Sometimes the best ways to help achieve financial inclusion are also the simplest, according to Good Shepherd Microfinance CEO Adam Mooney – like just sitting and talking to someone.
Speaking to bluenotes on video, Mooney said there were many ways to achieve financial inclusion in Australia, which is ultimately in everyone’s interest – not just the three million Australians currently financially excluded.
" We really can't underestimate the importance of face-to-face conversation.” - Mooney
“We really can't underestimate the importance of face-to-face conversation,” he said. “Having a conversation with somebody about their dreams and aspirations, hearing that first and then saying ‘well here are the economic and financial enablers that can help that’ [is preferable] than going and saying ‘do you need a loan?’”
Mooney said it was important to utilise strength-based community development in developing economic wellbeing.
“I think in this day and age [it’s important] to believe in the innate ability of people to become actors in their own future,” he said.
“So see the strengths in a person see the strengths in their community tap into those strengths rather than saying ‘you've got a deficit, there's something missing in your community and we're here to supplement that’.
Good Shepherd
“Our purpose as an organisation is to enable the economic well-being of people on low incomes and especially women and girls,” Mooney says of Good Shepherd.
Good Shepherd Microfinance offers financial assistance to low-income individuals as a means to promote financial wellbeing, working collaboratively with business, government and community groups.
Mooney also touched on how financial inclusion breeds self-esteem and active participation in society, something good for all participants. Watch the video above to find out more.
Shannon Peachey is Tribe Lead, Savers & Investors, ANZ
The views and opinions expressed in this communication are those of the author and may not necessarily state or reflect those of ANZ.
19 Dec 2017
23 Feb 2017