Advancing inclusive finance through financial technology (FinTech): peer-to-peer (P2P) and digital lending as catalyst for financial inclusion

Prodia Nur Kemala (), Deddy Priatmodjo Koesrindartoto and Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam
Additional contact information
Prodia Nur Kemala: Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Business and Management
Deddy Priatmodjo Koesrindartoto: Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Business and Management
Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam: Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Business and Management

Digital Finance, 2026, vol. 8, issue 1, No 1, 20 pages

Abstract: Abstract FinTech has significantly transformed credit delivery systems, with P2P and digital lending platforms playing a central role in expanding financial access. These platforms provide alternative financing for underserved communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), yet ongoing challenges remain related to transparency, regulatory oversight, risk management and accessibility. This research offers the first scientometric analysis of 316 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2025 that examine the role of FinTech in P2P and digital lending. Through the application of VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, five key thematic areas are identified such as (1) digital lending and credit assessment systems; (2) risk modeling and machine learning (ML); (3) regulatory frameworks and institutional trust; (4) technology-driven lending platforms and; (5) financial literacy and inclusion. While academic interest in this area is rapidly growing, gaps persist, including limited model explain ability, regulatory fragmentation and insufficient integration of financial education within lending platforms. To bridge these gaps, this research outlines future research directions such as the development of explainable artificial intelligence (AI) models, harmonized regulatory frameworks and user-centric digital design. The findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, investors and digital lenders, encouraging cross-sector collaboration to promote responsible borrowing, embed financial literacy tools and ensure inclusive lending practice. Unlike previous research that broadly examine various dimensions of FinTech, this research focuses specifically on P2P and digital lending platforms. By connecting technology, finance, and social outcomes, this research positions P2P and digital lending as a vital catalyst for building equitable, resilient and sustainable financial systems in the digital era.

Keywords: Peer-to-peer lending; Digital lending; Digital finance; Explainable AI; Financial inclusion; Sustainable finance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D14 G23 O16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s42521-025-00166-z Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:digfin:v:8:y:2026:i:1:d:10.1007_s42521-025-00166-z

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.springer.com/finance/journal/42521

DOI: 10.1007/s42521-025-00166-z

Access Statistics for this article

Digital Finance is currently edited by Wolfgang Karl Härdle, Steven Kou and Min Dai

More articles in Digital Finance from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().