Financial access remains a challenge for gig workers, as traditional banking models often overlook their income patterns. Bankuish, a fintech startup based in Colombia, aims to bridge this gap by introducing an alternative financial evaluation method. At the 4YFN25 Awards, an event dedicated to recognizing innovative startups, Bankuish emerged as the winner, securing a €20,000 cash prize from GSMA Foundry. The competition featured several promising companies, each presenting solutions that address critical industry needs. The award ceremony took place at MWC25 Barcelona, highlighting the growing role of financial technology in reshaping lending systems.
Previously, fintech startups addressing financial inclusion for gig workers have gained attention, but many struggled with large-scale adoption. Unlike traditional approaches, Bankuish’s model integrates non-traditional credit assessment techniques, making it more adaptable to the gig economy. This approach differs from past financial initiatives that relied primarily on employment history and salary slips. Over the years, multiple startups have attempted to address gig workers’ financial challenges, but few have received recognition at global industry events like 4YFN25. Bankuish’s success in this competition reflects a shift in the industry’s interest in alternative financial solutions.
How Did Bankuish Secure the Award?
Bankuish was selected after an on-stage pitching competition, where industry experts from the investor community evaluated various startups based on innovation, market potential, and impact. Competing in front of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and government officials, the company demonstrated how its model improves credit accessibility for gig workers. The judges acknowledged the startup’s potential in reshaping financial evaluation methods, leading to its selection as the winner.
What Are Bankuish’s Future Plans?
Bankuish has outlined an ambitious vision for its future growth. According to CEO José Fernández, the company aims to become the preferred credit bureau for major banks assessing gig workers’ creditworthiness by 2028. The startup has already gained traction in Latin America and the United States and plans to expand further.
“By 2028, we aim to be the preferred credit bureau for most major banks when assessing the creditworthiness of the future of work. We currently serve the largest banks of LATAM and are successfully being adopted in the US. We wish to serve most major banks and insurance providers in the world by 2028.” – José Fernández, Founder and CEO of Bankuish
The company’s approach differs from conventional banking risk assessments, focusing on alternative data sources to evaluate creditworthiness. This allows gig workers to access loans without relying on traditional employment records.
The 4YFN25 event also featured other finalists, including Horus ML, Qflow, Ramon.Space, and Rockfish Data, each of which presented innovative solutions in fields such as AI-driven healthcare, sustainable construction, and space technology. The competition aimed to highlight startups bringing advancements to various industries.
4YFN serves as a platform where investors and industry leaders engage with early-stage companies developing solutions for emerging markets. This year’s event emphasized AI’s role in business and finance, showcasing how startups leverage technology to address industry-specific challenges. The next 4YFN event is set to take place at MWC25 Shanghai, continuing its mission to support innovation in different sectors.
The recognition of Bankuish at 4YFN25 signals a broader industry shift towards alternative financial models for non-traditional workers. As the gig economy expands, more fintech solutions targeting this workforce are expected to emerge. Companies like Bankuish demonstrate that traditional banking models may not be sufficient for assessing financial credibility in evolving employment structures. The startup’s progress in Latin America and the U.S. suggests that flexible credit evaluation techniques could become mainstream in the coming years. While challenges remain regarding regulatory adaptation and financial institution adoption, interest in alternative credit assessment methods continues to grow.
