An Innovation Challenge Series Addressing Priority Problems
accessibility & inclusion
Tackling Financial Exclusion of Adults with Learning Disabilities
Breaking Down Financial Accessibility Challenges for Adults with Learning Disabilities
In the UK, 1.5 million people live with learning disabilities, and many face significant barriers when using, receiving, and making payments. The shift towards digital payments,the reduction of attended terminals, the growth in e-commerce, and more sophisticated fraud tactics are making payments increasingly inaccessible and risky for people with learning disabilities.
At the same time, many are eager to participate in society and need help with financial management, but without losing their independence through restrictive measures like Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
A Call to Action for the Fintech Industry
Project Nemo and Fintech Fringe have partnered to launch this exciting new challenge dedicated to finding fintech solutions that tackle the financial accessibility barriers faced by adults with learning disabilities.
We’re looking for innovative solutions that provide people with tools to achieve financial independence while ensuring safe spending. Whether you’re developing customer-facing products or B2B enabling solutions, we want to hear from you.
This is Your Opportunity to Make a Real Difference!
If you’re a fintech that’s passionate about inclusivity and innovation, register your interest today and be part of a transformative movement that will shape the future of payments for people with learning disabilities.
key highlights
Real Problem Statements
The challenge is informed by direct input from banks, fintechs, trade bodies, regulators, and individuals with lived experience.
High Profile Exposure
Mentorship & Support
Reshaping Payments
Be part of a powerful movement that will reshape the future of payments for people with learning disabilities.
PROBLEMS TO ADDRESS
Problem statement
How can the Fintech Industry and supporting ecosystem deliver a safe spending solution for People with Learning Disabilities, that provides assurance of financial independence?
This problem statement emerged from the Tackling Financial Exclusion of People with Learning Disabilities Roundtable Event in December 2024, held by Project Nemo in collaboration Kathryn Townsend, Government Ambassador for Disability and Accessibility for the banking sector and Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide Building Society.
The event brought together banks, fintechs, trade bodies, regulators, and interest groups, along with individuals who shared firsthand experiences of the challenges they face with digital payments.
There is a clear need for change, and the industry is ready to collaborate and solve this problem.
Challenge Objectives
Enhance Accessibility
We will select up to 5 winners, each of which will showcase fintech solutions that can be adopted as Proof of Concept (POC) projects by larger, established companies in the ecosystem and ultimately, taken to market.
- Immediate: Establish Proof of Concept (POC) with industry partners to inform the solution requirements.
- Mid-term: Fill the market gap with effective, scalable solutions.
- Long-term: Integration into broader ecosystem solutions that drive systemic change.
Remember, whether you’re developing customer-facing products or B2B enabling solutions, we want to hear from you.
About Project Nemo
Enhance Accessibility
Project Nemo is a groundbreaking grassroots pro bono initiative focused on addressing the inequalities faced by disabled customers and employees in the fintech industry. Launched at the Innovate Finance Global Summit in April 2024, the initiative serves as both a wake-up call and a catalyst for systemic, long-term change.
By fostering awareness, empowering stakeholders, and showcasing progress, Project Nemo aims to make fintech truly inclusive and accessible.
One key focus area for Project Nemo within the broader disability inclusion agenda is addressing the financial challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities.
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Register your interest today to be part of a transformative solution that will reshape the future of payments for people with learning disabilities.