Regnology and Gates Foundation: A partnership for effective consumer protection and financial inclusion in LMIC
Strengthening DFS oversight with Regnology Supervisory Hub
Digital financial services (DFS) have dramatically extended formal financial access to hundreds of millions of previously unbanked individuals across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This growth, largely driven by innovative non-bank providers, has reshaped the financial ecosystem. With greater access, it has also introduced new risks that undermine consumer trust—fraud, data misuse, limited consumer recourse, opaque and hidden charges—especially where regulatory capacity is limited.
Many financial authorities in LMICs face major challenges, such as limited technical expertise, constrained resources, and a shortage of market-ready tools tailored to their unique needs.
In response to these emerging threats and challenges, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with Regnology to strengthen financial consumer protection capabilities in LMICs. This initiative, backed by a significant grant, will support the development of Regnology Supervisory Hub (RSH) Data Collection module aimed at equipping financial regulators with tools they need to safeguard consumers and promote inclusive, trustworthy digital finance.
Restoring trust through consumer protection and inclusive financial system
23%
of consumers globally cited a lack of trust in financial institutions as a reason for not accessing formal financial services.*
68% - 90%
of users in three West African countries faced risks from using DFS.**
While regulators are mandated to ensure fair, transparent financial markets, many lack the tools and resources to keep pace with rapid digital innovation—particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and rural populations. Without timely, detailed data, it becomes difficult to detect consumer risks early or respond effectively—weakening trust and slowing progress toward financial inclusion.
Delivering on the promise of safer digital finance through scalable SupTech
The Regnology-Gates Foundation initiative addresses these challenges by empowering financial regulators in LMICs with advanced digital tools. At the heart of the project is the enhancement of RSH Data Collection module.
This upgrade will enable financial regulators to:
Capture granular, near-real-time data to detect issues like fraud, data misuse, and unfair pricing earlier.
Leverage advanced analytics to identify early indicators of consumer risks, enabling proactive, risk-based supervision.
Adopt a modular “buy-and-build" approach, offering a standardized, proven and cost-effective SupTech platform with the flexibility to configure to meet local specific needs.
This initiative is poised to bring three key benefits:
Enhanced Regulatory Capabilities: LMIC regulators can better identify and mitigate financial and market conduct risks.
Increased Consumer Trust & Financial Inclusion: Enhanced transparency, safeguarding of interests, and improved accountability, particularly for underserved populations that increasingly rely on DFS.
Scalable Solutions: Demonstrating the module’s effectiveness will set a precedent for broader implementation.
We believe this is a transformative initiative that will make a significant impact by overcoming common barriers to the adoption of digital tools and enabling regulators to better safeguard consumers and enhance trust in the financial system. By leveraging our expertise and innovative technology, we aim to significantly improve time-to-value, extending new capabilities and fostering the creation of safer digital financial ecosystems.
Rob Mackay
Chief Executive Officer
Regnology
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Chair Bill Gates and the board of trustees.
About Regnology
Regnology, a global leader on a mission to enhance efficiency, transparency and stability in the financial markets. With thousands of financial institutions and corporates of all sizes, and close to 100 regulators and tax authorities as clients, Regnology is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. This initiative cements its role as a trusted partner in building resilient, inclusive financial systems worldwide.
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