Financial Inclusion in the Last Decade: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Over the past decade, financial inclusion, focused on providing access to finance for the unbanked, has gained increased attention. This systematic review of 169 papers from 2015 to 2023 underscores its growing significance, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis considers demographic factors, regulatory policies, technological advancements, and global economic shifts, emphasising the pandemic's influence on financial inclusion strategies. However, the findings reveal a gap in the literature regarding the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted financial inclusion directly, highlighting the need for more nuanced research on this aspect to better understand recent developments in the discourse.