Gluwa is a fintech software company based in California, USA. It develops a decentralized platform to connect banks with emerging and underserved markets. But before we get into how Gluwa's technology makes this possible, let’s get into the core problem. Which is - “why financial exclusion remains such an economic menace today”. fintech software company fintech software company “why financial exclusion remains such an economic menace today” Or better asked, “Why does that local trader on my street struggle to expand his business after so many years operating?” “Why does that local trader on my street struggle to expand his business after so many years operating?” The backstory. Financial inclusion is a key driver in achieving about 43% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports economic growth and employment, empowers women, and helps tackle poverty. Yet, over 80% of the world's 1.4 billion people live without financial services, according to the World Bank. o ver 80% of the world's 1.4 billion people live without financial services ver 80% of the world's 1.4 billion people live without financial services Over the years, access to banking services for remote communities has been such a hassle for various reasons. One major barrier is the high cost associated with using formal financial services, as highlighted in a recent IMF research study, among other related factors. Persistent barriers, from high costs to a lack of infrastructure, call for a new financial model. A system that onboards those the traditional system has overlooked. It is within this global challenge that Gluwa's why comes into the spotlight. why Gluwa’s Mission Gluwa’s Mission The pain points are clear: for underserved communities, there is a need for better access to formal credit options. And traditional lending models fall short. better access to formal credit better access to formal credit This is a challenge Alan Kong, Gluwa’s Head of Marketing, knows well. “Without convenient access to credit, it isn’t easy to grow and foster an economy”. “Without convenient access to credit, it isn’t easy to grow and foster an economy”. “Without convenient access to credit, it isn’t easy to grow and foster an economy”. He further explains that people in emerging countries are often locked out of the financial system because they lack the required infrastructure. The good news is that recent global Findex data highlights the progress in this menace. The adoption of digital merchant payments has grown since 2021. adoption of digital merchant payments adoption of digital merchant payments It’s no wonder that the mobile money service like M‑Pesa has lifted 2% of the Kenyan population out of poverty, according to research. M‑Pesa has lifted 2% of the Kenyan population out of poverty M‑Pesa has lifted 2% of the Kenyan population out of poverty Despite this progress, many unbanked households still turn to costly alternatives like payday loans, which often create financial stress, especially in low-income communities. And herein lies the core of Gluwa’s mission: To connect global capital to emerging market investment opportunities through blockchain technology. And empower users with the choice and information they need to prosper. Gluwa’s Gluwa’s To connect global capital to emerging market investment opportunities through blockchain technology. And empower users with the choice and information they need to prosper. In collaboration with its global network of Real World Application (RWA) partners, Gluwa is connecting people worldwide to essential credit and investment opportunities. Here’s how it's using blockchain to solve the problems of over 200 million underserved people. The Tech Behind Gluwa’s Financial Inclusion Agenda The Tech Behind Gluwa’s Financial Inclusion Agenda Gluwa's team is globally distributed. With extensive experience across various industries, they are challenging the status quo for underserved communities through the use of blockchain technology. Why Blockchain is the Go-To Solution For Gluwa Why Blockchain is the Go-To Solution For Gluwa Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Blockchain's decentralized nature removes geographical boundaries. This contrasts sharply with traditional financial services, which are limited by local or regional authorities. According to Alan Kong, this is their "biggest differentiator." "biggest differentiator." He emphasizes that “a decentralized, permissionless network removes the limitations of a single controlling entity, enabling Gluwa to connect users across the globe with its borderless financial technology”. He emphasizes that “a decentralized, permissionless network removes the limitations of a single controlling entity, enabling Gluwa to connect users across the globe with its borderless financial technology”. “a decentralized, permissionless network removes the limitations of a single controlling entity, enabling Gluwa to connect users across the globe with its borderless financial technology”. - Alan Kong, Gluwa's Head of Marketing Transparency Transparency Transparency A blockchain network's public ledger functionality promotes transparency needed to build trust. It uses Microsoft Azure to power its blockchain-related services. Gluwa's Chief Software Architect explains that Azure is the go-to