The relationship between FinTech adoption, financial inclusion and poverty in rural Thailand

Abstract

Poverty remains a major barrier to financial inclusion among rural dwellers. However, digitalisation has been driving improvements in financial well-being for vulnerable groups by expanding financial inclusion, particularly for the poor and those living in remote areas. This study investigates the relationship between FinTech adoption, financial inclusion, and poverty. Primary data were collected through a structured survey administered in the Southern and Northeastern regions of Thailand. The data were analysed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, with structural equation modelling (SEM) applied to test the robustness of the results. The findings confirm that FinTech adoption has both direct and indirect effects on reducing poverty.