Finger uses AI to prevent financial fraud and narrow the digital divide ... seeks ideas from young people

[Financial News]  Fintech firm Finger is seeking ideas from young people to help prevent financial fraud and address digital financial exclusion using artificial intelligence (AI). It plans to set challenges focused on solving social problems through financial technology and support ideas with the potential to develop into real-world services.
According to Finger on the 2nd, it will participate as one of the first private-sector sponsors of the 2026 Digital Saessak Problem-Solving Competition C.O.D.E., hosted by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity. Finger will lead the ‘Challenge’ track, overseeing everything from designing the challenges to mentoring and follow-up support.
The competition invites middle and high school students from across the country to propose solutions to everyday problems using AI technology. With private companies taking part for the first time this year, the competition is designed to have young people tackle challenges that companies are grappling with in real-world industries.
The main challenge set by Finger is to create ‘future financial services that everyone across generations can use with confidence.’ It focuses on disparities in access to financial services and security issues arising as digital finance expands.
Examples include an AI service to detect voice phishing targeting older adults, an AI financial coach to help teenagers develop saving habits, and a digital currency platform linked to local businesses. The key evaluation criterion is how effectively an idea addresses the difficulties actual users face, rather than simply whether the technology can be implemented.
A total of 201 teams applied to the competition, and 45 advanced to the final round. Of these, 15 teams will take part in the Challenge track led by Finger.
Earlier, Finger provided participating teams with coaching on financial service planning and presentations during the final-round joint mentoring session, held from October 31 through the 1st of this month. The final competition will take place from December 11 to 13 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. The top team in the Challenge track will have the opportunity to visit companies in Korea and abroad and receive mentoring from experts.
Finger’s participation is significant because it connects the company’s fintech business experience with young people’s problem-solving ideas. It is expected to create an opportunity to consider user protection and accessibility alongside technical convenience in the development of financial services.
The fintech industry sees the competitiveness of AI financial services as depending not only on technological sophistication but also on security and earning users’ trust.
A fintech industry official said, “Preventing financial fraud and addressing digital exclusion are emerging as major challenges for financial platforms.” 
Finger CEO An In-ju said, “Because finance touches the everyday lives of people across all generations, everyone should be able to use it with confidence without being left out,” adding, “I hope young people will discover new possibilities for the future of finance through AI.”

[email protected] Kim Gyeong-a Reporter