All sorts of Britons could face issues of homelessness and financial vulnerability, necessitating a joined-up response from financial services to help improve inclusion, Maxine Pritchard, head of financial inclusion and vulnerability at HSBC UK has said.
Speaking to editor Simoney Kyriakou on the latest FT Adviser Editor's Podcast, Pritchard, who headed up the No Fixed Address campaign at HSBC UK, said: "Anybody can be vulnerable.
"Your life can change in an instant for all sorts of reasons, and the FCA has long talked about not designing products that suit the perfect customer - because actually that person does not exist."
On the podcast, Pritchard highlighted some case studies out of the 10,000 accounts the company has helped people launch - "people who otherwise would have been excluded from financial services".
This means they can start receiving benefits and paying their rent and getting onto the career ladder.
The company is also trialling a 'points of presence', whereby HSBC UK staff will go into charity locations, to provide a "softer environment" for the individual and help facilitate conversations with the individual about their journey and their needs.
"People will be homeless for all sorts of reasons", she said - such as escaping abuse or modern slavery - and will have varying levels of financial capability. Therefore the support needs to be tailored she said.
HSBC UK has also made its scheme process open to other providers and financial service practitioners to sign up and join in to help people suffering from vulnerable housing situations.
By the end of this podcast, which carries an indicative 30 minutes’ CPD, you will be able to list the ways in which not having a fixed address can prevent social mobility; be able to explain ways to help become more financially resilient; and suggest ways to signpost people to the support they need to get back on their feet.