Digital Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh: Unlocking Opportunities for Marginalized Populations
Sandip Sarker *
Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh.
Inteha Rahman
Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of digital financial services on financial inclusion in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on marginalized communities. Using data from the IMF Financial Access Survey (FAS) 2023 and employing regression and time-series analysis, the paper highlights significant relationships between digital banking indicators and financial inclusion outcomes, such as SME loans and the number of borrowers per 1,000 adults. The findings underscore the transformative potential of digital banking in bridging financial gaps while identifying persistent challenges, including limited infrastructure, digital literacy deficits, and gender disparities. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for policy interventions to address these barriers and promote sustainable financial empowerment. This study helps explain how digital financial services promote economic growth in developing countries.
Keywords: Digital banking, financial inclusion, SME financing, marginalized communities, Bangladesh, mobile banking, financial empowerment