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Fintech-Enabled Digital Credit and Sustainable Finance: A Conceptual Review and Policy Perspective

By Niranjan Deo Pathak, Neha Nupoor, Neha Kumari and Shubham Sah | 18-08-2026 | Page: 178-181

Abstract

The rapid advancement of financial technology (FinTech) has transformed credit markets through digital lending platforms that leverage alternative data sources and automated credit assessment mechanisms. At the same time, sustainable finance has gained prominence as a framework for aligning financial systems with long-term environmental and social objectives. Despite the significant growth of both fields, the relationship between FinTech-driven digital lending and sustainable finance remains insufficiently explored. This paper examines the interaction between digital lending systems and sustainable finance, with a particular focus on their role in credit allocation within the economy. The analysis suggests that digital credit can enhance financial inclusion by expanding access to underserved and previously excluded borrowers. However, its contribution to sustainability depends largely on the purpose, sectoral distribution, and nature of lending activities. Increased access to credit does not automatically translate into sustainable development outcomes. The paper argues that digital lending can act as a critical intermediary linking financial inclusion with sustainable finance, provided that lending practices are aligned with broader sustainability goals. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of regulatory and institutional frameworks in shaping the developmental and sustainability impacts of digital credit. By integrating considerations of financial inclusion, technological innovation, and sustainability, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving role of digital lending in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Keywords

FinTech, Digital credit, Sustainable finance, Financial inclusion, Green finance

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