# Rural Bank Financial institutions are looking to become accessible for rural communities. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Jan 17, 2020 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rural-bank ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Rural Bank trend? **Rural Bank:** Many financial institutions—from traditional to digital-first banks—are attempting to reach rural communities with the help of technology. The movement calls for improved banking access through the implementation of small ATMs, biometric readers, cloud-based platforms and more. ## The consumer insight behind the Rural Bank trend Technology is enabling a higher degree of accessibility for services and many consumers are taking advantage of this. As the world evolves and individuals in rural communities become more connected, these features become more readily available in remote regions. They enable consumers without access to as many convenience-based services as people in cities to feel more empowered and prepared to take charge in the case of a crisis. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 27 to Nov 20, 2019 - Published: Jan 17, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Rural Bank trend ### Improved Rural Banking Access through Technology Many financial institutions are implementing small ATMs, biometric readers, cloud-based platforms and more to improve accessibility for rural communities. ### Mobile-First Neobanks Neobanks such as Albo provide secure and efficient banking options through mobile applications for underserved populations. ### Cloud-Based Financial Services for the Unbanked PearlPay is testing cloud-based financial services to provide core banking solutions and agent banking solutions, which can be accessed by people without an internet connection. ## What the Rural Bank trend means for industry ### For Banking Financial institutions are using technology to provide accessible banking solutions for those living in underserved rural communities. ### For Fintech Fintech companies like Albo and PearlPay are providing secure and efficient financial services through mobile and cloud-based solutions. ### For International Development Partnerships between organizations such as Fidelity Bank and the Nigerian Postal Services or initiatives like NERLP in India are expanding rural banking accessibility and encouraging economic growth. ## Workshop question How could your service/product reach a more off-grid consumer? ## Trend signals for Rural Bank Trend score 1.9 out of 10, from popularity 26%, activity 21%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 26% - Activity: 21% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Rural Bank trend 5 featured examples from Aug 27 to Nov 20, 2019. - [Rural Banking Development Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-atms): BANKIT Brought Micro ATMs to Improve Rural Banking in India (Category: Business) Implication: The banking industry can leverage micro ATMs and Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems to expand their services and reach more customers in rural areas. - [Mobile-First Neobanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neobank): Connecting to the MasterCard Network, Albo Enables Payments Through an App (Category: Business) Implication: The fintech industry can leverage mobile-first neobanks to offer more innovative and accessible financial services to the unbanked population. - [Rural Banking Accessibility Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rural-banking1): Fidelity Bank Partnered with the Nigeria Postal Services (Category: Business) Implication: Creating opportunities for banks to extend their reach into untapped rural markets through innovative partnerships with non-traditional banking facilities. - [Cloud-Based Financial Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloudbased-financial-services): PearlPay is Testing Rural Banking Solutions in the Philippines (Category: Business) Implication: The banking industry can explore the adoption of cloud-based solutions, like PearlPay's pilot program, to improve accessibility, streamline operations, and reach untapped markets. - [Empowering Rural Banking Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rural-banking): World Bank's NERLP Initiative Improved Banking Access in Sikkim (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and implement innovative banking technologies such as small ATMs, biometric readers, and thermal printers to improve accessibility in ru… ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)