Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly advance financial inclusion, by providing decentralized financial solutions, such as Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms, which can ultimately be beneficial to the unbanked and underbanked populations across the globe. The decentralized nature of blockchain is a beacon of hope for bridging the financial access gap in developing and emerging economies where the traditional banking infrastructure is limited, or even non-existent. This is a conceptual paper that compiles a collection of literature around blockchain technology and financial inclusion. This paper discusses the potential to lower the barriers to financial services and transaction costs as well as increase financial literacy enabled by blockchain-based solutions (i.e. cryptocurrencies, smart contracts and digital wallets) through a systematic review of key studies, market reports and case examples identified from various regions. The state of the art paper which builds on the relevant literature on blockchain and fintech for financial inclusion. Focusing on cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and digital wallets, this paper analyses the extent to which blockchain-based solutions may minimize financial service barriers, service transaction costs and improve financial literacy, through a review key study, market reports and case examples across different regions. It emphasizes how blockchain technology has the potential to empower these disadvantaged communities with affordable, secure, and accessible financial products. However, it does also stress the importance of guidelines to help ensure the safe and effective implementation of blockchain solutions. The objective of this paper is to offer a conceptual framework that connects the motivations for financial inclusion and the role of blockchain solutions with the ultimate objective of enabling policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers to adopt and tailor blockchain solutions aligned to the global financial systems of developing economies.