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Project REACh: Removing Barriers to Financial Inclusion

Project REACh: Removing Barriers to Financial Inclusion

Project REACh promotes financial inclusion through greater access to credit and capital. REACh stands for Roundtable for Economic Access and Change, and the project brings together leaders from the banking industry, national community organizations, business, and technology to reduce specific barriers that prevent full, equal, and fair participation in the nation’s economy.

The OCC established Project REACh in July 2020 to bring together stakeholders with the ability to help reduce inherent and structural obstacles so underserved populations have the same opportunities as others to succeed and benefit from the nation’s financial system. To learn more about the founding of Project REACh and its original work streams, visit Project REACh: Removing Barriers to Financial Inclusion.

Project REACh Financial Inclusion Summit

The Project REACh Financial Inclusion Summit provided opportunities to reflect on the groundbreaking solutions led by Project REACh participants and discussed new initiatives to increase economic mobility within financially underserved and under-resourced communities. Attendees included representatives from government agencies, financial institutions, community organizations, technology providers, consumer groups, and community developers and advocates. A video of the event is available. You may also view the agenda and a list of speakers for the summit.

Project REACh Workstreams

Project REACh is comprised of four Workstreams that focus on specific initiatives. Members of each workstream offer particular perspectives and expertise on the related topic. Workstreams are led by co-chairs representing industry and community stakeholders.

  • The Geographic Workstream focuses on improving financial inclusion for a specific geographic neighborhood, community, or region, promoting holistic development strategies for locales.
  • The Affordable Homeownership Workstream is addressing the challenges that disadvantaged and underserved consumers face in purchasing homes and encourages the development of innovative products and services that improve access to credit.
  • The Technology Workstream explores and encourages expanding financial inclusion through new technologies or novel uses of existing technologies, and consumer education on digital assets.
  • The Small Business Workstream is working to increase investments and financing to small businesses and to encourage the development of innovative products and services that improve access to capital.

Project REACh Commitment to Support Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs)

MDIs are essential to the well-being of disadvantaged and underserved communities across America as they provide access to credit and other financial services to those who otherwise might not have sufficient access. The Project REACh Pledge to Strengthen Minority Depository Institutions promotes the viability and preservation of MDIs so they remain a vibrant part of the economic landscape.

Related News and Issuances

DateIDTitle
03/27/2025 NR 2025-25 Acting Comptroller Encourages Innovation to Foster Financial Inclusion
03/24/2025 NR 2025-24 Acting Comptroller Discusses Financial Inclusion