From microloans for farmers to free savings accounts for the ‘unbanked’ to customised insurance for gig workers to a cheaper, faster way for migrants to send money to loved ones: a growing range of services is helping many of the world’s least advantaged citizens increase their financial resilience. Previously, banks and other traditional lending institutions overlooked these customers. But as impact director Ed Whitten explains, by backing the companies now involved, you have an opportunity to improve people’s lives and achieve strong growth.

Background:

Ed Whitten is an impact director in Baillie Gifford’s Positive Change Strategy. Its dual objective is to provide our clients with attractive returns while contributing to a more inclusive, healthy world. Whitten’s role is to ensure that the companies it holds fulfil the second part of that pledge.

In this episode, he explores the topic of financial inclusion, explaining why the companies involved need to do more than simply provide access to loans, insurance and money transfers. Topics include how firms can use data and apps to deliver customised services that address specific people’s needs while protecting them from indebtedness. Whitten also explains how conversations with the companies Positive Change backs can nudge them towards better outcomes, such as providing customers with better financial education. And he explores the importance of helping people gain financial resilience against the effects of climate change and other events that could otherwise devastate their livelihoods.

Companies covered include:

Nubank – the digital-only bank used by most Brazilian adults that’s also growing in Mexico and Colombia.

Grab – the south-east Asian ride-hailing and delivery service that provides loans and insurance to drivers and merchants using its platform.

Remitly – the remittance service offering migrants a quick, low-cost and reliable way to transfer money to family and friends.

HDFC Bank – the Indian lender expanding its rural branch network to explain face-to-face how its services can put customers on a better financial path.

Resources:

Case study: Maliga

Nubank’s Beyond Access study

Positive Conversations 2024

The Song of the Cell

Trip Notes: Brazil (UK version / Ex-UK version)

Companies mentioned include:

Chime

Bank Rakyat Indonesia

Grab

HDFC Bank

MercadoLibre

The ‘invisible’ millions: banking’s new frontier