In an industry often defined by mega-deals and unicorn hunts, Singapore-based early-stage VC firm nVentures is thriving by deliberately taking a different path.

With roots in Sri Lanka and a strong presence across South and Southeast Asia, the firm is carving out a niche by focusing on overlooked founders, modest funding rounds, and gritty problem-solving.

A different kind of deal sheet

Unlike many of its peers, nVentures avoids headline-grabbing fundraises or billion-dollar valuations. Instead, it invests small cheques of US$100,000 to US$250,000 each in up to 15 startups.

The focus is on founders from Tier II and Tier III cities, typically from lower-middle-class backgrounds, tackling critical, real-world issues.

Also Read: Re-awakening Sri Lanka’s legacy of innovation: The story of TRACE

Its sectoral thesis is just as intentional: B2B fintech, SaaS for MSMEs, edutech, and digital health—segments where lean capital at early stages can produce a measurable impact.

Spotlighting grit over gloss

“We realised founders from outside big cities were often more resourceful and frugal and more grounded in the problems they were solving,” says Chalinda Abeykoon, Managing Partner of nVentures. “They’re not chasing trends; they’re solving what they live.”

This conviction, shared by co-founder and fellow General Partner Imal Kaluthotage, forms the backbone of nVentures’ thesis: that overlooked founders with high resilience and local insight can build durable, cash-generating businesses—if they’re given the right support.

Early wins signal promise

That support appears to be paying off. One of nVentures’s early bets, Mintpay (Sri Lanka’s first Buy Now, Pay Later platform) has seen a 7.5x jump in valuation and now counts regional angels and Accelerating Asia among its backers. Another, Kaiju Labs, was acquired within 18 months by Singapore’s KAST at a 100x revenue multiple, delivering a full exit from the firm’s 2025 fund.

Simplebooks, a compliance automation startup, continues to grow in Sri Lanka and India, while Bangladesh-based healthtech MedEasy secured follow-on funding and hit record monthly revenue shortly after nVentures’ involvement.

Rolling up sleeves in the field

“We do more than write cheques,” says Kaluthotage. “Whether it’s making connections, helping with hiring, or troubleshooting operations, we’re fully in it with our founders.”

That ethos extends beyond portfolio companies. The team routinely supports Sri Lankan startups without holding equity, part of what Abeykoon describes as a long-game mentality. “If we can help a founder build something meaningful, the impact multiplies,” he says.

Social impact with scalable results

That multiplier effect is evident in Nanosoft, a firm digitising rural cooperative banks in Sri Lanka’s farming heartland. Since nVentures invested in 2023, Nanosoft has grown from 200 to over 400 digitised co-ops, reaching more than 1.5 million Sri Lankans. An independent study by 60_decibels found that 78 per cent of users reported improved quality of life and 71 per cent said they had no viable alternatives.

Another standout, Dossier, is an AI-powered anti-money laundering platform capable of identifying politically exposed persons and other high-risk clients. Co-founded in Sri Lanka by a former journalist, it was selected by Meta as a top APAC startup for its innovative use of Llama AI.

Deep networks, not just deep pockets

nVentures’s anchor investor is NCINGA, a global systems integrator active in BFSI, telecom, and manufacturing. That relationship enables founders to plug into high-value industry partnerships and client leads across Asia.

Its Limited Partners include leaders from AWS, Klarna, IFC, Lego, BCG, and Sonos—a global network that’s accessible to every founder in the fund.

The firm is also licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Today, nVentures is a recognised feeder for later-stage investors, including Accelerating Asia, Tenity, and Capricorn Private Investments.

Looking ahead

With plans underway for its next fund, nVentures is doubling down on its thesis: backing founders overlooked by traditional VC models, in markets often misunderstood or undervalued.

Also Read: Small market, big dreams: Meet the 30 Sri Lankan startups that are punching above their weight

“We’re still early, but we believe our model works—because we see it working, across markets and sectors,” says Abeykoon.

With an expanding footprint across Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, and the UK, and a portfolio that’s already producing exits, follow-on rounds, and social impact at scale, nVentures is proving that going against the grain can lead to outsized outcomes.

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In the fast-evolving landscape of impact investment, LeapFrog Investments stands out for its scale and purpose. With a mission to reach the world’s four billion emerging consumers, the firm has directed capital toward businesses offering financial services, healthcare, and increasingly, climate solutions. Today, LeapFrog-backed companies serve more than 559 million people globally with 403 million of whom live on less than US$11.20 per day.

