Underserved Market Analysis
Understanding the needs and behaviors of underserved consumers is key to improving financial health for all. Through our landmark research on the financially underserved market, the Financial Health Network offers proprietary insights to help inform new strategies and solutions.
The Evolution of the Underserved Market
Conducted over several years, our Financially Underserved Market Size Studies revealed the following key findings:
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In 2017, consumers spent $173 billion in fees and interest to use $1.94 trillion in financial services.
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The underserved market has grown an average of 4% each year since 2009.
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Fintech solutions have made inroads as more underserved consumers gain access to digital financial services through mobile phones and computers.
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Non-bank small business lenders are scaling fast as more small business borrowers turn to new types of lenders for credit, financial management solutions, and more.
Data Spotlight

Why It Matters
Because underserved consumers are the most financially vulnerable, they have the greatest need for products and services to help them meet their financial challenges. Understanding these challenges and how they differ from those of the population at large is essential for moving the needle on financial health for all.

How We Can Help
From its start, the Financial Health Network has championed efforts to increase access to quality financial products and services for underserved consumers. Finhealth challenges extend beyond this group, however. Through groundbreaking consumer and market research like the studies here, we continue to lay the foundation for new product design, industry innovations, and changes in public policy that help more Americans achieve financial security.
Explore All Related Research
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2019 Financially Underserved Market Size Study
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2017 Financially Underserved Market Size Study
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Driving for Broke: The Underserved Insurance and Auto Loan Opportunity
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2016 Financially Underserved Market Size Study
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Member Summit 2016 Presentation
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Infographic: Lessons Learned in Successful Product Distribution
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2014 Underserved Market Size: Financial Health Opportunity in Dollars and Cents
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2013 Financially Underserved Market Size
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Infographic: 2013 Financially Underserved Market Size
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Financially Underserved Market Size Study 2012
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Investment Activity in Fintech for the Financially Underserved
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2011 Underbanked Market Sizing Study
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New Underbanked Market Data from Core Innovation Capital and the Financial Health Network
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Results from the Financial Health Network’s Inaugural Industry Scan
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InBrief on the Underbanked Consumer Study: Characteristics of Latino Un- and Underbanked Consumers
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Preferences and Usage of Financial Services Providers inBrief
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The Financial Health Network Underbanked Consumer Study Fact Sheet
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Accessing the American Dream: Affinity Marketing Partnership Strategies for Financial Institutions and Nonprofits
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Accessing the American Dream: Utilizing Affinity Marketing to Reach Underbanked Populations
Connect With Thought Leaders
Interested in connecting with the Financial Health Network for a media interview, speaking opportunity, research or consulting request? Reach out and we’ll connect you with the right expert.