cloud service because it doesn’t force isolation. And this works perfectly for Gluwa, because blockchain is public. Azure is the go-to cloud service Azure is the go-to cloud service Security Security Security Blockchain technology uses advanced cryptographic techniques to safeguard sensitive data. This makes it a secure platform for financial transactions. Here’s How the Whole Process Works Here’s How the Whole Process Works Gluwa connects investors with financial institutions. This process uses blockchain to build trust and transparency throughout the entire lending cycle. The process in a nutshell; Gluwa's partner Aella offers loans to individuals. These loans are issued using stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency where the value is pegged 1:1 to a real-world currency. As David Lebee, Gluwa's Chief Software Architect, explains, this ensures the loan's value remains stable. These loans are recorded on the Creditcoin network, a blockchain-based credit protocol. The network's completeness and transparency give investors the chance to gain valuable insights into the loans. Aella integrates with credit card providers and other payment gateways. So users get to spend their digital currency without having to exchange it for cash beforehand. When recipients repay their loans, the payments are also recorded on the Creditcoin network. This creates a public and permanent ledger of their financial history. On-chain credit history allows recipients to build up a financial reputation on the blockchain. With permission, financial organizations can view the recipient's full payment history on the public ledger. This serves as a credit reference. Therefore, opens up a wider range of credit opportunities for those considered "unbankable." Gluwa's partner Aella offers loans to individuals. These loans are issued using stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency where the value is pegged 1:1 to a real-world currency. As David Lebee, Gluwa's Chief Software Architect, explains, this ensures the loan's value remains stable. Gluwa's partner Aella offers loans to individuals. These loans are issued using stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency where the value is pegged 1:1 to a real-world currency. As David Lebee, Gluwa's Chief Software Architect, explains, this ensures the loan's value remains stable. Aella Aella These loans are recorded on the Creditcoin network, a blockchain-based credit protocol. The network's completeness and transparency give investors the chance to gain valuable insights into the loans. These loans are recorded on the Creditcoin network, a blockchain-based credit protocol. The network's completeness and transparency give investors the chance to gain valuable insights into the loans. Creditcoin Creditcoin Aella integrates with credit card providers and other payment gateways. So users get to spend their digital currency without having to exchange it for cash beforehand. Aella integrates with credit card providers and other payment gateways. So users get to spend their digital currency without having to exchange it for cash beforehand. When recipients repay their loans, the payments are also recorded on the Creditcoin network. This creates a public and permanent ledger of their financial history. On-chain credit history allows recipients to build up a financial reputation on the blockchain. When recipients repay their loans, the payments are also recorded on the Creditcoin network. This creates a public and permanent ledger of their financial history. On-chain credit history allows recipients to build up a financial reputation on the blockchain. With permission, financial organizations can view the recipient's full payment history on the public ledger. This serves as a credit reference. Therefore, opens up a wider range of credit opportunities for those considered "unbankable." With permission, financial organizations can view the recipient's full payment history on the public ledger. This serves as a credit reference. Therefore, opens up a wider range of credit opportunities for those considered "unbankable." "unbankable." So yeah, the blockchain promises so much, and we have the evidence. But this isn’t without its challenges. Some Challenges Ahead and the Way Forward Some Challenges Ahead and the Way Forward The idea of a borderless financial infrastructure is groundbreaking. But the path to this mission is not without ups and downs. The company faces three primary issues, including; Problem #1. Issues Surrounding Crypto Regulation The decentralized nature of blockchain-based finance often puts it in a legal gray area. GAO reports that governments and regulatory bodies worldwide continue to battle with how to regulate cryptocurrencies and DeFi platforms. For Gluwa, this presents a major challenge. The reason is that a lack of consistent rules creates legal risks and makes it hard to operate in many countries. battle with how to regulate cryptocurrencies and DeFi platforms battle with how to regulate cryptocurrencies and DeFi platforms Solution - Solid Partnerships The company has partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This collaboration involves merging Gluwa's Credal technology to build credit profiles for eNaira users. A move that not only boosts the