Fintech, Racial Equity, and an Inclusive Financial System

Abstract

This issue of the Community Development Innovation Review examines the promise and pitfalls of financial technology, or fintech, for fostering racial equity and greater financial inclusion. Edited in partnership with the SF Fed’s Fintech Team and Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program, this issue brings together a broad set of voices from people working in various roles—including in technology, community development, economic inclusion, regulation, and investment—to contextualize gaps in the financial system and consider ways to address them. The authors examine dimensions of the fintech ecosystem that promote and those that hinder equity and inclusion. The issue also highlights partnership and design approaches to deepen impact. Fintech leaders are well-positioned to enable greater access to the financial system and are also faced with the potential for deepening existing inequities. This issue provides a starting place to explore this tension.