Challenge
The inclusive finance community has learned the fundamentals of youth finance and achieved key successes. Nonetheless, gaps remain that continue to inhibit youth access to important financial products and services. More research is needed to generate ideas on how best to prepare young people for managing their financial future.
Solution
Making Cents International was hired to advise the European Microfinance Platform on their design and award of the €100,000 Luxembourg Award For Inclusive Finance 2026, formerly known as the European Microfinance Award. The 2026 award, entitled ‘Unlocking Youth-Inclusive Finance’ highlights organizations active in financial inclusion that accompany young people as they navigate life’s key stages, helping them develop skills and seize the opportunities needed to build a prosperous future. To that end, Making Cents supported the design on the award and the dissemination of information about the award through various networks and social media channels as well as reviewed 95 applications from microfinance institutions, fintechs, banks, and NGOs that incorporate a variety of financial and non-financial services to serve youth clients.