Apple, Amazon, Google, PayPal and Intuit have formed Financial Innovation Now (www.financialinnovationnow.org), a financial services lobby a coalition “that will promote policies to help foster greater innovation in financial services.”
“Innovation is coming to financial services, and now is the time for Washington to help enable a modern financial system that is more accessible, affordable, and secure,” Brian Peters, executive director of Financial Innovation Now, said in a press release “This alliance of remarkably innovative companies brings a new voice to Washington’s financial conversations, and we look forward to engaging on a wide range of opportunities. Whether it is protecting consumers, growing small businesses, or promoting financial literacy and savings, Financial Innovation Now wants policymakers to understand how new technologies can help solve today’s policy challenges.”
The organization and its member companies believe that financial innovation will empower consumers by improving access to financial tools and services, increasing convenience and ease of use, and helping users save money and lower costs, he adds. In addition, Financial Innovation Now is designed to enable small businesses to grow and succeed with greater access to capital and analytical tools to make strategic, data-driven decisions, and strengthen authentication and security solutions for everyone.
Peters says that the organization will promote policies that aim to:
° Realize trust and safety of new technologies;
° Leverage technology to reduce barriers and enhance access for the underserved;
° Enable real-time payments clearing processes;
° Expand the online marketplace for consumer and small business lending;
° Unlock the power of financial applications.
“The regulatory environment must allow these new innovations to enter and compete in the marketplace,” said Peters. “We look forward to working with policymakers to promote the adoption of new services, many of which are already bringing significant benefits to consumers and small businesses today.”
Peters has served in numerous roles in government and advocacy in Washington, DC over the past decade. He is a partner at the Franklin Square Group, a technology and innovation-focused government relations and communications firm based in Washington, DC.
