FinTech Magazine November 2023 | Page 127

How fintechs are meeting consumers ’ net-zero demands
SUSTAINABILITY

How fintechs are meeting consumers ’ net-zero demands

“ These might entail offering reduced loan rates for low emission cars or for energyefficient houses ,” he adds , “ or more flexible lending to support socially inclusive business initiatives that will have a knock-on effect for communities and ultimately the environment .
“ To achieve net zero , FS firms must take a data-driven approach , harnessing environmental data and embracing external partnerships to gain a comprehensive view into environmental impacts and help customers to make decisions on long-term sustainability .”
However , while harnessing data to quantify the environmental impact of your organisation can be useful , the tools with which data is harnessed ( not just for environmental causes ) themselves pose significant drains on energy .
We speak to HeavyFinance
CEO and Co-founder , Laimonas Noreika , about ways fintechs are meeting the netzero demands of consumers . Noreika says : “ Fintechs are responding to the net-zero demands of consumers in several ways . Firstly , they ’ re creating userfriendly platforms and apps that allow consumers to easily track and manage their carbon footprint . “ These platforms often provide insights into sustainable spending , offer green investment options , and enable carbon offsetting . “ However , there are areas where consumers have unmet expectations . One aspect is transparency ; consumers seek clear , verifiable information about the environmental impact of their financial choices . “ Fintechs can enhance transparency by ensuring data accuracy and offering real-time updates on carbon emissions associated with financial activities . “ Additionally , consumers are increasingly interested in fintechs that actively engage in sustainable practices themselves , such as using renewable energy or supporting ecofriendly initiatives . “ Fintechs should not only enable consumer sustainability but also embody it in their own operations to meet the evolving demands of environmentallyconscious consumers fully .”
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