A key theme throughout the launch event was the importance of partnership. No one organisation can tackle financial exclusion and it requires organisations across sectors to work together to develop practical solutions that support people who are often underserved by mainstream financial services for a variety of different reasons.

We believe that everyone, regardless of income or circumstance, should be able to access the financial services they need. Often low-income households need a small loan that is flexible in when and how they pay, reducing the stress that more structured financial products can bring. For many people, access to affordable credit remains limited. When people cannot access the products they need to spread the cost of larger costs, they may be forced to rely on inappropriate credit products, illegal money lenders or use of pawnbrokers.

We have taken the time to understand the differences in financial lives between people living in England and Scotland and will bring this knowledge alive in our customer journeys and products for our Scottish customers. Working closely with our partners we can continue this learning journey, ensuring our products fit the Scottish customer needs.

Addressing financial exclusion is therefore about more than providing financial products. It requires working with partners to create a system where people can access safe, transparent and responsible financial services that support long-term financial wellbeing.