HARNESSING FINTECH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS : DIGITAL CONSUMER CENTRIC ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Fintech has become a revolutionary factor in India, reshaping financial access and contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analyzes four particular SDGs, SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) to investigate how fintech adoption, behaviors associated with each SDG, satisfaction levels with fintech, and digital financial inclusion influence their achievement. A quantitative research approach based on surveys was employed, focusing on 400 active fintech users in the Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India.The examination concentrated on the user experiences linked to each SDG module individually. Reliability assessment was conducted through Cronbach's Alpha, while group differences were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and subsequent post-hoc tests. A Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between fintech satisfaction and results associated with the SDGs. The results demonstrate robust reliability across all measurement scales and suggest that fintech effectively lowers financial barriers, strengthens income stability, enhances service delivery, and expands digital accessibility.Demographic elements like income, education, and geographic position showed no notable variations in SDG results, highlighting the inclusive characteristics of fintech advantages. A significant positive relationship was identified between fintech satisfaction and SDG4, highlighting the important role of fintech in funding education. In conclusion, fintech supports poverty reduction, enhanced healthcare access, sustained education, and business development. The research emphasizes fintech’s potential to propel inclusive growth in India and underscores the necessity of improving digital literacy, trust, and language assistance to boost advancement towards the SDGs.