As Co-Head of the Asian Financial Services team, Fernanda Lima is at the forefront of this effort. Her work focuses on delivering inclusive financial tools that provide both safety nets and springboards for underserved communities, particularly across South Asia.

According to Lima, “We find it’s a humanitarian and social problem to have this four billion emerging consumers excluded. But it’s also a significant business opportunity. These are consumers whose purchasing power is projected to reach US$12 trillion by 2050.”

Among the various services LeapFrog facilitates, insurance holds a special place. Rather than viewing insurance as a standalone product, Lima frames it as a foundational enabler especially when embedded at the point of sale.

“When we think about insurance, it is crucial to making all services and products affordable to emerging consumers,” she explains. The concept of embedded insurance—where protection is bundled into the purchase of goods such as mobile phones or solar panels—allows these essential items to become more financially accessible through instalment plans or credit.

However, Lima is quick to highlight the challenges: “Nobody wakes up thinking, ‘I need insurance.’ It doesn’t happen like that. The product has to be there when people are acquiring something of value.”

Also Read: The next fintech innovation will be a customer-led phenomenon

This behavioural challenge is compounded by structural issues in the insurance sector. Traditional insurers typically operate with expensive, agent-based distribution models, targeting affluent customers who can afford multiple policies. For Lima, this model is outdated and ill-suited for scale.

“The whole infrastructure is expensive because it’s physical. Warm bodies are needed to sell insurance. It doesn’t work when you’re trying to reach millions with low premiums.”

The result is what LeapFrog identifies as a massive “protection gap”, an estimated multitrillion-dollar shortfall in insurance coverage globally. Lima sees this as both a social failure and a market opening. “There is a huge amount of assets that the population we reach owns that are not insured—homes, devices, even livelihoods. It’s a risk exposure issue waiting to be solved.”

What makes an investable company

LeapFrog’s investment approach is selective, shaped by both mission alignment and commercial viability. Lima stresses that potential portfolio companies must target low- and middle-income consumers in ways that are empowering rather than extractive.

“We don’t want to work with companies lending at crazy interest rates and just funding consumption,” she says.

Instead, LeapFrog looks for firms enabling wealth creation—those offering housing finance, educational loans, or working capital for microenterprises. “That’s crucial for us. They need to be solving real problems.”

Beyond mission fit, financial health and growth trajectory matter. As a growth-stage investor, LeapFrog looks for ventures with strong unit economics and a clear path to profitability. Lima notes, “If they’re not already EBITDA positive, they should have a roadmap to get there.”

Equally important is the spirit of collaboration. “We are true partners,” she says. “We want to work with teams who value having a sounding board—someone who brings not just capital, but sectoral expertise.”

Also Read: Singapore’s SME fintechs face growth hurdles amid restricted API access

This approach has led LeapFrog to invest in such as like PasarPolis and bolttech, both of which are pioneering digital insurance distribution models in Asia. These companies exemplify the firm’s belief in technology as a tool to reach scale, personalise offerings, and reduce costs.

The road ahead: Growth, AI, and climate-linked finance

Despite a challenging market, LeapFrog remains optimistic about the path forward. The firm recently raised US$1.15 billion in new commitments for its fourth fund cycle, a testament to investor confidence in its strategy.

To date, its companies have generated US$7.1 billion in revenue, with average annual growth of 22 per cent across LeapFrog’s history. They’ve also attracted US$787 million in follow-on capital and supported 33 million jobs through micro, small, and medium enterprises.

One major area of future focus is the application of technology—especially AI—in product design, risk management, and customer onboarding. “A lot of our companies have been using AI for years,” Lima says. “It helps them serve clients smarter, price better, and ultimately disrupt incumbents.”

Climate-linked financial services are another growth frontier. LeapFrog sees increasing demand for embedded financing solutions for climate-positive products such as solar panels. “It’s only possible if you insure these products,” Lima explains. “Without insurance, you can’t offer credit, and without credit, affordability breaks down.”

This convergence of insurance, technology, and climate finance marks what Lima calls “a big trend”—one that LeapFrog is determined to lead. “The protection gap is growing, but so is the market demand. And with the right tools, we can meet both.”

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Image Credit: LeapFrog Investments

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Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) has announced the 60 finalists of its 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC).

