Assessing the Long-Term Socio-Economic Impacts of Fintech: A Longitudinal Study on Poverty Reduction, Economic Empowerment, and Financial Inclusion

While the immediate benefits of fintech, such as increased access to financial services, resulting in enhanced economic opportunities and poverty reduction (Mpofu, 2022), are well-documented, long-term studies are needed to understand the broader socio-economic impacts. In the agricultural sector, fintech services such as mobile money can facilitate access to credit for farmers, enabling investments in better seeds, fertilizers, and technologies, potentially increasing productivity (Talom & Tengeh, 2019). Additionally, fintech can improve access to healthcare services, reduce administrative costs, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery (Egami & Matsumoto, 2020).

Despite these potential benefits, empirical evidence from longitudinal studies is scarce. Understanding the sustained impacts of fintech over extended periods is essential to grasp its role in sustainable development fully. Besides, the role of policy and regulatory framework in promoting or hindering the adoption and effectiveness of fintech and mobile money, particularly in rural contexts is understudied.

Therefore, this PhD project aims to conduct longitudinal studies to measure the long-term socio-economic impacts of fintech on poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and overall financial inclusion. Specific sectors such as agriculture and healthcare are of interest so as to evaluate fintech’s impact on sustainable development. Accordingly, this PhD project, aligning with the safety and sustainability research theme of the university, will be guided by the following objectives:

Research Objectives – Long-term Socio-economic impacts of:

*fintech on poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion over a prolonged period.

*changes in income levels, employment rates, and economic activities among fintech users.

*the role of fintech in enhancing financial inclusion within key sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.

*the role of government policies and regulatory frameworks in promoting or hindering the adoption and effectiveness of fintech services such as mobile money, in rural contexts.

To address these objectives, the potential PhD student can draw upon agency theory, behavioural finance theory, social capital theory and other relevant theories on sustainable development. Knowledge of these theories is not a pre-requisite  to apply for this PhD.

Method

The project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of financial data with qualitative case studies of rural agricultural communities. Data collection will include surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis from fintech providers and other stakeholders in the relevant sector.

The findings from this PhD project will be valuable for policymakers, development organizations, and Fintech service providers in designing and implementing strategies that maximize the benefits of fintech for socio-economic and environmental sustainability.

Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).

Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society.  As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.

Applications for October 2025 intake closes on 1st July 2025 and applications for Jan 2026 intake closes on 1st October 2025.