s we rethink economic models on how to ensure inclusion in the rapidly–developing digital economy, the international community should reimagine strategic financial policies that entail technological innovation, financial regulatory reform, and futuristic integration of emerging industries like gold reserves. The multi–dimensional approach will need stronger collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors, including national governments, tech companies, civil society, and international financial institutions.
Boosting financial literacy using innovative technology should be a national mandate that will boost fintech inclusion. Many countries do not mandate financial literacy in educational institutions, but there is a growing appetite for it. In the United States, there is no national mandate, but the state of South Carolina passed a law mandating increased knowledge of personal finance and investments for high schoolers.
If the U.S. decides to mandate financial literacy, Washington should consider using tech apps such as The Wealth Factor—which has been recognized by both Forbes and the White House—which uses games to build financial literacy. Modern fintech literacy applications should consider expanding their scope by educating consumers on more specific features of the global economy. The role of Bretton Woods Institutions should be part of the curriculum. The app should also explain different economic models, such as the difference between mercantilism, socialism, and capitalism. Building awareness will help consumers understand the costs and benefits of critical topics such as trade wars, raising the debt ceiling, the role of digital currencies in the global economy, and the need for modern–day economic interdependence for American small businesses.
Another approach is integrating innovative financial products like earned wage access (EWA). Reinvigorating tech EWA platforms with fair regulation will boost economic inclusion for low–wage workers. EWS platforms will motivate consumers to invest, enable better management of small businesses, and diminish the consideration of using predatory payday lender companies in underserved communities.
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For an inclusive future of fintech, boost financial literacy now
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
April 28, 2025
Globally, there is growing support for government mandates supporting fintech inclusion through financial literacy. Leaders can look to fintech literacy apps and region–level mandates—such as South Carolina in the U.S.—for inspiration, writes Asha Castleberry–Hernandez.
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s we rethink economic models on how to ensure inclusion in the rapidly–developing digital economy, the international community should reimagine strategic financial policies that entail technological innovation, financial regulatory reform, and futuristic integration of emerging industries like gold reserves. The multi–dimensional approach will need stronger collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors, including national governments, tech companies, civil society, and international financial institutions.
Boosting financial literacy using innovative technology should be a national mandate that will boost fintech inclusion. Many countries do not mandate financial literacy in educational institutions, but there is a growing appetite for it. In the United States, there is no national mandate, but the state of South Carolina passed a law mandating increased knowledge of personal finance and investments for high schoolers.
If the U.S. decides to mandate financial literacy, Washington should consider using tech apps such as The Wealth Factor—which has been recognized by both Forbes and the White House—which uses games to build financial literacy. Modern fintech literacy applications should consider expanding their scope by educating consumers on more specific features of the global economy. The role of Bretton Woods Institutions should be part of the curriculum. The app should also explain different economic models, such as the difference between mercantilism, socialism, and capitalism. Building awareness will help consumers understand the costs and benefits of critical topics such as trade wars, raising the debt ceiling, the role of digital currencies in the global economy, and the need for modern–day economic interdependence for American small businesses.
Another approach is integrating innovative financial products like earned wage access (EWA). Reinvigorating tech EWA platforms with fair regulation will boost economic inclusion for low–wage workers. EWS platforms will motivate consumers to invest, enable better management of small businesses, and diminish the consideration of using predatory payday lender companies in underserved communities.
