The prevailing narrative in the financial technology industry has centered around one central concept: access. The promise of fintech “revolutionizing” financial services has led many to celebrate the proliferation of apps and platforms that claim to democratize financial tools.
This move is not unfounded, especially considering companies such as McKinsey & Company define financial inclusion as “when everyone can access financial services that can help them build wealth.” While access is undeniably important, it is just the first step toward financial inclusion. True financial inclusion requires more than just providing access — it demands preserving dignity and ensuring meaningful control over one’s financial life.