In this edition, the 60 finalists will gather at SMU’s city campus between 29 September and 2 October 2025 to pitch their innovations to a judging panel during the Grand Finals Week of the biennial competition.

Startups will compete for a prize pool of over S$2.5 million (~US$2 million). Global competition shines a spotlight on startups with urban solutions and sustainability innovations that address today’s grand universal challenges.

Also Read: Urban solutions, sustainability take centre stage at SMU’s LKYGBPC startup challenge in 2025

From airless wheels based on NASA technology, bioplastics tough enough to rival petroleum-based plastics, on-demand hydrogen production at sea, and self-healing concrete, these breakthroughs are amongst the shortlisted entries that challenge decades-old limits in energy, mobility, and infrastructure.

“The 12th LKYGBPC saw record-breaking 1,500+ applications from more than 1,200 universities across 91 countries, a 57 per cent increase compared to the previous edition’s submissions. Entries from Asia increased by 70 per cent, and we also saw a significant increase in submissions from North America, the Middle East and North Africa,” said Ms Shirley Wong, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Managing Partner of TNF Ventures, and Chairperson of the 12th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee.

The contestants will compete across 12 focus areas: carbon tech, climate tech, emerging tech, energy transition, food and land use, green buildings and construction, homeland security, public health, sustainable materials and circularity, transport and logistics, urban mobility and water solutions.

As a new feature this year, LKYGBPC also introduces the DueAI Challenge, a novel initiative that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and comprehensiveness of startup screening. This approach reflects emerging trends in the global venture capital (VC) and startup landscape, where AI-enabled capabilities are increasingly adopted to streamline data collection, accelerate deal flow, and support data-driven investment decisions.

Throughout the Grand Finals Week, held from 29 September to 2 October 2025 at SMU, the 60 global finalists will participate in a series of events designed to connect them with key stakeholders. These include closed-door roundtable sessions with influential regional business families. The startup founders will gain invaluable insights and mentorship, while the business families can engage with cutting-edge technologies relevant to their investment portfolios and industries.

Also Read: German startups MEDEA Biopharma, PlasticFri win LKYGBPC competition

This year’s competition will also serve as a vital pipeline for internship and career opportunities for Singapore-based students. Via an inaugural Talent Exchange segment, students will have the chance to pitch their expertise directly to the finalist startups for the opportunity to join startup teams from universities such as the University of Tokyo, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua University and Harvard University.

The Grand Finals Week will culminate in the highly anticipated Blaze Mixer Night, an open invitation for Singapore’s youth to engage with the young founders from the 60 finalist startups, be inspired by their new technologies, and grow their network.

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News of US President Donald Trump imposing a 100 per cent levy on semiconductor imports, paired with exemptions for companies relocating production to the US, has sparked a wave of optimism among investors. This development has lifted global risk sentiment and fuelled a rally in US stock markets, especially in big tech.

At the same time, the Bank of England’s anticipated interest rate cut, mixed signals from US Treasuries, a weakening US dollar, and movements in commodities like gold and Brent crude paint a complex picture. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has caught attention with a modest rebound, bolstered by surging ETF inflows, technical support, and corporate accumulation.

Let’s unpack these interconnected events and explore what they mean for the world economy and financial markets.

Trump’s semiconductor levy: A game-changer for US markets

The announcement of a 100 per cent levy on semiconductor imports stands out as a pivotal move. Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to cars to defence systems. By slapping such a steep tariff on imports while offering exemptions to companies that shift production back to the US, Trump aims to rewire global supply chains in America’s favour.

The immediate market reaction has been telling. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7 per cent, the Dow Jones edged up 0.2 per cent, and the Nasdaq surged 1.2 per cent, with big tech stocks leading the charge. Investors clearly see this as a boon for US-based firms, especially those in the technology sector that rely heavily on these critical components.

This policy could spark a renaissance in US manufacturing. Companies that move production stateside might tap into tax breaks, create jobs, and bolster national security by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. For tech giants, the exemptions could translate into lower costs and a competitive edge, explaining the Nasdaq’s outsized gains.

Yet, the picture isn’t all rosy. The levy could jolt global supply chains, raising costs for companies unable to relocate quickly. Many firms operate intricate networks spanning multiple countries, and uprooting those operations might prove costly or impractical. Consumers could feel the pinch too, as higher production costs trickle down to product prices.

