Perceived impact of fintech on financial inclusion in South Africa
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Globally, financial inclusion has been recognised as a critical pillar to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and increase economic growth. As an emerging economy, South Africa is still facing challenges of poverty and inequality and is ranked one of the unequal countries in the world (World Bank, 2013). Financial inclusion by leveraging fintech has been identified as a critical enabler for delivering affordable financial services to under-served population segments (National Treasury, 2020).
The primary purpose of this study is to determine the perceived impact of financial technology on financial inclusion in the South African context. The study's specific objectives are (i) to determine if the adoption and usage of fintech influences financial inclusion in South Africa; (ii) to determine if fintech can influence financial inclusion barriers and (iii) to determine if awareness of the benefits and risks associated with fintech influence the adoption and usageof fintech.
The study used a quantitative research strategy with a cross-sectional or survey design. An online self-completion questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument and non-probability sampling with convenience sampling method to select the respondents. One hundred twenty-five respondents completed the online survey, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis.
The findings indicate that fintech adoption and usage has a positive influence on financial inclusion. The study also found that fintech influences financial inclusion barriers like distance to the nearest branch, transport costs, transaction costs, and lack of proper documentation. Consumers who use fintech products and services no longer perceive these barriers as a hindrance to financial access. Lastly, it was also found that awareness of the benefits associated with fintech influences fintech adoption and usage. In contrast, awareness of the risks associated with fintech does not influence fintech adoption and use among the respondents.
This study will contribute to the fewer studies that have looked at the impact of fintech on financial inclusion in the South African context. The study can help the government and financial institutions understand the impact of fintech on financial inclusion and improve the current strategies implemented to increase financial inclusion in South Africa
Description
A research report presented in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2021
Keywords
Digital financial inclusion, Financial technology, Financial inclusion, Technology acceptance model, UCTD
Citation
Runyowa, Leonard. (2021). Perceived impact of fintech on financial inclusion in South Africa [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41370