Building the Consumer Voice in Digital Finance: March 2025 Workshop

Building the Consumer Voice in Digital Finance: March 2025 Workshop

Consumers worldwide rely on digital finance for essential transactions, yet many face barriers, risks and uncertainties. While 1.4 billion people remain unbanked, financial inclusion efforts must ensure they do not deepen digital divides. New technologies promise better consumer experiences but also introduce new vulnerabilities, such as hidden fees, data privacy risks, and limited recourse for fraud. Consumers deserve transparent, fair, and accessible financial services, yet providers must navigate cross-border challenges amid increasingly localised policies. Consumers International has been leading global efforts to strengthen consumer-first approaches in financial systems, driving policy reforms in Fiji, Nigeria, and Uganda. Our Transparency campaign, involving 50+ multi-stakeholders, has highlighted the need for timely, inclusive information in digital finance. Consumer advocates, financial institutions, and regulators recognise the need for a stronger consumer voice in policy and innovation. But how can we ensure trust, resilience, and inclusive growth? Supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Consumers International is redefining consumer resilience, focusing on quality financial inclusion and lasting impact. Insights from past campaigns shape this initiative, pushing beyond access to emphasise fairness and safety.