On the geopolitical front, this move might ruffle feathers. Major semiconductor exporters like Taiwan, South Korea, and China could view the levy as a shot across the bow, potentially sparking retaliatory tariffs or trade disputes. The long-term success of this policy hinges on execution, whether companies can realistically shift production without derailing efficiency or profitability. For now, though, the market’s bullish response signals confidence in the short-term upside, even if uncertainties loom on the horizon.

Bank of England’s Rate Cut: Stimulus with Strings Attached

Across the Atlantic, the Bank of England has investors on edge as it prepares to announce its policy decision on Thursday. Analysts widely expect a 25-basis-point cut, bringing the key interest rate to 4.00 per cent. This move aims to juice up the UK economy by making borrowing cheaper, encouraging businesses to invest and households to spend. After a period of tighter policy to tame inflation, this shift suggests the central bank sees room to prioritise growth.

Also Read: What’s shaping the markets right now: AI hype, Bitcoin’s calm, and the Fed’s next move

What does this mean for the UK? Lower rates could lift demand, supporting sectors like housing and retail. Exporters might also catch a break if the British pound weakens, making UK goods more attractive overseas. However, a depreciating pound could stoke inflation by driving up import costs, a risk the Bank of England will need to monitor closely.

The decision’s ripple effects will depend on the central bank’s messaging. If it hints at more cuts ahead, markets might cheer, but any sign of hesitation could dampen the mood. For now, anticipation of this stimulus has added a layer of optimism to the global risk rally.

US treasuries and the dollar: Mixed signals abound

Back in the US, Treasury yields are sending mixed messages. On Wednesday, the 2-year yield dipped 1.1 basis points to 3.714 per cent, while the 10-year yield ticked up 1.6 basis points to 4.226 per cent. This split suggests investors expect short-term rates to stay low, perhaps reflecting faith in a dovish Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the uptick in longer-term yields points to worries about inflation or stronger growth down the road. It’s a tug-of-war between near-term caution and longer-term bets.

The US Dollar Index, or DXY, underscores this uncertainty. It dropped for a fourth straight day, landing at 98.18. Recent disappointing US economic data, like sluggish job growth or softer consumer spending, might be fueling speculation that the Fed will ease policy further. A weaker dollar boosts US exporters and multinational firms by making their goods cheaper abroad and inflating overseas earnings. Yet, it also reflects a broader shift in confidence, with investors looking beyond the dollar for returns as global risk appetite picks up.

Commodities and Asian markets: Riding the wave

Commodities offer another lens on market dynamics. Gold slipped 0.3 per cent to US$3,369 per ounce, a modest pullback after a four-day winning streak. Profit-taking likely drove the dip, but gold’s lofty price underscores its role as a haven amid uncertainty. Brent crude, meanwhile, fell 1.1 per cent to US$66.89 per barrel, nudged lower by news of a potential Trump-Putin meeting. If that summit eases geopolitical tensions over energy sanctions or conflict zones, oil’s risk premium could shrink further.

Asian stock markets, on the other hand, caught the upbeat vibe. They rallied Wednesday and opened higher Thursday, buoyed by hopes of Fed rate cuts. Cheaper borrowing in the US often floods global markets with liquidity, lifting risk assets like stocks. US equity futures echoed this sentiment, hinting at a strong open. The interplay of US policy shifts and Asian market gains highlights how interconnected the financial world has become.

Also Read: When markets falter: US jobs, Russia, and Bitcoin’s moment to shine

Bitcoin’s bounce: Institutional faith and technical grit

Then there’s Bitcoin, which rose 0.85 per cent in the past 24 hours to US$114,592.79, shaking off a 3.23 per cent weekly slide. Three forces are at play here. First, US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw US$91.52 million in net inflows on August 6, snapping a five-day outflow streak. BlackRock’s US$41.9 million and Bitwise’s US$26.35 million led the charge, pushing total ETF assets to US$146.73 billion. This flood of institutional money signals growing trust in Bitcoin’s stability, with heavyweights like BlackRock holding roughly 625,000 BTC. If inflows persist, they could anchor prices above US$115,000.

Second, Bitcoin’s technicals tell a story of resilience. It held firm at the US$112,000 support level, buoyed by the 50-day simple moving average at US$112,860 and a key Fibonacci level at US$113,455. Traders are buying dips, pushing it toward resistance at US$115,500. The RSI sits at 49.15, showing neutral momentum, but a bearish MACD hints at caution. A break above US$115,500 could eye US$117,500, while a slip below US$113,500 might test US$110,800.

