Recent findings from the World Bank Global Findex reveal that 1.3 billion adults still lack financial accounts, including some in the U.S. Our customers may live in emerging markets, but many Americans face similar financial struggles more than one might think. Both groups are navigating challenges of financial access and resilience, and both are using new tools to take control of their economic futures.
As part of our commitment to transparency and impact, Tala commissioned a new global study conducted by impact measurement firm 60 Decibels in the spring of 2025. The report, which surveyed nearly 850 repeat Tala customers across Kenya, Mexico, and the Philippines, provides a powerful, data-driven look at how access to digital credit shapes financial lives over time.
The results clearly show the need for accessible financial tools is universal, and when people have the power of choice, they build more resilient and empowered lives.
1. The Universal Challenge of Financial Access
The struggle to access credit is not confined to emerging markets. In the U.S., 49 million adults lack conventional credit scores and about 15% of households have no mainstream credit, leaving them shut out of the financial system. This reality is mirrored in the experiences of our customers. About half of Tala’s borrowers reported having no prior access to a loan similar to ours.
2. From Financial Stress to Healthcare Access
Financial emergencies and healthcare costs are deeply intertwined, creating a widespread vulnerability that many Americans share with our customers. While 59% of Americans lack savings for a $1,000 emergency, the U.S. healthcare system itself creates instability, leaving 11% of adults unable to afford or access quality care.
This is where financial access becomes a tool for overall well-being. With Tala, our customers are building remarkable resilience; a powerful 80% report an improved ability to cover an emergency expense. Specifically on healthcare, we see a life-changing impact: 55% of our borrowers in Kenya and 41% in Mexico now report an increased ability to seek medical care when needed. Being ready for an emergency gives people peace of mind, and having a fund or access to affordable credit can provide the agency people need to care for their health and build a more secure future.
3. The Tangible Impact of Financial Control
Beyond managing emergencies, true financial control manifests in day-to-day well-being and an improved outlook on life. According to the study, a staggering 82% of borrowers reported an improvement in their overall quality of life because of Tala. This feeling of progress is validated by a decrease in financial stress, which 81% of our customers reported.
The impact on women is particularly profound and shows that those in the global majority share a similar desire for financial confidence and influence as their American counterparts. In the U.S., while 94% of women believe they will be personally responsible for their finances at some point, only 48% feel confident in their financial abilities. Our data shows that when women in the global majority are given the right tools, they act on this same desire for empowerment with incredible results: 80% of Tala’s women borrowers report increased self-confidence because of our loans, and 59% report gaining more influence in household decision-making. This newfound agency creates a powerful ripple effect, empowering women to improve not only their own lives but the well-being of their families and communities.
4. The Universal Entrepreneurial Spirit
The drive to build a business is a powerful, shared ambition globally. In the U.S., small business owners often rely on personal assets and consumer credit to finance their businesses and are more likely to be denied credit than non-owners. This challenge of securing capital is also a hurdle for entrepreneurs in the global majority. For these business owners, Tala provides a vital path to growth. Globally, 34% of Tala borrowers used their loan for business purposes, with Kenya leading at 40%. Tala is providing a direct investment in their vision, and the results speak for themselves:
- Increased Earnings: A remarkable 87% reported an increase in business earnings.
- Improved Outlook: 82% said their business outlook improved as a result of their loan.
- Investing in Growth: The most common use of business loans was buying inventory (82%), showing a direct path from credit to commerce.
The financial lives of our customers and many Americans are reflections of a shared journey. The desire for a safety net and the ambition to create a better life are universal challenges and aspirations. By building a financial platform that addresses these fundamental human needs, we are creating a more inclusive and connected global digital economy for everyone.
Methodology
Commissioned by Tala, 60 Decibels conducted 847 phone interviews with Tala’s digital loan borrowers in Kenya, Mexico, and the Philippines between April and May 2025. The borrowers were randomly selected from a sample of Tala’s borrower database. 60 Decibels is a global, tech-enabled impact measurement company that brings speed and repeatability to social impact measurement and customer insights.