In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, digital transformation is not just a matter of efficiency or competitive advantage—it is a powerful lever for social good. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that technology, when designed and deployed responsibly, can break down barriers, expand access, and create more resilient financial systems for everyone, especially those who have historically been underserved. This commitment is at the heart of our work with financial institutions worldwide.
Globally, billions of people remain unbanked or underbanked, lacking access to basic financial services that many take for granted. For these individuals and communities, exclusion from the financial system can mean limited opportunities, increased vulnerability to economic shocks, and persistent inequality. Digital transformation offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges—if it is approached with empathy, responsibility, and a focus on real human outcomes.
At Publicis Sapient, our approach to digital business transformation is rooted in putting people at the center. We start by understanding the lived experiences of individuals—whether they are customers, employees, or citizens—and work backwards to design solutions that address their needs. This outside-in perspective ensures that technology serves as an enabler of inclusion, not a new source of exclusion.
One of the most powerful examples of digital for good in financial services is the expansion of digital banking to reach unbanked populations. By leveraging mobile technology, cloud platforms, and user-centric design, we have helped financial institutions create accessible, low-cost digital banking solutions that bring essential services to people who previously had no access.
For instance, our teams have worked with banks to reimagine account opening processes, eliminating the need for physical branches or paper documentation. Through intuitive mobile apps and digital identity verification, individuals can open accounts, transfer funds, and access credit—often for the first time. These solutions are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that people with disabilities or limited digital literacy can participate fully.
As financial services become more digital, the risks of fraud and exploitation can increase, particularly for vulnerable customers. Publicis Sapient has been at the forefront of deploying AI-driven fraud prevention systems that not only detect suspicious activity in real time but also do so in ways that are transparent, explainable, and fair.
We recognize that AI models can inadvertently perpetuate bias or exclude certain groups if not carefully designed. That’s why we work closely with our clients to establish responsible AI principles—such as protecting sensitive attributes, regularly testing for bias, and ensuring that automated decisions can be explained and challenged. For example, in credit scoring or transaction monitoring, we help financial institutions identify and mitigate proxies for protected characteristics like zip code or age, reducing the risk of digital redlining.
Accessibility is a non-negotiable aspect of financial inclusion. Our teams partner with banks and fintechs to embed accessible design principles into every digital touchpoint, from mobile apps to web portals. This means ensuring compatibility with screen readers, providing alternative text for images, enabling voice navigation, and designing for cognitive as well as physical accessibility.
We also advocate for inclusive testing, involving people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds in the design and validation of new products. This not only meets regulatory requirements but also unlocks new markets and builds trust with customers who have too often been overlooked.
Financial inclusion cannot come at the expense of privacy or security. Publicis Sapient helps clients implement robust data governance frameworks that respect individuals’ rights and align with evolving regulations. We advise on the ethical use of data, ensuring that consent is meaningful, data is protected, and individuals have control over their information.
Our work with leading financial institutions includes the development of secure digital identity solutions, privacy-preserving analytics, and transparent data practices that empower customers while enabling innovation.
Digital transformation is not just about access—it’s about resilience. By modernizing core banking systems, enabling real-time payments, and supporting new models like decentralized finance, we help financial institutions build systems that can adapt to shocks, serve customers in times of crisis, and support economic recovery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, digital platforms enabled rapid disbursement of emergency funds, kept small businesses afloat, and provided lifelines to families in need. These experiences have underscored the importance of digital infrastructure that is robust, inclusive, and responsive to changing needs.
The journey toward true financial inclusion is not without challenges. Digital divides persist, regulatory environments are complex, and new risks emerge as technology evolves. But with a clear focus on people, a commitment to responsible innovation, and a willingness to collaborate across sectors, these challenges can be overcome.
At Publicis Sapient, we are proud to partner with financial institutions, regulators, and social impact leaders to make digital for good a reality in financial services. Our expertise in strategy, product, experience, engineering, data, and AI—what we call SPEED—enables us to deliver solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded and human-centered.
Financial inclusion is one of the most pressing and promising frontiers for digital transformation. By harnessing technology for good, we can create a financial system that is more accessible, more resilient, and more just. If you are a financial services executive, regulator, or social impact leader looking to make a real difference, we invite you to join us on this journey.
Together, we can make inclusion real—one person, one community, and one innovation at a time.