SpringFour and Elevate have announced the findings of a research study examining the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on American households. The study found that the pandemic’s impact on American households was uneven, and that those who struggled require support beyond what traditional financial institutions provide.

SpringFour CEO Rochelle Gorey authored an op-ed for American Banker: “The case against returning to normal.” In the article, she describes the enormous opportunity that banks have to continue to prioritize their customers’ financial health, and how they can do so. Here’s an excerpt:

“There is much help available now, but customers may not know that help exists or whom to trust. Financial institutions are in the right place to provide all of the financial services that people need, including access to these resources. This will benefit customers and institutions alike — increasing repayment rates and securing a positive relationship with their customers when these resources provide the support they need…We all do well when we do good. We don’t have to return to normal — we can decide to be better and do right by our customers. It’s a win-win for all.”

As seen on Global Banking and Finance Review: In the wake of climate change disasters and social unrest in response to racial inequality, many companies are ramping up their environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs to become better corporate citizens with a positive impact on customers and community. Katy Jacob, VP of Research & Impact at SpringFour, encourages more financial institutions to ramp up their ESG programs by creating products and services that improve the long-term financial health of their customers.

Amid the financial strain of COVID-19, Avant, a financial technology company that gives middle-income consumers access to the credit they deserve, partnered with SpringFour to help their customers locate much needed financial resources. As a result, customers were increasingly able to make repayments on time, and Avant strengthened its relationship with its customers. In our short interview with Avant’s team, we explore what led to this partnership, the benefits to Avant and its customers, and how this work fits into Avant’s COVID-19 response and beyond.

This month, Rochelle Gorey, CEO and Co-Founder of SpringFour, and Ben Schack, Head of U.S. Digital Partnerships for BMO Financial Group, were featured at the Financial Health Network’s EMERGE, discussing our innovative financial health partnership. Watch the video to learn how this award-winning social impact fintech and multinational bank teamed up to solve problems and deliver assistance for customers through the pandemic and beyond. Discover the impact of their efforts on their employees and brands, and consider tips for successful fintech-bank partnerships.

Ahead Financials provides an overview of its business model focused on meeting the needs of the unbanked and financially under-served.