Conclusion

Abstract

As the contributions in this book clearly demonstrate, causes of financial exclusion and over-indebtedness are manyfold and eliminating them requires combined efforts of both specific legislation and the broader legal framework. The European Union legislation on consumer credit contracts and on unfair terms in consumer contracts present a good example. For instance, two European directives, namely the Consumer Credit Directive 1 and the Mortgage Credit Directive, 2 indirectly promote financial inclusion by fostering transparency and responsible lending. Additionally, the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD) 3 is also applicable to consumer credit contracts. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Duygu Damar-Blanken and Michelle Kelly-Louw; individual chapters, the contributors.