Financial inclusion

As an open network, bitcoin is in one sense the most inclusive financial system imaginable. But for now, transfers of the cryptocurrency are priced like a luxury good.

On the discussion table: Alipay, Jack Ma, blockchain, AI, building a true digital system, payments, financial inclusion.

Borrowers can benefit from more inclusive data and tightening of certain credit file standards, but so far lenders continue to rely on older models.

The eight winners of an annual fintech competition will receive $250,000 in capital and resources.

The global push to expand financial inclusion takes many paths, based on the challenges—and unique market advantages—in countries where vast portions of the population lack access to modern banking services.

Readers weigh in on the in-store branch model, how community banks hone their message, the difficulty cash-strapped consumers face in finding bank loans, and more.

Banks have not adjusted their business models to accommodate growing numbers of financially precarious Americans. But hard times should not disqualify people from the banking system.

Readers weigh in on a proposal for encouraging small bank installment loans, a firm that uses AI to reduce false alarms, what security improvements are needed for sharing customer data, and more.

With the future of payday lending in flux, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has the ability to help provide consumers with a better credit option.

The card network and the aid organization have also worked together in China and Myanmar.