Financial Inclusion: A Fundamental Right for All

CUs continue to serve the underserved and minority groups.

For almost half a century, Inclusiv has been working to expand access to responsible financial services for underserved minority populations and communities throughout the United States. Financial inclusion is one of the most effective mechanisms to empower low-income consumers with asset-building tools to achieve financial security. We believe that access to responsible financial products is a fundamental right, and all of our programs and initiatives are guided by this principle. We believe that credit unions are the best vehicle to promote economic revitalization and connect consumers with affordable, yet sustainable financial products and services. Credit unions are controlled by the members they serve, are accountable to the communities where they operate and are mission driven. Day after day, credit unions open the doors of opportunity for everyone in the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation or immigration status.

Minority populations have been historically marginalized by the financial mainstream; the lack of access to asset-building opportunities has significantly limited their ability to create wealth, which is reflected in low homeownership rates and lower higher education attendance and completion rates. Further, Hispanics, African Americans and Native Americans have the highest unbanked and underbanked rates in the country and are consistently targeted by predatory lenders.