Third, corporate moves are turning heads. Japan’s Metaplanet snapped up 463 BTC for US$53.7 million at US$115,895 per coin, while Tether unveiled plans to become the world’s top Bitcoin miner by 2025, aiming for 80,000 BTC. These steps shrink exchange supply and cement Bitcoin’s “digital gold” allure. Tether’s mining push, in particular, could tighten long-term supply, nudging prices higher if demand holds.

For now, the data backs a cautiously optimistic view: markets are climbing, liquidity is flowing, and innovation is humming. The threads tying it all together feel fragile, and keeping a sharp eye on the numbers will be key to navigating what’s next.

As markets climb on policy tailwinds, keeping a sharp eye on the numbers will be crucial to seizing opportunities and sidestepping pitfalls.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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Consider this scenario. A 45-year-old shopkeeper in Mumbai downloads a digital payment app after months of encouragement from his tech-savvy nephew. Within minutes, he’s confronted with terms like “UPI PIN,” “merchant QR codes,” and “wallet top-ups.” The interface floods him with options he doesn’t understand. Due to this inability and other inhibitions, he ends up deleting the app before even completing the registration process.

This typical scenario enacts itself millions of times, especially across emerging markets, where fintech adoption rates regularly clash with user anxiety levels. While global fintech usage has inevitably surged with digital payment transactions clocking US$20.09 trillion in 2025, a significant portion of potential users who are deterred by complexity and fear of financial mistakes still remain on the sidelines.

This apparent disconnect reveals a fundamental design challenge. Fintech products built for the financially underserved often alienate the very users who need them most.

The psychology of financial anxiety

Financial anxiety runs deeper than simple unfamiliarity with technology. For many first-time digital finance users, every interaction carries emotional weight. A wrong tap could mean lost money, compromised security, or public embarrassment.

Research indicates that a significant percentage of adults in emerging markets express concern about using digital financial services, with security fears topping the list. But anxiety also stems from the cognitive overload and mental exhaustion that stems from processing too much unfamiliar information at once.

Consider the typical new user: a domestic worker in Ghaziabad who receives cash wages, a farmer in rural Maharashtra managing seasonal income, or a small business owner in Ludhiana tracking daily receipts. These users approach fintech with caution, carrying mental models shaped by traditional banking experiences or, often, complete banking exclusion.

Their anxiety manifests in predictable behaviors: excessive hesitation before confirming transactions, repeated checking of account balances, and immediate abandonment when faced with complex procedures. They’re not essentially technophobic but simply risk-averse in a domain where mistakes prove costly.

Also Read: Classroom capitalism: Why private equity is quietly taking over Indian schools

Where fintech designs go wrong

Most fintech products inadvertently create friction precisely where anxious users need smoothness. The problems cluster around three critical areas.

• Overwhelming KYC complexity

Know Your Customer processes, which are designed for regulatory compliance, often become user nightmares. Traditional KYC flows demand multiple document uploads, precise photo requirements, and lengthy form completion. For users already nervous about digital finance, these gatekeeping procedures feel like obstacle courses.

For instance, a popular payment service in India discovered that many users were abandoning the platform during KYC verification. The culprit: a seven-step process requiring passport photos, utility bills, and income documentation which many users didn’t readily have or understand how to provide.

• Interface overload

Fintech dashboards often cram multiple functions onto single screens, assuming users want comprehensive access to features. But anxious users facing investment options, loan calculators, insurance products, and payment tools simultaneously experience decision paralysis.

The early versions of a now-popular digital app also suffered from this common design hurdle. The home screen presented dozens of services, from bike rentals to wealth management that confounded users who simply wanted to send money to their family members. Usage data revealed that more than half the user percentage accessed only two features regularly, despite having access to over 50.

• Persistent communication barriers

Financial jargon pervades fintech interfaces, even in products designed for mass markets. Terms like “liquidity,” “APR,” “merchant discount rates,” and “settlement periods” appear without explanation, creating cognitive gaps for users unfamiliar with financial terminology.

Language barriers compound the problem. While many fintech products offer local language support, the translations often remain technically dense, failing to address the conceptual unfamiliarity that drives user anxiety.

