Innovative Finance / Other

In Indonesia, startups are turning plastic waste into paving blocks and building tech that boosts income for waste collectors. Yet, MSMEs driving circular innovation remain locked out of capital. Through our Future Economy Lab, we worked with Duitin, PlusTik, and Rezycology to explore what inclusive finance must look like—flexible, patient, and tied to impact. The innovation exists. What’s missing are financial systems built for their reality.

When creditworthiness is code for privilege, character-based lending offers a quiet rebellion. From Native CDFIs asking “who are their people?” to group lending in Bangladesh, finance rooted in trust, accountability, and relationship is rewriting the rules. It’s not about abandoning rigour but redefining risk—proving that when trust performs, communities thrive.

A systems lens connects capital, communities, policies, and the planet. It reminds us that finance is one factor that can shape not just outcomes, but the conditions that produce them.

This piece explores three financial mechanisms—impact bonds, green jobs outcome funds, and impact-linked loans—that align capital with youth employment outcomes. These tools shift risk, reward results, and move capital closer to people. We’ve also begun designing other products to support the full learning-to-earning journey.