Initial results from a congressional investigation shows that minority business owners are more likely to seek a loan from a fintech firm and potentially pay a higher fee; Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) wants to further explore whether or not these lenders are aggressively targeting these borrowers and offering higher rates; the investigation has focused on online lenders and their underwriting practices for emerging minority owned businesses. Source.
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Fintech
Sallie Krawcheck previously worked as a Wall Street executive but has since founded Ellevest; the company offers a digital investing platform helping female investors access low-cost ETFs based on goals; Venus Williams, a professional tennis player, is among investors in the company; according to Krawcheck, women are less concerned with beating the market and focus rather on ensuring their money won't disappear completely; the platform also considers the longer lifespans of women and the possibility of extended time off from work; Business Insider provides screenshots of setting up an account; the app is not yet in the app store. Source
Hardeep Walia spoke about the lack of transparency that exists in investing today with many investors investing in a black box as he demonstrates on stage; in turn, investors may be supporting companies who may not have the same values; sustainability is a trend and consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainability but investors need to vote not just with consumption dollars, but also investment dollars; to that end Motif has launched a new digital wealth product called Motif Impact that allows investors to build an investment strategy around their values such as a sustainable planet, fair labor and good corporate behavior. Source
