As an advocate for financial inclusion in Argentina, I am passionate about addressing the financial inequalities that many people in underbanked regions face. Argentina has a large population that lacks access to traditional banking systems, and I believe that blockchain technology, especially platforms like Base, can bring financial services to those who need them most. By participating in this hackathon, I aim to create real-world solutions that can empower individuals and small businesses with easier access to micro-loans.

I am focusing on the challenge of financial inclusion. In many communities in Argentina and other emerging markets, people lack access to formal credit systems. Traditional micro-lending often involves intermediaries that increase the cost and complexity of loans, which further alienates those who need it most. By decentralizing the loan process, I hope to make small loans more accessible to everyone, regardless of location or financial background.

My project, TrustLoan Base, is a decentralized platform where individuals can request and fund micro-loans directly on the blockchain. The platform eliminates the need for intermediaries, allowing for direct peer-to-peer lending with transparent smart contracts. Borrowers can access small amounts of crypto in the form of loans, while lenders can fund these loans and earn interest. This system could have a profound impact by empowering people in underbanked communities, giving them the financial resources to grow businesses, cover emergency expenses, or achieve other personal goals.

One of the technical challenges I faced was integrating the smart contract logic with the front-end in a way that was user-friendly for individuals without technical experience. Initially, managing Web3 interactions, such as funding loans or handling repayments, was cumbersome, especially when considering different Ethereum network providers. I overcame this by leveraging Ethers.js to simplify the interactions and built a clear interface that guides users through the process. Another hurdle was ensuring accurate interest calculations in the smart contract, which I resolved through extensive testing with different scenarios and implementing a simple interest model.