Artificial Intelligence, FinTech Adoption, and Financial Inclusion: Developing a Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Financial Ecosystems
TL;DR
A combined Artificial Intelligence-FinTech-Financial Inclusion Sustainability Framework is suggested, placing AI as a technological agent, FinTech implementation as an various mechanisms, and financial inclusion as a channel to sustainable financial systems.
Abstract
The swift intertwining of smart technologies and digital financial services is transforming the design of modern financial systems and opening up new prospects in the inclusive and sustainable growth of economy. This is a conceptual research project looking into ways in which the Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage can be converted into wider finance involvement by offering technology-enabled financial solutions. The foundation of this study is a systematic review and synthesis of 20 high-quality scholarly publications related to the study published in 2022-2026, including two conceptual studies, two empirical studies, four systematic literature reviews, two bibliometric analysis, two cross-country studies, and two PLS-SEM-based studies. The review shows that using AI, such as predictive analytics, alternative credit assessment, intelligent automation, fraud detection, and personalized financial recommendations, can decrease informational and operational barriers and enhance the availability, affordability, accessibility, quality, and usability of financial services. The paper also theorizes the role of digital financial service adoption as an accessing engine whereby AI capabilities can be used to access underserved and financially marginalized individuals. Nonetheless, the results focus on the fact that technological development does not ensure meaningful participation. Digital and financial literacy, infrastructure, affordability, consumer trust, cybersecurity, data privacy, regulatory support, interoperability, and socio-economic conditions play a vital role in delivering inclusive outcomes. The research, therefore, suggests a combined Artificial Intelligence-FinTech-Financial Inclusion Sustainability Framework, placing AI as a technological agent, FinTech implementation as an various mechanisms, and financial inclusion as a channel to sustainable financial systems. The framework offers a conceptually based basis upon which future empirical validation can be made, as well as give implications to financial institution, technology providers, policymakers and regulators who wish to foster accessible, responsible, secure, and sustainable digital finance.