Problems in Fintech Design

Lack of Simple Default Portfolios for Small Investors

Investors are forced to self-select complex options instead of using safe, diversified defaults.

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Lack of Simple Micro-Investment Products

Few regulated products allow individuals to invest very small, flexible amounts easily.

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Lack of Standard Hardship and Forbearance Rules

Absence of clear rules for hardship relief leads to inconsistent or unfair treatment of distressed borrowers.

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Lack of Standardized Cost Metrics

Inconsistent or absent standardized cost metrics (APR, TCC) prevent comparison of small-dollar credit offers.

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Lack of Tailored Products for Rural Subprime Borrowers

Rural and remote borrowers lack access to appropriately structured and priced small loans.

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Lack of Transparent Product Comparison Tools

Consumers cannot easily compare coverage, exclusions, and prices across providers.

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Lack of Transparent Reporting on Claims Performance

Limited public data on claims ratios and turn-around times obscures product value.

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Lack of Transparent Routing in Cross-Border Chains

Complex correspondent chains obscure who touches the payment and where delays or costs emerge.

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Lack of Trusted Channels for Advice and Comparison

Subprime borrowers lack independent tools to compare offers and understand rights in small-dollar credit markets.

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Lack of Trustworthy Public Information on Fees and Rights

Users cannot easily compare providers or understand their rights in payment systems.

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Language and Literacy Barriers in Banking Interfaces

Products, forms, and apps are not localized or simplified for low-literacy or non-dominant-language users.

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Legacy Core Systems Limiting Innovation

Aging infrastructure constrains inclusive product design and interoperability.

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Legal Status Uncertainty of Digital Lenders

Ambiguity about licensing and jurisdiction for cross-border or app-based lenders complicates oversight.

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Limited Access to Branches and Cash Infrastructure

Rural and low-income urban areas lack convenient branches and ATMs, increasing time and cost to bank.

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Limited Access to Diversified Cross-Border Investments

Capital controls, regulations, or platform barriers restrict small investors to narrow domestic markets.

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Limited Access to Formal Credit for Subprime Borrowers

Households with thin or damaged credit files cannot access mainstream loans and are pushed toward high-cost or informal products.

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Limited Access to Real-Time Payment Infrastructure

Non-banks and smaller providers face barriers connecting to instant payment rails, limiting competition and innovation.

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Limited Access to Regulated Low-Cost Index Products

Many markets lack easy, affordable access to diversified index funds or ETFs for small savers.

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Limited Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Processes and products are not designed for people with disabilities as customers or beneficiaries.

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Limited Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Investment Channels

Digital and physical investment channels are not fully accessible for persons with disabilities.

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Limited Availability of No-Frills Basic Accounts

Simple, low-fee, safeguarded accounts mandated by policy are missing or poorly implemented.

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Limited Availability of Shariah-Compliant and Values-Based Investments

Investors with religious or ethical constraints struggle to find suitable, transparent products.

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Limited Channels for Local Impact and Community Investing

Small investors struggle to direct capital to local SMEs, housing, or community projects safely.

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Limited Chargeback and Refund Rights for Wallet Users

Non-bank wallets often provide weaker protections than traditional bank cards for erroneous payments.

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