The Role of Financial Technology in Enhancing Financial Inclusion

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the role of financial technology in enhancing financial inclusion by examining the impact of FinTech-related variables represented by the interbank payment card penetration rate and the internet Banking services penetration rate (% of population) as independent variables on financial inclusion as the dependent variable, measured by the bank account ownership rate (% of adults). The study adopts a case study of the Tunisian banking sector over the period 2010–2024, and employs the multiple linear regression model as its primary econometric methodology. The results reveal a statistically significant positive effect of the FinTech variable represented by the internet banking services penetration rate on financial inclusion in Tunisia. Conversely, the findings indicate no significant effect of the second FinTech variable namely, the interbank payment card penetration rate on financial inclusion during the peroid 2010-2024.