DISMANTLING THE ETHNICITY PREMIUM
The additional costs for goods and services and the barriers to equal economic participation experienced by people from DECs.
The Impact on DEC's
22%
Have experienced racial discrimination from financial providers
£250
Pay more every year
4X
More likely to denied a bank loan
OUR MISSION
Structural barriers in the UK financial system continue to limit fair economic participation for ethnically diverse communities. From unequal access to capital, to disproportionate debt enforcement and exclusion from mainstream financial products, these challenges are systemic, measurable and urgent.
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Money A+E, led by CEO Jerry During, is an award-winning social enterprise working at the intersection of money advice, policy and community advocacy. Since 2011, it has worked directly with underserved communities to improve financial wellbeing, influence national systems and champion equitable economic participation.
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Rooted Finance, led by CEO Muna Yassin MBE, is a free money advice charity, providing friendly, professional and inclusive advice for all.
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Together, Money A+E and Rooted Finance work to shift systems, influence policy, and advance structural change that expands financial inclusion and economic participation across the UK.
Our partnership brings together research, lived experience, community insight and policy expertise to deliver strategic recommendations rooted in evidence and real-world impact.
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Literature review and evidence base coming soon.
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Our Partnership
Together Money A+E and Rooted Finance collaborate on shared research, recommendations and systemic change goals, while leading delivery in areas aligned to our respective strengths.
This partnership model ensures clarity, specialist focus and deeper impact for communities and stakeholders. Where we work jointly, one organisation leads to provide strategic direction and streamlined coordination. Where stakeholders engage us on different areas of work, each organisation leads independently, ensuring tailored, focused and effective delivery.
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This approach allows us to move with purpose, accelerate change and deliver impact at both systemic and community level.
Recommendations for Change
These recommendations set out the changes needed to end structural barriers that prevent fair financial participation. Informed by data and lived experience, they focus on fixing the systems that create unequal outcomes, not the individuals navigating them. The goal is straightforward: fairer access, stronger economic participation and a financial system that works for everyone, creating long-term benefits for people, communities, industry and government alike.
MANDATE TRANSPARENCY & FAIRNESS
Introduce mandatory public reporting on lending, credit, insurance and debt outcomes, alongside algorithmic audits and accountability measures. This ensures discrimination cannot be hidden in data or design, creating fairer pricing, fairer access and greater trust in financial institutions.
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REFORM CREDIT RISK ASSESSMENT
Redesign how financial risk is assessed to recognise real financial behaviours, not just traditional credit files. This means valuing rent, bills, community lending and informal saving so people are judged on their financial reliability, not excluded because of narrow or outdated systems.
2.
LEGISLATE LEADERSHIP REPRESENTATION
Set enforceable standards for diverse representation in financial leadership, backed by transparent reporting. When decision-makers reflect the communities they serve, products, policies and market incentives are shaped more fairly and more effectively for everyone.
3.
CULTURALLY RELEVANT FINANCIAL EDUCATION & DEBT REFORM
Co-create financial support systems with communities, delivered in ways that respect language, culture and lived experience. Debt support, financial education and recovery pathways must be trauma-informed, accessible and rooted in trust, not one-size-fits-all.
4.
TAILORED SUPPORT FOR ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Expand access to capital, mentoring, investment and community finance for entrepreneurs and organisations historically locked out of traditional funding routes. Growth happens when opportunity is equitable, investment is intentional, and support reflects real barriers rather than assumptions.
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OUR PARTNERS
