Inclusive Fintech 50 initiative launched to identify top financial inclusion startups

The MetLife Foundation and digital payments giant Visa have partnered to launch the Inclusive Fintech 50 competition which aims to recognise the world’s top 50 early-stage fintech startups that contribute to financial inclusion around the globe.

The competition — which is held in partnership with global non-profit Accion and World Bank global development institution IFC — will be implemented by MIX, the global data resource for socially responsible investors and businesses focused on inclusive finance.

Applications will close on 8 March, while winners will be selected in May and announced in June.

The Inclusive Fintech 50 competition aims to recognise the top 50 early-stage fintech startups that contribute to financial inclusion

In a statement on Monday (11 February), Visa global head of social impact Marianne Mwaniki said the initiative will help investors to identify “high-potential” companies.

This in turn, will help those companies attract the capital and knowledge they need to scale their businesses for “maximum social impact”, she said.

Startups will be assessed by a panel of more than 20 industry experts and investors on how inclusive their solutions are, business model innovation, scale potential and traction.

Featured image: EmilianDanaila via Pixabay