adoption of the CBDC but also positions Gluwa as a trusted partner in Africa's largest economy. partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Problem #2. The Challenge of Adoption and User Education Problem #2. The Challenge of Adoption and User Education Despite the benefits of a decentralized platform, user adoption in emerging markets is not a given. Many potential users aren’t digital-savvy enough to use blockchain-based services. They may also doubt new blockchain provisions due to misconceptions. doubt new blockchain provisions doubt new blockchain provisions Solution - Localized Integration Solution - Localized Integration Gluwa's partnership with Aella makes its mark. Aella has used Gluwa's Creditcoin platform to disburse over 100 billion Naira (approximately $80 million) in loans to more than 2 million Nigerians. This approach is supported by broader industry trends. A 2025 CoinLaw report indicates that 88 countries have active DeFi usage. But mobile-first regions in South Asia and Africa, where mobile finance is already popular, drive adoption. 88 countries have active DeFi usage 88 countries have active DeFi usage Problem #3. Technological and Infrastructural Limitations Problem #3. Technological and Infrastructural Limitations Blockchain is game-changing. At the same time, a country's existing infrastructure should support it. Many emerging markets still struggle with poor internet connectivity. This limits access to online platforms. Also, the issue of converting online assets into real, spendable currency remains a problem. Solution - Human and Infrastructure Investment Solution - Human and Infrastructure Investment The company is looking into the use of satellite technology to improve internet connectivity in remote areas. satellite technology to improve internet connectivity satellite technology to improve internet connectivity Its work in Nigeria extends beyond finance to technical investment. In a partnership with the Nigerian government, Gluwa is involved in an initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians annually in artificial intelligence and blockchain, preparing the next generation of users and developers. Gluwa’s Broader Impact The company’s social contribution stands firm. Here’s their deal: At Gluwa, we’re committed to building products that empower people regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, or gender by providing tools and resources to access open and transparent financial systems. At Gluwa, we’re committed to building products that empower people regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, or gender by providing tools and resources to access open and transparent financial systems. At Gluwa, we’re committed to building products that empower people regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, or gender by providing tools and resources to access open and transparent financial systems. This means that communities with low banking penetration and weak credit infrastructure stand to benefit most from Gluwa's services. Some examples of these underserved communities that will benefit the most from Gluwa’s initiatives include; Africa, Latin America, and South Asia Why? Ownership of financial accounts increased globally by 5% points between 2021 and 2024. And by 6% points in low- and middle-income economies, in which 75% of adults now have an account according to a recent global Findex data. Africa, Latin America, and South Asia Why? Ownership of financial accounts increased globally by 5% points between 2021 and 2024. And by 6% points in low- and middle-income economies, in which 75% of adults now have an account according to a recent global Findex data. Africa, Latin America, and South Asia Africa, Latin America, and South Asia Why? Ownership of financial accounts increased globally by 5% points between 2021 and 2024. And by 6% points in low- and middle-income economies, in which 75% of adults now have an account according to a recent global Findex data. 75% of adults now have an account 75% of adults now have an account These regions, with their rapidly growing populations and high mobile phone adoption, are prime markets for Gluwa. For a country like Nigeria, where it has a huge presence, there are a large number of unbanked people. However, robust mobile money startups are common. Its partnership with Aella in Nigeria demonstrates the impact of its credit-building technology in these markets. Low-Income and Rural Populations Why? In low- and middle-income economies, only about a quarter of adults used formal credit in the past year. An additional 35% relied on informal sources such as family or friends. Of the 15% of self-employed adults who borrowed for business purposes, most of them borrowed only informally. Low-Income and Rural Populations Why? In low- and middle-income economies, only about a quarter of adults used formal credit in the past year. An additional 35% relied on informal sources such as family or friends. Of the 15% of self-employed adults who borrowed for business purposes, most of them borrowed only informally. Low-Income and Rural Populations Low-Income and Rural Populations Why? In low- and middle-income economies, only about a quarter of adults used formal credit in the past year. An additional 35% relied on informal sources such as family or friends. Of the 15% of self-employed adults who borrowed for business purposes, most of them borrowed only informally. 