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statement. "Those who are more financially literate business during the pandemic, the fintech community
are more likely to plan and save for retirement, to brought them digital tools to survive business shutdowns,
have non-retirement savings and to better manage self-attended solutions to overcome labor shortages and
their debt; they are also less likely to be financially advanced logistics to bridge gaps in the supply chain.
fragile."
As the pandemic recedes from view, fintechs continue
• Access One Solutions: George Sarantopoulos, to collaborate on causes that are bigger than any one
founder and CEO of Access One Solutions Inc., con- company, country, nationality or race. As people who
gratulated Obsidian Banking for its commitment to routinely solve problems with technology, it's only natural
financial literacy and empowerment. The two com- for fintechs to apply their unique tools and skill sets to any
panies are in discussions. "We're happy to be work- type of challenge, not just the ones their channel partners,
ing with Obsidian Banking because we believe in merchants and customers are facing, but the big economic,
what they're trying to accomplish," he said. "If we environmental and geopolitical issues of our time.
want, fintechs can seize this moment and change
the world and no one has to stay unbanked." Financial inclusion has long been a major issue, especially
for Black Americans. When Damon Kirk and Steven
Contributions continue to pour in from high-profile angel Farrar set out to close the wealth gap, they began with a
investors, fintechs and financial institutions, some of single smooth stone made of molten lava, called Obsidian.
whom are currently under non-disclosure agreements, According to legend, Obsidian has healing powers and
Farrar reported. forms a shield against negativity while stimulating
Block negativity, stimulate growth growth. The recipe appears to be working.
Most professionals experience peaks and valleys in their Dale S. Laszig, senior staff writer at The Green Sheet and managing
careers. At times, challenges may seem insurmountable, director at DSL Direct LLC, is a payments industry journalist and content
but these occasions bring out the best in people. When strategist. Connect via email dale@dsldirectllc.com, LinkedIn www.
retail and hospitality merchants struggled to stay in linkedin.com/in/dalelaszig/ and Twitter @DSLdirect.