Published Paper Details:

The advent of digital financial technologies has offered a promising solution to bridge this gap and extend financial services to previously underserved populations, including street vendors. Mobile banking, electronic payments, and digital wallets have emerged as powerful tools to overcome the barriers of traditional banking, offering a convenient and accessible means for individuals to manage their finances, make payments, and access credit. By leveraging the widespread penetration of mobile phones and digital infrastructure, digital financial inclusion initiatives aim to empower marginalized groups like street vendors, enabling them to participate more fully in the formal economy and improve their financial well-being. However, the realization of digital financial inclusion for street vendors is not without its challenges. Despite the proliferation of digital financial services, adoption rates among marginalized communities remain uneven, influenced by a myriad of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors. Street vendors, in particular, face unique hurdles, including low literacy levels, limited access to smartphones and internet connectivity, and distrust of formal financial institutions. Moreover, the complex regulatory landscape governing digital finance introduces additional barriers, impeding the effective implementation of inclusive policies and programs.