35% relied on informal sources 35% relied on informal sources Gluwa’s solution bypasses the need for physical bank branches. It brings banking services to users via their smartphones. Gluwa’s Competitive Edge Against Traditional Financial Systems Gluwa’s Competitive Edge Against Traditional Financial Systems Gluwa's work could influence traditional financial systems by forcing them to adopt a similar, more efficient, and inclusive model. Here’s how it stays ahead; It challenges the existing credit systems How? Gluwa’s Creditcoin blockchain creates an immutable, on-chain credit history for users who have no traditional credit score. Traditional financial institutions may be forced to look into similar methods to compete for these new customers. It cuts transaction costs and increases speed How? Gluwa reduces the need for expensive intermediaries in cross-border payments via blockchain tech. Delays in clearing and settlement cost the global economy billions annually, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The platform and its stablecoin-based transactions offer a faster, cheaper alternative, which could pressure traditional banks to improve their outdated payment infrastructure. Gluwa Paves the Way for Digital Currency Adoption How? Its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote the eNaira and integrate credit scoring is a strong case of how DeFi can work with state-backed currencies. This could set the pace for other central banks to think about CBDCs. It challenges the existing credit systems How? Gluwa’s Creditcoin blockchain creates an immutable, on-chain credit history for users who have no traditional credit score. Traditional financial institutions may be forced to look into similar methods to compete for these new customers. It challenges the existing credit systems It challenges the existing credit systems How? Gluwa’s Creditcoin blockchain creates an immutable, on-chain credit history for users who have no traditional credit score. Traditional financial institutions may be forced to look into similar methods to compete for these new customers. It cuts transaction costs and increases speed How? Gluwa reduces the need for expensive intermediaries in cross-border payments via blockchain tech. Delays in clearing and settlement cost the global economy billions annually, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The platform and its stablecoin-based transactions offer a faster, cheaper alternative, which could pressure traditional banks to improve their outdated payment infrastructure. It cuts transaction costs and increases speed It cuts transaction costs and increases speed How? Gluwa reduces the need for expensive intermediaries in cross-border payments via blockchain tech. Delays in clearing and settlement cost the global economy billions annually, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The platform and its stablecoin-based transactions offer a faster, cheaper alternative, which could pressure traditional banks to improve their outdated payment infrastructure. Gluwa Paves the Way for Digital Currency Adoption How? Its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote the eNaira and integrate credit scoring is a strong case of how DeFi can work with state-backed currencies. This could set the pace for other central banks to think about CBDCs. Gluwa Paves the Way for Digital Currency Adoption Gluwa Paves the Way for Digital Currency Adoption How? Its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote the eNaira and integrate credit scoring is a strong case of how DeFi can work with state-backed currencies. This could set the pace for other central banks to think about CBDCs. Gluwa Beyond Finance Gluwa Beyond Finance Blockchain technology also applies to other industries affected by a lack of trust and centralized establishments. Such sectors include; Education Education Education Blockchain could be used to create a verifiable, tamper-proof record of a student's academic history, including degrees, certifications, and skills. Gluwa could play a role here. An instance would be to help students share their verified records with present or future employers without the need to rely on a university to reissue them. Healthcare Healthcare Healthcare A Gluwa-like system could create a secure medical records system. Patient data, stored on a private blockchain, would be complete and accessible only by authorized parties. It could also be used to create a transparent supply chain for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. Final Thoughts Final Thoughts So, here’s my answer to the first question about that local trader on my street. He struggles because he lacks access to financial provisions needed to scale his business. But this is the exciting news… Gluwa is building a new fintech infrastructure designed to serve those who have been excluded. The technology sets the pace for an inclusive and transparent financial access. As it continues to grow, the question is no longer about global financial inclusion, but rather, what other sectors are next in line? But till then, it’s banking one underserved community after another.
