How is the Fintech Sector Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion for Women?

In recent years, we have seen how financial inclusion has spanned and paved the way for the majority especially for women. And with the powerful expansion of fintech, it has helped women access more benefits by breaking down traditional barriers and empowering women economically. Despite the challenges, the fintech sector has been revolutionizing women for financial empowerment such as NBFC loans with faster approvals. This article explores the basic understanding and impact on women.

Challenges in Women’s Financial Inclusion

Before we dive into understanding how the fintech aspect is helping out women, let’s first dive into the challenges they face. And these challenges are:

Strict Regulations

Women may find it difficult to open accounts due to regulations designed to stop money laundering. For instance, these regulations frequently require identification, but many people live in rural areas without birth certificates or IDs. In order to use mobile banking services, women may additionally need references and documents of company registration, both of which they frequently lack.

Dependence on Informal Finance

In contrast to males, who tend to use formal financial institutions more frequently, women frequently rely on informal savings and loans from friends, family, or local money lenders. This restricts women’s financial alternatives by denying them access to financial items like long-term loans, digital credit, and insurance.

Limited Physical Access

When banks and mobile money agents are too far away, women tend to keep money at home rather than opening an account.

Financial Literacy

Many women, especially in rural areas, struggle with using English-language digital services or menus. They may also lack basic financial skills or find mobile financial services too complicated. This discourages them from using these services.

How is Fintech Transforming Financial Access for Women?

Here are some important ways in which fintech is altering financial services for women:

Digital Platforms for Banking and Loans

Fintech companies are utilising digital platforms to make banking and credit services more accessible to women, especially in remote regions. These digital alternatives can especially benefit women who reside in places without close bank branches or who may have limited mobility.

Female Business Loans

Female business loans are making a big difference for women entrepreneurs. Women-owned enterprises can start and expand with the aid of these special loans. Back then, bank loans were difficult for a lot of women. 

But now, fintech companies are changing this. They offer loans specific to women with a much easy process. These loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible terms. Some even come with extra help, like business advice or training. This means more women can turn their business ideas into reality.

SME Loans

Fintech companies often use different criteria to evaluate loan applications, making them more accessible for women entrepreneurs. They might consider your business plan, growth potential, and how your business will benefit the community alongside traditional factors like credit history. This opens doors for women who may not have a perfect credit score but have a great business idea.  

Fintech lenders provide SME loans with loan amounts that are ideal for launching or expanding a small firm. Plus, the application process can be faster and easier, often done entirely online, saving you valuable time.

Financial Literacy and Empowerment

By giving women the knowledge and skills they need to manage their finances efficiently, fintech companies prioritise financial empowerment. A plethora of fintech platforms offer tools, resources, and courses designed to help women learn about investing, budgeting, and money management.

Conclusion

To sum up, there is a lot of room for the fintech industry to close the gap when it comes to financial inclusion for women.  Fintech companies are providing solutions that empower women and assist them in reaching their financial objectives, ranging from SME loans to loans for female entrepreneurs. Even with the remaining obstacles, the development is encouraging thus far.

Furthermore, borrowing money from Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) has been shown to be simple and beneficial. Compared to traditional banks, NBFCs frequently provide quicker approval processes and more flexible terms, which facilitates women’s access to the funds they require. Fintech can guarantee that women everywhere have the chance to prosper financially and contribute to economic progress by keeping up with innovations and addressing the issues that women encounter.