Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider Affirm has announced a strategic partnership with MoreThanFair, a nonprofit initiative aimed at establishing ethical, inclusive, and transparent lending practices across the U.S. financial system. The move underscores Affirm’s commitment to responsible consumer finance as scrutiny of the BNPL sector continues to grow.
According to Affirm, the collaboration will focus on developing and promoting data standards that support fair lending, helping to ensure that credit products remain accessible to all consumers—particularly those traditionally underserved by legacy financial institutions. MoreThanFair’s mission centers on the use of alternative data and technology to drive equitable lending outcomes, aligning closely with Affirm’s business model.
As reported by company officials, Affirm’s involvement in the initiative includes contributing insights on underwriting, transparency, and consumer protections, all of which have become key issues in the fast-expanding BNPL market. The company believes that building industry-wide frameworks for responsible lending will strengthen trust with consumers and regulators alike.
The partnership comes at a time when regulators are increasingly evaluating the risks and benefits of short-term installment lending models, particularly around issues such as creditworthiness assessments, fee disclosures, and the long-term financial health of users. Affirm, along with other major BNPL providers, has faced calls to implement stronger guardrails and clearer reporting practices.
By joining MoreThanFair, Affirm positions itself at the forefront of shaping how fintech firms interact with consumer data and build lending products that prioritize inclusion. The company has stated that the initiative is part of its broader goal to “improve lives through honest financial products”, and that it views standardized, transparent practices as a competitive advantage in a rapidly maturing market.
