Digital Banking as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Integrating Financial Inclusion, ESG, and CSR

Abstract

This study delves into the possible growth-promoting long-term advantages of digital banking by integrating principles from environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility with financial inclusion programs. The many approaches used in this research are based on the Technology, Organization, and Environment paradigm. Two of the tactics employed by the business include statistical analysis of data from surveys conducted abroad and interviews with CEOs. Strategic adherence to ESG principles is more important than technical aspects (β = 0.62) in promoting sustainable digital transformation, according to the research. For men and women, digital banking changes things in different ways, but it makes money safer (r = 0.72). Including ESG variables increases trustworthiness (β = 0.48). Some examples of beneficial successes are decreased carbon waste and economic savings. Concerns about computer limits and safety are understandable, but they are a tremendous nuisance. If contemporary civilization is to be sustainable, the research must guarantee that digital banking is accessible to all persons. Additional research examines the potential of digital money to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Received: 25 August 2025 | Revised: 7 November 2025 | Accepted: 27 November 2025

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support this work are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Author Contribution Statement

Gabriel Silva Atencio: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration.