This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial inclusion in China, a country with a significant agricultural sector and an evolving digital landscape. The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital financial services, underscoring disparities in access. This study explores the pre- and post-pandemic scenarios of financial inclusion in China, evaluates the economic and social impacts of the pandemic, and assesses the role of digital transformation in the financial sector. It also investigates the changing roles of commercial banks and microfinance institutions, the integration of technology in finance, and the development of rural-urban economic linkages. The paper aims to propose strategies to enhance financial inclusion, ensuring it reaches the most vulnerable, and concludes with recommendations for creating a more equitable and robust economic system.

Ignorance of laws and policies creates barriers to the social inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), hindering their full participation in communal life and opportunities. The current study aims to analyze the social inclusion of PWDs in the context of ignorance of laws and policies and how it influences their overall social inclusion. To achieve the study objectives, data were collected from a sample of 488 PWDs, comprising 284 males and 204 females, in the selected six Union Councils (sub-administrative units) of District Malakand, Pakistan. Respondents were chosen through multistage stratified random sampling. In the univariate and multivariate level analyses, the chi-square test and Kendall’s Tau-b test statistics were used to test the relationship between ignorance of laws and policies and the social inclusion of PWDs. Gender and level of disability were used as control variables at the multivariate level. The results of Kendal Tb and chi-square significance values depicted a spurious relation among ignorance of laws and policies and social inclusion of PWDs while controlling respondent’s gender. The results highlighted that ignorance of laws and policies reduced social inclusion in male to a higher extent than female. Additionally, the social inclusion of PWDs with moderate disabilities is more significantly hampered by ignorance of laws and polices than those with severe disabilities.

This paper investigates the impact of financial inclusion on financial stability in BRICS countries from 2004 to 2020. Using a panel smooth transition regression model, the results reveal a U-shaped relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability. Financial inclusion reduces financial stability up to a threshold of 44.7%. Beyond this point, financial inclusion contributes to greater financial stability, through gradual transitions. Enhanced financial inclusion supports banks in stabilizing their deposit funding by facilitating access to more stable, long-term funds and alleviating the negative impacts of fluctuations in returns. Furthermore, the study examines the role of institutional quality in shaping the financial inclusion-financial stability nexus, indicating a significant positive effect, especially in the upper regime. These findings provide valuable insights for financial regulatory authorities, highlighting the importance of promoting financial inclusion in BRICS economies and adapting regulations to mitigate potential risks to global financial stability.

The rise of fintech in the financial sector presents a transformative shift towards digitalisation and sustainability on a global scale, leveraging technologies like AI to minimise environmental footprint. Neobanks not only challenge traditional banking models but also offer innovative solutions that align with sustainable objectives. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of neobanks on global sustainability from economic, environmental, and social points of view. A comprehensive literature review of existing literature and current sustainable practices of neobanks was conducted. Results reveal that neobanks significantly positively contribute towards environmental sustainability with reduced paper use and logistics requirements of banking services. By offering more accessible and affordable banking services they importantly contribute towards higher financial inclusion, and with innovative products towards more competitive and innovative financial markets. AI-based tools they employ are increasing financial literacy and social inclusion. This article also highlights concerns regarding electronic waste management, potential high energy consumption, required digital literacy and cybersecurity risks. In conclusion, despite the mentioned risks, neobanks importantly contribute to global sustainability in many ways and will even more in the future. These findings can help neobanks shape sustainable practices and guide policymaking, as well as spread awareness of the sustainable impact of banking services.

This research aims to analyze the relationship between financial literacy variables and financial inclusion, the relationship between financial literacy variables and financial technology, and the relationship between financial technology variables and financial inclusion. The analysis of this research is to learn more about how financial literacy and the use of financial technology influence financial inclusion. This type of research is associative quantitative. Next, the relationship between these variables is explained using statistical formulas. Consequently, the term for this research is “quantitative research”. The study population is the number of people who use financial services. For this sampling, the purposive random sampling method was used. The following criteria are determined in sampling: 1) Minimum age 17 years, this is intended to take the minimum age standard in sampling and is considered capable of understanding the contents of the questionnaire statements. 2) Have ever used financial services. In this study, 11 question items were used to measure 3 variables, so this study used the largest range, namely 231 respondents. The intervention variable will be used as a reference for the Partial Least Square (PLS) method to analyze this research data. This study uses a causal model (causal modelling, relationships, and influence) or path analysis. The hypothesis that will be discussed in this research is tested using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), which is operated with Smart PLS. The results of this research show that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on financial inclusion in society. Financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on financial technology. financial technology has a positive and significant impact on financial inclusion, financial technology can offset the impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion. The results of this research are used as input for the community so that they pay more attention to their internal human resources related to financial products that can be used for investment. With knowledge of the right financial products, it is hoped that they can create good financial behaviour so that an awareness of the importance of carrying out good financial planning. For financial institutions, it is hoped that this can increase easy access to financial products and services, in particular credit for businesses as additional capital for the community.

Women's financial literacy and financial inclusion have gained prominence in recent years. Despite progress, knowledge and access to finance remain common barriers for women, especially in emerging economies. Globally, domestic and economic violence has been recognized as a relevant social concern from a gender perspective. In this context, financial literacy and financial inclusion are considered to play a key role in reducing violence against women by empowering them with the necessary knowledge to manage their financial resources and make informed decisions. This study aims to evaluate the determinants that influence Peruvian female university students' financial literacy and financial inclusion. To this end, a theoretical behavioral model is proposed, and a survey is applied to 427 female university students. The results are analyzed using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results validate all the proposed hypotheses and highlight significant relationships between financial literacy and women's financial inclusion. A relevant relationship between financial attitude and financial behavior is also observed, as well as the influence of financial behavior and financial self-efficacy on financial literacy. The results also reveal that women feel capable of making important financial decisions for themselves and consider that financial literacy could help reduce gender-based violence. Based on these findings, theoretical and practical implications are raised. It highlights the proposal of a theoretical model based on antecedents, statistically validated in a sample of women in Peru, which lays the foundation for understanding financial literacy and financial inclusion in the Latin American region.