Financial inclusion and Fintech: catalysts for the Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America

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Published: Apr 8, 2025
Updated: 2025-04-08
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2025-04-08 (6)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/ret.n29.2025.03
Keywords:
2030 Agenda, correlation, financial inclusion, Fintech, indices, Latin America, Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability

Main Article Content

Pablo Raffaelli
Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2108-0591
Jaime Andrés Correa-García
Universidad de Antioquia
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8814-2107
Carmen Stella Verón
Universidad Nacional de Rosario
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3277-2967

Abstract

fintech are critical players in the inclusive digitalization of finance, helping to reduce inequality by providing access to a range of finan-cial services that banks do not normally serve. They thus contribute to financial inclusion as a fundamental factor for sustainable development. The aim of the study is to assess how financial inclusion and Fintech growth contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals in Latin America. A quantitative approach is employed with a descriptive-correlational and longitudinal scope. It works with evidence based on information from six Latin American countries with the highest nominal GDP in US$ (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru). The data analysis method used is Pearson’s correlation. The overall SDG index and the individual indices of SDG 2, SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 16 and SDG 17are significantly, positively and with a large effect size associated with the study variables on financial inclusion in Latin America. Examining the SDG9 Index in depth, it is the most statistically significant of all the SDG indices with related variables, both in terms of financial inclusion andin terms of measuring the Fintech ecosystem. This work contributes to promoting further research on the SDGs achievement, financial inclusion, and Fintech development in Latin America.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 15 No. 29 (2025): (April-September)
Section
Monographic section
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