Financial Inclusion – Serving the Underserved

At the ABS West Summit, Sri presented on how innovative data approaches and strategic business analysis are revolutionizing access to capital for underserved small businesses. Moving beyond traditional credit metrics, Sri demonstrated how lenders using alternative data sources—particularly real-time cash flow analysis—can make more accurate lending decisions while expanding access to businesses that conventional underwriting would overlook. The presentation highlighted how incorporating a business strategy lens into the lending process not only improves loan performance but also enables lenders to serve smaller enterprises that have historically been excluded from traditional financing options. Sri shared case studies showing how this comprehensive approach creates better outcomes for both lenders and borrowers, allowing financial institutions to profitably serve markets previously considered too risky while providing crucial capital to entrepreneurs who drive local economic growth. The discussion emphasized how thoughtful use of technology and data can advance true financial inclusion rather than simply automating existing biases.