Balance Hero Leads Financial Inclusion Expansion in India

Balancehero, a fintech company that has entered the Indian market, is deepening its CSR and ESG management for the fifth consecutive year, playing a leading role in social and environmental improvement beyond finance. Under the grand goal of 'Finance for All,' the company, in an era of intensifying climate change, digital divide, and social inequality, provides inclusive, responsible, and future-oriented financial solutions and has integrated ESG principles throughout its management. Balancehero has carried out specific social contribution activities. Through the 'Sahayak' program, which began in 2021, it has focused on strengthening the digital capabilities of Indian youth, providing financial and digital literacy education to over 1,000 young people to date, thereby nurturing their future growth potential. Since 2023, it has partnered with local social enterprises to launch 'Project Harmony 2.0.' With the theme of 'Be Water Wise,' the project established drinking water facilities in rural areas along the Haryana and Rajasthan borders and promoted the restoration of traditional water sources and the installation of solar power plants. Furthermore, by introducing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in rural schools and improving sanitation and kitchen infrastructure, it has contributed to improving the quality of life in the local community. These efforts have resulted in tangible benefits for over 12,000 residents, including vocational training, safe street lighting, and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE). In addition, by adopting digital processes, the company has achieved the effect of preserving approximately 5,000 trees, actively participating in biodiversity conservation. Balancehero's core mission lies in expanding financial inclusion. Approximately 1.6% of its total customers belong to the 'unbanked' population who previously could not access traditional banking services. The company, through its AI-based Alternative Credit Scoring (ACS) system and microfinance services, provides optimized loan products to approximately one billion low-to-medium credit individuals, thereby helping those excluded from the traditional financial system to become active participants in economic activities. Lee Chul-won, CEO of Balancehero, emphasized that "in India, microfinance is more than just a business; it's a crucial sector that transforms the lives of vulnerable groups and drives qualitative economic growth," and expressed his ambition to "continue to expand sustainable development and financial inclusion through quantitative growth and collaboration with local communities, with the interest and support of the Indian government."