Reimagining Inclusive Digital Finance
Digital Financial Services (DFS) have long been built around the promise of speed, efficiency, and seamless transactions. These values have driven innovation, making financial tools more accessible than ever. But for the unbanked and underbanked—those navigating DFS for the first time—efficiency alone is not enough. Their financial lives are shaped by trust, familiarity, and social dynamics that don’t always align with the mainstream push for faster, frictionless transactions.
What if DFS were designed not just for speed, but for security and confidence? What if friction could be a feature, not a flaw—helping users slow down, learn, and build trust? Meaningful inclusion demands a shift in perspective, recognizing that financial participation isn’t just about access but about sustained, confident engagement.
This piece explores ideas that challenge the current trajectory of DFS, offering provocations to inspire more thoughtful, inclusive solutions. By rethinking how digital finance interacts with people’s realities, we can move beyond access and towards financial systems that truly support and evolve with their users.