Designing for calm and confidence

The most successful fintech products for anxious users prioritise psychological comfort alongside functional efficiency. They recognise that reducing cognitive load is as important as reducing clicks.

The need for progressive disclosure

Smart fintech design reveals features gradually, allowing users to build confidence with basic functions before encountering advanced options. Intelligent interfaces exemplify this approach by presenting users with a simple menu of core actions: send money, buy airtime, pay bills. This progressive approach works because it mirrors natural learning patterns. Users gain confidence through successful completion of simple tasks, building mental models that support more complex interactions later.

Contextual help guides decisions

Rather than relying on FAQ sections or help centres, anxiety-aware fintech products embed guidance directly into user flows. When users hesitate, indicated by cursor hovering or extended page dwell time, contextual tooltips appear with reassuring explanations.

Also Read: Why SEA and India would take centre stage in startup and VC world in the next decade

A major bank has employed this technique effectively in their credit card application process. When users pause over the “credit limit” field, a friendly animation explains how limits work, what happens if you exceed them, and how to adjust limits later. The explanation uses everyday language and visual metaphors for transforming anxiety into understanding.

Visual feedback builds trust

Anxious users need constant reassurance that they’re making correct choices. Effective fintech design provides immediate visual confirmation for every action: green checkmarks for completed steps, loading animations showing transaction progress, and clear success messages with transaction details.

A leading Indian digital payments platform also excels at this reassurance design. Every transaction triggers a satisfying animation sequence: money leaving one account, traveling through the digital system, and arriving at the destination. Users see their actions have consequences, building confidence in the system’s reliability.

Multilingual support goes beyond translation

True multilingual fintech design adapts not just language but cultural context. Numbers, dates, and currency formats adjust to local conventions. More importantly, explanations use culturally relevant metaphors and examples.

Most lending platforms operating across emerging markets discovered that direct translations of financial concepts often confused users. Their solution: local adaptation teams that reimagined explanations using familiar cultural references. For instance, explaining interest rates using examples from local savings groups or using family remittance scenarios.

Intelligent defaults reduce decisions

Anxious users often struggle with open-ended choices. Fintech products can ease this burden by providing smart defaults based on user profiles and common use cases, while still allowing customisation for confident users.

Mobile banking solutions for rural users can effectively implement this approach by pre-selecting common transaction amounts and frequent recipients. Users can override these defaults, but most appreciate having sensible starting points that reduce decision-making pressure.

The trust dividend

Fintech products that successfully address user anxiety discover an unexpected benefit: enhanced customer loyalty. Users who feel comfortable and confident with a platform develop deeper engagement and become enthusiastic advocates.

A popular mobile wallet and payment app from the subcontinent aptly demonstrated this phenomenon. By prioritising user education and interface simplicity, they achieved impressive customer retention rates among first-time digital payment users that were significantly higher than competitors with more feature-rich but complex offerings.

The loyalty stems from an emotional connection. When users feel understood and supported rather than overwhelmed and confused, they develop trust that extends beyond individual transactions to the brand itself.

Building the inclusive future

Fintech companies today have a profound opportunity to shape the emotional landscape of financial experiences. By prioritising intuitive design, contextual guidance, and culturally rooted communication, the industry can turn unfamiliarity into confidence. When users feel understood—not judged—their relationship with money changes for the better.

And this is already in motion. Across India and other emerging markets, some fintech platforms are making quiet progress in improving accessibility and trust. One example is FindiBANKIT, which focuses on semi-urban and rural users through services like domestic remittances, micro-ATM withdrawals, Aadhaar-enabled payments, and utility bill payments. By delivering these tools in familiar formats and local languages, it reflects how fintech can adapt to meet users where they are—culturally, linguistically, and technologically.

The strength of this approach lies in its alignment with real user needs—simplicity, reliability, and emotional clarity. For first-time users, whether shopkeepers or daily-wage workers, these platforms can make the difference between an overwhelming experience and an empowering one.

The role of fintech now is not just to innovate—it is to include. It is to build products that don’t just work but reassure. That don’t just serve the tech-savvy but invite the hesitant. And in doing so, fintech becomes more than an industry—it becomes a force for social transformation.

By embracing anxiety-aware design and local-first thinking, fintech leaders are laying down the tracks for a more inclusive future. Because when fear fades and confidence takes its place, financial freedom stops being a privilege—and starts becoming a possibility for all.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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