Young people growing up in financial exclusion are not lacking potential – they’re lacking access. In the critical years between adolescence and adulthood, access to financial tools, services, and education is more than a convenience, it’s a building block for independence, opportunity, and security.

We see first-hand how financial exclusion continues to harm young people in disadvantaged communities. Many are underbanked, underinformed, and unsupported – often through no fault of their own. Without the right knowledge or resources, they face serious barriers to saving, building credit, accessing further education, or even securing stable housing.

That’s why we’re proud to sponsor a forthcoming Policy Briefing Paper on Financial Inclusion, set to be released in September 2025.

The Urgent Need for Change

New research shows that financial exclusion is not just about lacking a bank account – it’s about being locked out of the systems that allow long-term decision-making. The situation is particularly acute for young people aged 16–25 living in deprived areas, who are often navigating adulthood without guidance, trusted information, or safe financial services.

A 2024 report from the London Foundation for Banking & Finance revealed that 81% of 15–18-year-olds worry about money. For those in communities where financial institutions feel unfamiliar or unwelcoming, the system itself becomes a barrier – reinforcing cycles of disadvantage.

Grounded in Research and Lived Experience

The upcoming briefing paper has been led by Hyfa Foundation trustee Calvin Cowell, whose academic research focuses on financial inequality in the UK. His work brings together quantitative data and lived experience, painting a clear picture of how exclusion affects not just financial outcomes, but also mental health, confidence, and long-term resilience.

Financial inclusion, when done properly, is more than a technical fix – it’s a form of youth empowerment. When young people understand how to manage their money and access safe, affordable financial products, they are better able to advocate for themselves, contribute to their communities, and plan for a more secure future.

What the Paper Will Deliver

The Policy Briefing Paper on Financial Inclusion 2025 will:

• Present evidence-based recommendations for improving financial inclusion in the UK
• Focus on regional strategies informed by lived experience
• Be addressed to key government departments as an open letter
• Make the case for inclusion as a core component of youth policy, not a side issue

This paper is part of a wider campaign to shift how financial inclusion is understood and acted upon – from policymakers to educators, banks to youth organisations.

Get Involved

The message is clear: if we are serious about empowering the next generation, we must start by making sure every young person has a fair chance to build a financially secure future – regardless of background.

We’re looking for:

• Collaborators and co-signatories
• Donors and sponsors
• Organisations working with young people who would like to support or amplify the message

💡 Visit our dedicated webpage to register your interest and stay informed.

For partnership or press enquiries, please contact us at smix@hyfa.foundation

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We can challenge exclusion and help build a financial system that works for everyone, starting with those who’ve been left out for too long.