Financial Technology and Financial Inclusion: The Role of Digital Finance in Expanding Financial Access
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54518/fid.1.1.2023.1191Keywords:
Fintech, Financial Technology, Digital Finance, Financial Inclusion, Financial Accessibility, Financial Sector DevelopmentAbstract
Financial technology (FinTech) has emerged as a transformative force that reshapes financial service delivery and expands access to financial services across diverse populations. This study examines the relationship between FinTech, digital finance, and financial inclusion through a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. Relevant studies published between 2018 and 2022 were collected from major academic databases and analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings indicate that FinTech enhances financial inclusion by reducing barriers related to geography, cost, and accessibility through digital payments, mobile banking, and other technology-enabled financial services. The review further reveals that digital infrastructure, technological readiness, and consumer adoption are important drivers of FinTech development. Additionally, FinTech contributes to financial sector development by improving efficiency, innovation, and economic participation. The study concludes that FinTech serves as a strategic financial innovation that supports inclusive financial growth and sustainable financial sector development.
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