17 Years of Fintech for Financial Inclusion: A Systematic Review and Critical Value Analysis

The use of ICT tools and platforms to support the financial practices of underserved communities has been growing, but on ground experiences have been mixed and sometimes detrimental. To achieve the potential benefits of technologies for financial inclusion, a deeper understanding of the design of digital financial interventions is essential. We systematically and critically reviewed studies that developed and implemented technological interventions for financial inclusion from 2007 to 2024. Our analysis examines the types of financial technologies developed, the devices and technical channels used, the research methodologies employed, and the target populations. Additionally, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to investigate the values underpinning these studies. By analyzing 30 articles, we interpreted a total of 13 value themes—including trust, accessibility, robustness, and compatibility. Our work highlights a complex interplay of values, structural considerations, technical attributes, financial practices, and economic factors that underlie the design of financial technologies.