Bank of Russia discusses new steps to increase inclusion of remote financial services for handicapped people
The pandemic has shown a real level of adaptation of remote channels for interaction in the financial sector to the needs of handicapped people. Although mobile applications of the largest banks are already convenient for use by visually impaired and blind people, and people with motor disabilities, there still exist a number of significant difficulties. In particular, it is necessary to adapt biometrics for people with speech disorders and hearing impairment.
This was discussed at a working group meeting on improving financial inclusion for handicapped people.
Activities to address these and other identified problems are included in a working group new roadmap for
Financial literacy for vulnerable groups, especially the handicapped, the elderly and people with mental disabilities, was also the topic for a detailed discussion at the working group meeting.
The Association for financial literacy development and the Institute of correctional pedagogy are working to create a glossary of financial terms for handicapped people. The purpose of this work is not only to explain the terms, but also to help the handicapped master remote financial transactions, and learn how to identify risks and fraudsters. The glossary will also be available in versions for people with visual and hearing disabilities (with definitions of the main financial terms in Russian Sign Language).
The working group at the Bank of Russia on improving financial inclusion for the physically challenged and low-mobility groups was set up in 2017. Over three years, recommendations were sent to bank and non-bank financial institutions to ensure the availability of financial services for the handicapped and people with limited mobility, as well as methodological recommendations for employees who serve clients with special needs. According to the results of the last stage of monitoring, 58% of credit institutions have completed or almost completed the implementation of recommendations in 2019 — by 20 pp more than in 2018, and excluding recommendations for technical re-equipment of infrastructure, this number is 83%, which is 15 pp more than in 2018. Monitoring as well as individual work with those banks that do not fully comply with the Bank of Russia recommendations will continue in 2020.