Fintech Innovations for Financial Inclusivity
A Trend Analysis and Critical Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46851/260Abstract
Abstract
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in financial services, has led to the rise of financial technology, or "fintech," revolutionizing how financial products and services are delivered. This paper investigates how fintech innovations contribute to financial inclusivity by making financial services more cost-effective, accessible, and personalized. This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining a qualitative critical narrative review with quantitative bibliometric mapping to examine the role of fintech innovations in enhancing financial inclusivity. A PRISMA 2020-informed screening process was applied to Scopus-indexed literature, while VOSviewer-based bibliometric analysis was used to identify research trends, thematic relationships, and emerging topics in fintech and financial inclusion. Fintech's potential to promote financial inclusion, especially for underserved and unbanked populations, is explored through key innovations like peer-to-peer lending, mobile payments, and digital wallets. However, challenges such as data security concerns and uneven accessibility between developed and developing countries highlight significant barriers to its adoption. While fintech innovations can lower costs and broaden access to financial services, issues like hidden fees, data privacy risks, and infrastructural disparities can limit their effectiveness, particularly in low-income regions. Furthermore, the paper discusses the personalization aspect of fintech, emphasizing how data-driven algorithms can tailor financial services to individual needs, especially for marginalized populations. A critical analysis is conducted to assess both the positive and negative impacts of fintech innovations on financial inclusivity, offering insights into how these technologies can be optimized for broader societal benefits. The study concludes by proposing strategies to address the challenges fintech faces in promoting financial inclusion, especially in developing nations.
Keywords: Financial Technology, Financial Inclusion, Fintech Innovation, Financial Services
JEL: G2, O16, O33, G53
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
