- Brigit will add important voice and expertise to further the American Fintech Council’s mission of promoting a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system.
- As the #1 most downloaded financial health app in the US, Brigit is building transparent, fair and simple financial products that help everyday people budget, access earned wages, earn extra income and build credit.
- Both organizations are committed to nurturing an inclusive and responsible financial ecosystem.
New York City (February 29, 2024) – Brigit, the leading financial health app dedicated to improving financial inclusion in America, announced it’s one of the newest members of the American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing responsible fintech companies and innovative banks committed to fostering financial inclusivity and innovation in financial services.
As an AFC member, Brigit is committed to advocating for the development of transparent regulatory frameworks that promote accessibility to financial services for everyone. The company continues to collaborate in discussions regarding banking access, building financial inclusion, short- and long-term credit access and access to earned wages. Brigit, which has already saved its members $1 billion in predatory overdraft bank fees since its inception, is committed to offering tangible guidance to inspire policy changes and regulatory action designed with the everyday American living paycheck to paycheck in mind.
"Joining the American Fintech Council is a testament to our commitment to promoting financial well-being and accessibility, while redefining banking norms,” said Zuben Mathews, CEO and founder of Brigit. “By collaborating with the AFC and their expansive network, we aim to drive the industry towards a more equitable financial future where individuals feel more in control and at ease with their financial situation.”
With over 75% of adults in the US living paycheck to paycheck, Brigit has been at the forefront of leading meaningful change within the financial landscape, addressing urgent financial needs for its members by offering essential products such as access to earned wages, credit-building, budgeting tools and earning and saving opportunities. Through best-in-class underwriting technology that leverages cash flow data instead of traditional credit scores, Brigit has provided over $2.3 billion in access to earned wages and achieved a 60% year-over-year growth for Credit Builder, boosting members' scores by an average of 53 points in four months. With a mission to level the financial playing field and help its members make meaningful progress toward financial health, Brigit is joining the AFC to shape a future where financial well-being is accessible to all.
“Brigit is utilizing responsible innovation and alternative data to democratize financial services and create affordable financial access to those long forgotten by traditional institutions,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “Through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence, Brigit offers a comprehensive financial picture and provides personalized recommendations to help families save, budget and create a pathway out of debt.”
Brigit remains steadfast in its advocacy for consumer protection, building upon its track record of collaboration with major regulatory bodies. Brigit’s approach to underwriting has already played a significant role in shaping regulatory policies that balance responsible innovation and financial access with consumer protection and compliance. Additionally, Brigit’s evidence-based advocacy, supported by esteemed consumer financial services research organization FinRegLab, has challenged industry norms and paved the way for better adoption of cash-flow data in credit decisions. Brigit is committed to working with all stakeholders to drive industry-wide change towards a more inclusive and data-driven financial ecosystem.
The AFC collaborates closely with policymakers and regulators to craft fair and effective regulations, ensuring financial service access while safeguarding consumers. The council actively champions improvements in data sharing, open banking and innovative solutions to empower individuals to manage their finances effectively.
About Brigit
Brigit is a holistic financial health app that has helped more than 4 million Americans get a handle on their finances through budgeting tools, insights into their spending patterns and opportunities to build their credit. Its mission is to help everyday Americans save for a better future and avoid predatory fees. Since the company’s launch in early 2019, it has saved its members more than $1 billion in overdraft fees, and 91 percent of Brigit’s members report feeling less financially stressed. Brigit is backed by Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Durant, as well as other prominent investors.
About the American Fintech Council
AFC is the premier trade association representing the responsible Fintech companies and innovative banks. Our mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. You can learn more at www.fintechcouncil.org.