About FIAP
Our Story: History and Why....
The FIAP Program was launched in 2016, as part of the Australian Government’s G20 commitment to develop a national Financial Inclusion Action Plan.
Today, FIAP is a national and place-based network of over 50 organisations, who have made public commitments to take strategic and practical actions that will improve the financial wellbeing of their customers, employees, business, and community partners.
Between the launch of the first Action Plans in 2016 and the FIAP Program Evaluation conducted by CSI in 2019, these organisations undertook over 630 actions including:
- $1.2M invested in closing the gender pay gap for 350 women
- More than 1,000 employment opportunities for under-represented groups including people with a disability
- 38 organisations implementing domestic violence policies including awareness training and support.
Launched in 2016, FIAP is a call to action
- In 2014, the Australian Government made a commitment at the G20 summit to develop a national Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- In response the Department of Social Services commissioned Good Shepherd, in collaboration with EY and the Centre for Social Impact (CSI), to develop the FIAP Program and enable organisations from across all sectors to promote financial inclusion and resilience in Australia.
- By taking action, FIAP members contribute towards 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those associated with reducing inequalities and enabling inclusive economic growth.
- FIAP Actions are closely tied to Social Sustainability. FIAP Actions are designed to align with members’ existing spheres of influence, business activities, and strategies.
- FIAP Actions are closely tied to Social Sustainability. FIAP Actions are designed to align with members’ existing spheres of influence, business activities, and strategies.
FIAP aims for mutual benefit for all stakeholders
Good for Customers
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Improve access to safe, affordable and appropriate financial products and services.
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Provide better pathways to support in difficult situations.
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Improve financial resilience to deal with shocks.
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Improve financial wellbeing - the ability to comfortably meet and maintain current financial commitments and needs.
Good for the Community
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Strengthen and deepen relationships between community members and organisations.
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Creates a more supportive environment and inclusive environment.
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When individuals and families are financially included, they are improving their lives, which benefits the community as a whole.
Good for Participating Organisations
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Understand and engage diverse, often under-served customer segments.
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Improves staff financial wellbeing and fosters a sense of organisational purpose.
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Enables cross-sector, cross-industry relationships built on shared values and shared purpose.
Financial Inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals
Financial inclusion is not an end in itself, but a means to an end, offering pathways to economic opportunities which enable people to realise their full potential. Across the globe, policymakers are also recognising that financial inclusion is a powerful engine of progress, and a catalytic tool to advance human development.
Actions undertaken as part of the FIAP program contribute to 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1-10 and 16-17) which are associated with reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive growth. For more detail, refer to Good Shepherd Microfinance’s Submission to Senate Inquiry into the Sustainable Development Goals March 2018.
Our History
2014
2014-2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020:
2021-2022
Learn how to join FIAP
The FIAP program operates on a membership base, creating a community of companies and organisations that are working to improve financial wellbeing. As well as a national program, Good Shepherd currently offers place-based programs in Geelong and Northern Adelaide. Contact the FIAP team to find out more about membership options.