The U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC), a membership organization devoted to advancing safe, easy-to-use faster payments in the United States, today announced the publication of a new industry report, Digital Assets and Digital Ledger Technology: A Pathway to Financial Inclusiveness. Developed through a collaboration between the FPC Financial Inclusion Work Group, sponsored by ACI Worldwide, and the FPC Digital Assets Work Group, the report examines how digital assets and digital ledger technology (DLT) can address financial exclusion and improve access to essential financial services.

With billions of people worldwide remaining outside the traditional financial system, digital assets present an opportunity to bridge gaps in accessibility, affordability, and security. The report explores key challenges such as design, liquidity, cash access, trust, security, and interoperability while offering insights into how digital assets can be leveraged to foster financial inclusiveness.

“Our aim with this report is to offer a comprehensive framework for understanding how digital assets can enhance financial access,” said Anthony Serio, Chair of the FPC Financial Inclusion Work Group. “By exploring the benefits, challenges, and potential of digital ledger technology, we seek to foster informed discussions and guide strategic efforts to advance financial inclusivity.

The report highlights the importance of designing financial products that are user-friendly and accessible to individuals with varying levels of digital literacy. By simplifying interfaces and reducing transaction costs, digital assets can serve as a practical alternative to traditional banking services, particularly in underserved communities. The report also discusses how industry collaboration is essential in ensuring that digital asset solutions are built with inclusivity in mind.

“Digital assets have the potential to transform payments, but realizing this potential requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach,” said Bo Berg, Chair of the FPC Digital Assets Work Group. “This report serves as a blueprint for financial institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders to harness digital assets responsibly and effectively.”

Key highlights of the report include:

• Strategies for designing accessible and inclusive financial products
• The role of digital assets in enhancing liquidity and enabling low-cost transactions
• Solutions for cash-in/cash-out access to support real-world usability
• The importance of interoperability and trust-building within digital financial services

“Ensuring financial inclusiveness is a critical priority for the payments industry,” said FPC Executive Director Reed Luhtanen. “This report reflects the commitment of FPC members to identifying innovative solutions that help expand access to faster payments and bring more people into the financial system.”

By addressing interoperability challenges and fostering cross-sector cooperation, the report envisions a future where digital assets can operate as part of a unified financial ecosystem, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient payments for all. It provides a roadmap for stakeholders to leverage digital assets responsibly while ensuring that financial inclusion remains a core priority.