Innnovation is transforming financial services—but inclusion doesn’t happen by default.
As AI, blockchain, and digital platforms reshape how financial products are built and delivered, the critical question is whether these advances expand opportunity—or reinforce existing gaps. Despite rapid technological progress, 1.3 billion people—700 million women and 600 million men—are still excluded from the formal financial system, lacking access to digital wallets or financial accounts. Reaching this population presents a significant opportunity for institutions to deliver scalable, inclusive solutions while unlocking new markets.
At Women’s World Banking, we believe innovation only creates value when it is intentionally designed to reach those historically excluded, especially women.
That’s why we partnered with Franklin Templeton on a new paper, Inclusive Innovation: Reaching New Markets Through Technology, exploring how emerging technologies—when paired with women-centered design—can unlock new markets while delivering measurable returns.
Key Insights from the Franklin Templeton × Women’s World Banking Collaboration
Financial Access Is Expanding—Especially for Women
Over the past decade, account ownership and digital engagement have risen steadily, driven by mobile penetration and enabling government initiatives.
In low- and middle-income economies, women’s account ownership increased from 50% in 2014 to 73%. At the same time, 84% of women now own a mobile phone, and 62% have a smartphone. Together, these shifts show how access to digital infrastructure is expanding—laying the foundation for broader financial engagement.
For financial service providers and investors, this growth is translating into larger addressable markets and new pathways for customer acquisition and retention.
AI and Blockchain Investment Signals a Structural Shift
The scale of momentum behind AI and blockchain is evident in market investment.
These figures highlight not only the rapid pace of growth, but the transformative potential of AI and blockchain as core financial infrastructure, rather than niche technologies.
Where Innovation Meets Inclusion
AI and blockchain are reshaping how financial services are delivered and scaled.
AI can improve credit decisions, lower customer acquisition costs, automate onboarding, and integrate climate and shock data into risk models—strengthening portfolio resilience. Blockchain and digital assets, particularly stablecoins, are enabling faster, lower-cost cross-border payments and new savings mechanisms, especially relevant for women managing household and enterprise cash flows.
Yet technology alone is not enough. Without safeguards, AI can reinforce bias, and digital assets can exclude those without trust or usability built into the system.
Why Women-Centered Design Is the Differentiator
To reach the full addressable market—particularly women—innovation must be paired with women-centered design and inclusive leadership.
Designing products around women’s financial realities drives adoption, loyalty, and long-term value. It also mitigates risk by ensuring new technologies are accessible, relevant, and responsibly deployed.
You can explore this balance between commercial performance and social impact in our new paper developed in partnership with Franklin Templeton.
Read the full paper: Inclusive Innovation: Reaching New Markets Through Technology
