One size fits all is a thing of the past. Law is meant to serve the people. Legal pluralism enables regulators and courts to maintain the balance between people reminiscing and the interests of the present and future aspirations. Financial laws that depend only on formalities and hard information exclude people with different norms and cultures. The experiences of the informal credit markets in Ethiopia and South Africa indicate that different approaches work very well to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable financial services to the people. Therefore, policymakers and regulators should consider pluralism rather than unilateralism in their approach to financial regulation. International development organisations, financial institutions, international financial rule makers and standard setters should be aware that universalism and unilateralism have limitations. Pluralism is not a magic bluet that solves all problems. However, pluralism is a virtue that enhances financial stability and helps fight international financial-related crimes. Pluralism recognises and rewards local innovation and creativity, which is vital for an inclusive financial system to flourish.