Suchita Barapatre and Dr Shilpa Puri
Published in Vol.16, 2026
KEYWORDS: Financial Technology, FinTech Adoption, Financial Inclusion, Self-Employment, Digital Finance, Socio-economic Impact, Credit Accessibility
ABSTRACT:
The rapid expansion of financial technology known as FinTech has transformed the delivery of financial services. It is so particularly for individuals operating outside the formal employment structures. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of FinTech adoption on financial inclusion, credit access, business scalability and socio-economic improvement among self-employed individuals. Research design was adopted for the study using primary data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among to self-employed respondents. FinTech adoption was analysed as the primary explanatory variable which affects socio-economic outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. It included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation and regression analysis was conducted.
The findings of the study reveal that there is a significant relationship between FinTech adoption and socio-economic outcomes. It indicated that with increase in use of digital financial services there is enhanced access to financial systems. It improves credit opportunities and supports business growth. The results suggest that FinTech functions as an enabling mechanism that reduces traditional financial barriers and strengthens economic participation among self-employed individuals. Still the effectiveness of adoption depends on users knowledge with digital financial tools and much broader contextual conditions.
The study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence linking FinTech adoption with integrated socio-economic outcomes within the self-employed sector and offers implications for policymakers and financial service providers aiming to promote inclusive digital finance.