9 a.m.
Registration
9:45 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
10 a.m.
Opening Plenary: Crossing the Credit Barrier
This fireside chat will ground the discussion on the history of investment in St. Louis. Hear about St. Louis’ economic development journey through place-based and innovative investment strategies and meeting consumers where they are on their credit journey.
10:30 a.m.
Exploring the State of Consumer Credit
Leaders in financial well-being will reflect on the state of access to consumer credit across the areas of housing, entrepreneurship and employment for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. This plenary will explore current trends in consumer credit and innovative approaches to meeting the consumer credit gap.
11:15 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Opening the Door to Housing
Across America, rents and house prices continue to rise as housing supply declines. This session will explore the role of credit in accessing housing, including barriers and their impacts on consumers in the rental and housing markets. - Navigating Financial Realities: Low-Income Households and the Role of Alternative Finance
Alternative financial services play a complex and sometimes controversial role in the financial lives of low- and moderate-income households. This session brings together researchers to explore the current landscape for households. This session also examines the role that alternative finance plays in meeting the needs of unbanked or underbanked households and addresses the broader implications for long-term financial wellbeing. - The Cost of Car Loans
Auto loan debt climbed the most among low- and moderate-income consumers in recent years. Frequently these consumers are priced out of the new-car market and rely on depreciated cars financed by costly loans. This session will explore the high cost of vehicles for consumers and innovative solutions that provide economic benefits.
12:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:45 p.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Diversifying Credit for Small-Business Growth and Innovation
This session will highlight diverse and innovative sources of capital that are bridging the credit gap among small businesses and making credit more accessible and reliable. - Alternative Credit Models and Their Impact
How can alternative credit underwriting models expand credit opportunities for low- and moderate-income consumers? This panel will focus on industry-wide collaborations, technological advances using AI and regulatory guidance that advances safe-and-sound fair-lending practices. - Fintech Credit Solutions
The fintech ecosystem is growing and rapidly changing. How has this creative evolution impacted credit origination and access for low- and moderate-income communities? Participants will learn more about companies trying to foster greater access to financial services for those communities.
2:45 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
3:05 p.m.
Plenary Opening Remarks by Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr
Plenary: Financial Education
One of the most significant challenges consumers face in successfully accessing credit is a lack of financial information and tools. This plenary will discuss the role of financial education in crossing the credit barrier and, ultimately, prompting financial well-being and resilience.
4 p.m.
First Day Closing Remarks
4:15 p.m.
Reception
Thursday, Oct. 23
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and Networking
9:25 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30 a.m.
Plenary Session: Regional Innovations for Consumers
This session will explore approaches to attracting and deploying diverse sources of capital to improve access to credit services and products for cities and regions.
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Employers Innovating to Address the Credit Needs of Their Workforces
Some employers work to meet the credit needs of their workforces via short-term, small-dollar loans through embedded financial institutions (e.g., credit unions). These partnerships may reduce lending costs for their employees and introduce them to mainstream credit markets. This session combines research and mission-centered practices to explain this growing financial product—the opportunities it could provide, as well as the risks. - Anchoring Community Wealth-Building
Anchor collaboratives are finding place-based solutions for workforce development and housing in partnership with local financial institutions. This is being done by designing and deploying innovative and flexible lending and investment products in low- and moderate-income communities. This session will explore best practices and partnership strategies for advancing economic mobility and development.
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:30 p.m.
Closing Plenary: A Forward Look for Bridging the Credit Gap
Discover innovative solutions linking low- and moderate-income communities to low-cost and affordable credit, fostering financial stability. Explore how philanthropic and creative capital approaches can transform economic outcomes in challenged neighborhoods. Learn strategies to catalyze positive change and create opportunities in underserved areas.
1 p.m.
Closing Remarks: Beyond the Credit Barriers