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By Vote Wayan on November 17, 2025

Fintech AI Financing

Addressing Financial Inclusion Challenges

Despite unprecedented advancements in financial inclusion, approximately 1.3 billion adults globally remain unbanked. Notably, women constitute 55% of this marginalized group. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, limited access to banking services perpetuates cycles of poverty, particularly in the face of increasing climate-related challenges that threaten economic stability.

Embracing Innovation in Financial Solutions

Encouragingly, recent statistics reveal that 40% of adults in developing nations are now saving through formal channels—the fastest growth observed in over a decade. This trend underscores a growing openness to innovative financial products. The intersection of emerging technologies and ongoing financial exclusion presents a remarkable opportunity for transformative fintech solutions.

Funding for AI-Powered Financial Solutions

The AI for Financial Resilience initiative aims to confront these intertwined challenges decisively. By implementing responsible AI technologies, this program seeks to significantly broaden access to financial services and enhance the well-being of the unbanked population.

Equity-Free Funding Opportunity

Mercy Corps Ventures is offering equity-free funding up to $50,000 for startups developing innovative AI-powered financial solutions specifically targeting unbanked communities. The initiative encourages breakthroughs in areas such as AI-driven insurance, parametric credit, blockchain-based savings, and expedited money transfers.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Financial literacy through AI-enabled educational programs
  • Digital insurance and credit solutions for communities vulnerable to climate impacts
  • Blockchain technology for savings and fund transfer mechanisms
  • Emergency payment systems designed for crisis response

Application and Evaluation Criteria

Qualified applications will be evaluated based on their potential impact, innovative advantages, business model sustainability, and likelihood of success within the designated pilot timelines. Mercy Corps Ventures prioritizes scalable solutions that can potentially reach millions while generating robust evidence for sector-wide learning.

Apply now: Deadline is December 1, 2025

Additional Funding Opportunities Available

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Vote Wayan, co-founder of ICTworks. He has also co-founded initiatives such as Technology Salon, Career Pivot, MERL Tech, ICTforAg, ICT4Djobs, and several others. The views expressed here represent his own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer or sponsors of ICTworks.