The UC Berkeley Lab for Inclusive FinTech (LIFT) links academic researchers with industry partners and policymakers to reimagine the design and reach of digital financial services to build a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy that benefits underserved populations around the world.
Our Approach
LIFT has three major thrusts: research, experiential learning for students, and community building through events.
Our Motivation
LIFT aims to improve the design, reach, and efficacy of digital financial services and financial technologies. The goal is to accelerate the financial inclusion and wellbeing of underserved communities in emerging and advanced markets.
The 2017 Global Findex estimated 1.7 billion individuals lack access to formal financial services. Recent fintech innovation leverages blockchain, cryptocurrencies, digital transactions, and data in ways that show potential to provide more secure, accessible, and impactful services.
Fintech products are rapidly revolutionizing the global financial ecosystem, yet research to assess their impacts has not kept pace with innovation. Research and evaluation will play a critical role in ensuring that technological advances reach and benefit users, particularly vulnerable and traditionally excluded populations.