Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
Aspen Institute
Publications
Five Forces of Change Shaping the Next Decade of Inclusive Finance
A Summary of Aspen FSP’s Inaugural Leadership Forum on Inclusive Finance
What will the U.S. financial system look like in 10 years?
How can we shape key forces of change to build a more inclusive system that provides economic prosperity for all?
These were the questions at the center of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s first Leadership Forum on Inclusive Finance. Hosted in February 2025, the forum gathered over 50 experts in fintech, banking, investing, regulation, and philanthropy to chart a course for the future of the U.S. financial system.
Over three days, discussions surfaced opportunities and threats across five key forces of change shaping the U.S. financial system and its ability to build financial resilience and create wealth for more people.
5 Key Forces of Change
Accessibility of personal financial data via open finance
Innovations in AI
Increase in severity and frequency of financial shocks
The role of consumer trust in an evolving financial services landscape
Expansion of crypto, blockchain, and decentralized finance (or “DeFi”) into the mainstream
Our report on the Forum highlights how leaders across sectors can harness these forces of change through advances in technology, regulatory changes, and product innovation. We face a pivotal choice: allow change to unfold haphazardly, or deliberately channel these forces toward measurable, inclusive progress. By taking thoughtful action, leaders can build a financial system that truly delivers on its promise of economic opportunity for all Americans.
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the release of the country’s first-ever National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, a coordinated, comprehensive approach that helps ensure all Americans, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access, utilize, and benefit from a full suite of financial products that provide stability, resilience, foster trust, and long-term financial security.
