“At Monzo, customers have the option to talk to us through different channels — in the app or over the phone — and choose what works best for them. We also have features that give customers complete visibility and control over their spending like instant notifications, pots to budget or save, and tools that help manage impulse purchases.”
Ash Madden, a neurodivergent financial coach at Octopus Money, says financial organisations can accommodate the needs of neurodivergent people by “automating tasks such as bill payments and reminders” and “providing innovative ways to categorise, visualise and manage spending, savings and investments”.
“Companies are also increasingly willing to make reasonable adjustments for neurodiversity, but this requires people to both be prepared to ask for accommodations and know what works for them,” he adds.
Start-ups such as Mad About Money App are challenging major banks by designing financial services specifically for neurodivergent people.
The app — which has amassed 10,000 users since launching in May 2023 — provides educational resources on personal finance, online communities where people can share tips and experiences, a discount library, a podcast and more.
Alexander-Grout, who has several neurodivergent conditions, says it is her mission to help people “achieve their money and well-being goals through the power of community” and to make it clear that they are not alone in their financial struggles.
She hopes to partner with banks, lenders and other financial organisations to “give people the best experience”, and is actively seeking sponsors and investors to develop new features and benefit more people.
She concludes: “I’ve just reached the finals for Money Influencer of the Year in the British bank awards and I’m going to continue to fly the flag and help as many neurodivergents with their money as as I can.”
Nicholas Fearn is a freelance journalist
