are making the biggest difference in how people pay for transportation.

Rural Alaskans, including Native Americans living in the mountains, may not have access to traditional banks. But they aren't exactly living off the grid.

Jonathan Walker of the Center for the New Middle Class and Mark Schwanhausser of Javelin discuss ideas for helping women facing financial difficulties.

Women with credit scores below 700 feel more stressed about money than any other group, according to a new study. The findings suggest financial firms should cater to them with special advisory products and services.

The agency’s recent bulletin could help banks get back into the small-dollar lending business, keeping needy borrowers out of debt traps. But other regulatory limits remain in focus.

Fair Square Financial has received a $100 million equity investment from the Orogen Group to fund a credit card designed for underserved U.S. consumer segments.

Across the globe, many different populations have distinct reasons for being unbanked. To reach these audiences, mainstream financial companies are discovering approaches that wouldn't be possible in the U.S.

The bank’s latest punishment would settle charges by the CFPB and the OCC; Staley did not act without integrity in trying to unmask a whistleblower.