Financial inclusion is a key aspect of economic growth and development, enabling individuals to access essential financial services for managing their finances. People can save money, build credit histories, and invest in their future through access to banking services.

In recent years, the concept of crypto-friendly banks has emerged as an innovative way to facilitate financial inclusion by leveraging the advantages of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This type of bank innovation has the potential to revolutionize traditional banking practices while creating more inclusive opportunities for those who have been left out of mainstream finance due to a lack of resources or knowledge. This article will explore how crypto-friendly banks are helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets to create greater financial inclusion worldwide.

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Why do we need bank innovation that addresses financial inclusion?

Financial inclusion means ensuring that everyone, especially those who are underserved or marginalized, has access to a diverse variety of financial services, products, and resources. The goal is to provide people with the resources and chances to fully engage in the economy, handle their finances, and enhance their overall welfare.

Financial inclusion encompasses various dimensions, including access to basic banking services (savings accounts, payment services, and credit facilities), insurance, investment options, and other financial tools. It also involves providing affordable and relevant financial services that meet the diverse needs of individuals, irrespective of their income level, location, gender, age, or social status.

Promoting financial inclusion aims to tackle economic inequities, decrease poverty, improve livelihoods, and enable individuals and communities to create a stronger financial outlook. Furthermore, financially inclusive systems contribute to economic growth, stability, and resilience by expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth accumulation.

According to data from the World Bank, an estimated 1.4 bn people in the world are unbanked. Traditional banking systems often pose several challenges and barriers for unbanked and underbanked populations, preventing them from having access to the necessary financial services and resources. These challenges can include but aren't limited to a lack of physical access, high account opening requirements, minimum balance requirements, a lack of credit access and financial history, and limited financial education and awareness.

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have the potential to revolutionize traditional banking practices and create more inclusive opportunities for those who have been left out of mainstream finance.

Crypto-friendly banks: a gateway to financial inclusion

Crypto-friendly banks, also known as cryptocurrency-friendly banks or digital asset banks, are financial institutions that embrace cryptocurrencies and provide services tailored to the needs of cryptocurrency users. They offer digital wallets, custody solutions, and cryptocurrency exchanges, allowing customers to buy, sell, store, and manage digital assets. Watch the video below to learn more about the tokenization of assets:

These banks navigate the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and ensure compliance with regulations. They often adopt innovative technologies and explore emerging trends in the blockchain industry. Unlike traditional banks, crypto-friendly banks provide seamless global accessibility, lower barriers to entry, and facilitate cross-border transactions with ease.

Crypto-friendly banks have the potential to address several challenges faced by underbanked populations:

• Increased accessibility: Crypto-friendly banks are available online and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. They offer customers greater convenience and faster access to services than traditional banks, making them attractive options for those who live in remote or rural areas.
• Credit access and alternative lending: Crypto-friendly banks can provide access to alternative credit products and services designed for underbanked populations. These products often look at variables beyond a person's traditional financial history and enable people with limited or no credit histories to qualify for loans.
• Financial literacy and education: Crypto-friendly banks can provide financial literacy and education to help customers better understand the risks associated with trading cryptocurrencies. This can empower customers to make more informed decisions when it comes to investing and managing their finances.
• Global accessibility and remittances: Crypto-friendly banks can enable customers to send and receive funds across borders with ease, which is essential for those who have family members living abroad. This accessibility from the payment innovation helps bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets while facilitating smoother remittance services worldwide.

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Case studies: promoting inclusion through bank innovation

Coinbase, which is one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, has created an education project named Coinbase Earn. Users can earn various cryptocurrencies through this program by completing educational courses and quizzes. This initiative aims to promote financial literacy by helping people learn about finance and acquire cryptocurrencies, even if they don't have the money to buy them directly.

BABB is a UK-based fintech company that aims to provide services to the unbanked and underbanked populations through bank innovation. It uses blockchain technology to provide people with an affordable and user-friendly bank account that allows them to store, send, and receive money around the world. BABB aims to provide basic banking services to individuals who do not have access to traditional banking systems to promote financial inclusion.

Cryptocurrencies have provided an alternative financial lifeline in Venezuela, where hyperinflation and economic instability have severely impacted its traditional banking system. Venezuelans are using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to protect their money and participate in global commerce. According to CoinDesk, people living in Venezuela suffer from extreme inflation and economic instability. And because cryptocurrencies are resistant to censorship and inflation-proof, they've become very popular among people looking for a way to maintain value.

Addressing challenges and concerns for crypto-friendly banks

Despite the potential of crypto-friendly banks, it's worth noting that they face several concerns and risks that need to be carefully addressed. One of the main challenges is complying with the constantly changing regulations regarding cryptocurrencies and digital assets. To keep customer funds and personal information safe, it's necessary to have strong measures in place to prevent hacking and fraud. Moreover, the fluctuating nature of cryptocurrency prices makes it vulnerable to risks associated with market volatility. Finally, there are further concerns regarding the absence of safeguards for consumers and the restricted ability to reverse transactions.

The emergence of new technologies in the crypto space requires careful evaluation and risk management. Addressing these concerns involves prioritizing compliance, implementing strong security measures, providing customer education, and fostering collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders.

While challenges and risks exist, crypto-friendly banks have the potential to significantly impact the future of financial inclusion. They could expand access to financial services, empower underbanked and unbanked populations, increase efficiency, foster bank innovation, and encourage financial literacy and education. Crypto-friendly banks' forward-looking approach holds promise for a future where the global financial ecosystem is accessible to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical locations.