Fintech for the People

Fintech has the power to build a more inclusive world. Fintech for the People is about the innovators who are developing fintech solutions that reach the people who’ve been left behind. In each episode, we’ll hear from innovators who are creating financial solutions that bring every person the financial tools they need to grow their business, support their family, and build their community. Together, we’ll learn how fintech looks different in spaces and places where basic financial services are a luxury — and how solutions to address these challenges require a different level of creativity, empathy, and execution. Fintech for the People is an Accion podcast hosted by Amee Parbhoo, Managing Partner of Accion Venture Lab – an early-stage investor in inclusive fintech startups. Learn more about Accion Venture Lab here. Episodes will be released in seasons, on a weekly schedule.

Mercedes Bidart worked in community development for years. Her research showed that women and families needed support to build wealth in informal economies, particularly in Latin America. Thus, the idea for a digital, decentralized, community-focused bank was developed. In this episode, host Matt Schaar talks with Mercedes about how Quipu Bank is building essential financial services to women-owned small businesses in Colombia.

Mercedes Bidart is the co-founder and CEO of Quipu, a web3-enabled financial institution. Mercedes shares how Quipu uses web3 technology to access more data on businesses to more effectively assess their creditworthiness and how adopting liquidity pools ensures stability when market fluctuations occur. Mercedes and Matt also discuss connecting crypto’s benefits with Quipu’s underbanked and underserved customers.

Read Hope or hype: web3 and its potential to advance financial inclusion.

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