Financial Technology and Economic Inclusion: A Comparative Analysis of Developed and Developing Economies

Financial technology (FinTech) has emerged as one of the most significant developments in modern financial systems, reshaping how individuals and firms access, use, and interact with financial services. By leveraging digital platforms, mobile connectivity, and data-driven innovation, FinTech is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for economic inclusion. However, the extent to which FinTech promotes inclusion varies substantially across countries with different levels of economic development. This paper examines the relationship between FinTech adoption and economic inclusion through a comparative analysis of developed and developing economies. Drawing on secondary data, global financial inclusion indicators, and recent peer-reviewed literature, the study explores how digital financial services influence access to accounts, payments, credit, and broader participation in formal financial systems. The findings indicate that FinTech plays a transformative role in developing economies by expanding first-time access to financial services, particularly through mobile money and digital payment platforms. In contrast, developed economies experience more incremental inclusion gains, with FinTech primarily enhancing efficiency, competition, and service customization. The analysis further highlights the importance of institutional quality, regulatory frameworks, and digital infrastructure in shaping FinTech's inclusion outcomes. The paper concludes that FinTech can support inclusive economic growth, but its effectiveness depends on context-specific policy design and governance structures that align technological innovation with consumer protection and financial stability.