Digital Financial Inclusion and the Reduction of Inequalities

Abstract

To offer financial access to a disadvantaged segment of society, alongside the digitalization of financial services arises the concept of digital financial inclusion. The reduction in digital inequalities is especially desired in those countries where the differences between those who have access to information technology and those who do not, are large. Women and the elderly in general are affected most in terms of digital competencies and these inequalities are particularly prevalent in the isolated communities of rural China, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. A good understanding of the factors that lead to financial digital exclusion is the basis for a proper socio-economic policy making.