The Future of Banking: Overcoming Barriers to Financial Inclusion for Communities of Color

Overview

Systemic failures in the financial sector led to the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the Great Recession that followed. These crises disproportionately impacted low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities of color through job loss, foreclosures and an unprecedented loss of wealth. During the recession, Latinos’ household wealth declined by 66%, and African Americans’ by 53%, while White households lost 16%. Ten years after the financial crisis, communities of color have yet to fully recover, and the financial system has failed to solve the problems that devastated communities of color. To help the most impacted communities recover and rebuild, the banking and financial services industry must increase their focus on serving LMI households, businesses, and communities of color. This report explores key opportunities within the banking industry, policy, and regulation that can lead to financial inclusion for all.