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This study examines the effect of digital banking transformation on financial inclusion in emerging economies, using Indonesia as a case study. Digital banking transformation refers to the technological development of banking services, including accessibility, transaction speed, system security, service integration, and the availability of user-relevant financial features. Financial inclusion is defined as individuals’ ability to access, use, and benefit from formal financial services in an easy, secure, affordable, and sustainable way. This research employs a quantitative explanatory design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to users of mobile banking, internet banking, digital bank applications, and digital payment services in Indonesia. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling with criteria of being at least 17 years old, residing in Indonesia, and having used digital banking services within the last six months. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that digital banking transformation has a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion, with a path coefficient of 0.684, a t-value of 14.276, and a p-value of 0.000. The R-square value of 0.468 shows that 46.8% of the variance in financial inclusion is explained by digital banking transformation. These findings suggest that digital banking expands access to financial services, increases usage of formal financial products, and reduces barriers related to distance and cost. However, its effectiveness still depends on digital literacy, security, trust, infrastructure, and consumer protection. The study implies that banks and regulators should strengthen inclusive, secure, and affordable digital financial services for underserved communities.

Advances in information technology have driven the transformation of banking services towards digitalization through mobile banking. Bank Central Asia (BCA), one of the largest private banks in Indonesia, offers m-BCA services to facilitate quick, practical, and efficient customer transactions. However, issues such as delayed notifications, system disruptions, and login problems still exist. This study aims to evaluate m-BCA user satisfaction using the PIECES Framework, which consists of six dimensions: Performance, Information, Economy, Control and Security, Efficiency, and Service. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, with a questionnaire distributed to 105 active m-BCA users in South Jakarta. Data were analyzed using mean values to assess satisfaction levels for each dimension, and validity and reliability tests were conducted. The results showed average scores of 4.02 for Performance, 4.08 for Information, 4.08 for Economy, 4.18 for Control and Security, 4.20 for Efficiency, and 4.09 for Service. The overall score of 4.10 falls into the "Satisfied" category. The highest score was for Efficiency, indicating strong support for users’ banking activities, while the Performance dimension scored lower, suggesting room for improvement. Overall, users are satisfied with m-BCA, but system performance improvements are needed for service stability and sustained satisfaction.

This paper examines how Somaliland’s liberalized, privately led telecommunications sector, once a state monopoly and now dominated by local firms, has become a driver of economic growth, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development, with Telesom as the leading example. Drawing on sectoral history, market composition, and coverage data, the study shows how Telesom and its competitors have built nationwide networks, delivered low-cost services, and enabled mobile money-based financial services in the context of weak formal banking. Focusing on Telesom’s ZAAD platform, the paper analyzes its ecosystem business model (salary payments, merchant networks, and high-frequency transactions), its contribution to financial inclusion, and its alignment with international anti–money laundering and customer due diligence standards. At the same time, it identifies ethical and prudential gaps, especially the absence of formal deposit protection, limited transparency in financial reporting and taxation, and the lack of an independent telecommunications regulator, which pose risks to consumers and systemic stability. Overall, the paper argues that Telesom illustrates how sustainable finance in telecommunications can combine innovation, inclusion, and profitability, provided that stronger governance, disclosure, and consumer protection frameworks are implemented to secure long-term sector resilience. 

Financial literacy plays an important role in supporting the ability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to adapt to the development of digital payments in Indonesia. The increasing use of QRIS, e-wallets, mobile banking, and technology-based payment services requires MSME actors to understand the benefits, risks, and proper use of digital financial services. This study aims to examine the role of financial literacy in the use of digital payments among MSMEs in Indonesia, including supporting factors, obstacles, and implications for strengthening MSME digitalization. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a systematic literature study method. The data were obtained from 13 scientific articles indexed in nationally accredited journals at least Sinta 4, published between 2021 and 2026, and supported by official documents from relevant authorities. The findings show that financial literacy plays a role in increasing the readiness, trust, and decisions of MSME actors to use digital payments. However, low financial literacy, perceived risk, limited infrastructure, and conventional transaction habits remain obstacles to digital payment adoption. The implications of this study indicate the need for inclusive digital financial education, continuous assistance, and collaboration among the government, regulators, financial institutions, and fintech providers in strengthening the digital transformation of MSMEs.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the regional economy, including in Tatanga District and Nunu Village, Palu City. However, many MSME actors in these areas still face fundamental challenges such as low financial literacy, limited access to capital, and insufficient use of digital technology in business management. These limitations lead to weak financial record-keeping, poor cash flow management, and inadequate readiness to meet bankability requirements when applying for financing from formal financial institutions. This community service program was designed to improve the understanding and practical skills of MSME actors through financial literacy socialization, financial inclusion education, capital training in collaboration with financial institutions, and training in simple financial record preparation. The program was implemented using needs assessments through observation, structured material delivery, interactive discussions, hands-on transaction recording practice, and learning evaluations through pretests and posttests. The results show a significant improvement in participants’ competencies. Average scores for financial literacy and inclusion increased from 48% to 89%, indicating better understanding of cash flow management, transaction recording, and the use of digital financial services such as QRIS and mobile banking. Furthermore, participants’ understanding of capital access improved from 51% to 92%, particularly regarding financing procedures, business eligibility requirements, and the importance of financial statements in loan applications. Overall, the program effectively strengthened MSME capacity to manage businesses in a more structured, adaptive, and professional manner, supporting MSME independence and long-term business sustainability in Tatanga District and Nunu Village.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the regional economy, including in Tatanga District and Nunu Village, Palu City. However, many MSME actors in these areas still face fundamental challenges such as low financial literacy, limited access to capital, and insufficient use of digital technology in business management. These limitations lead to weak financial record-keeping, poor cash flow management, and inadequate readiness to meet bankability requirements when applying for financing from formal financial institutions. This community service program was designed to improve the understanding and practical skills of MSME actors through financial literacy socialization, financial inclusion education, capital training in collaboration with financial institutions, and training in simple financial record preparation. The program was implemented using needs assessments through observation, structured material delivery, interactive discussions, hands-on transaction recording practice, and learning evaluations through pretests and posttests. The results show a significant improvement in participants’ competencies. Average scores for financial literacy and inclusion increased from 48% to 89%, indicating better understanding of cash flow management, transaction recording, and the use of digital financial services such as QRIS and mobile banking. Furthermore, participants’ understanding of capital access improved from 51% to 92%, particularly regarding financing procedures, business eligibility requirements, and the importance of financial statements in loan applications. Overall, the program effectively strengthened MSME capacity to manage businesses in a more structured, adaptive, and professional manner, supporting MSME independence and long-term business sustainability in Tatanga District and Nunu Village.

The development of digital technology has driven the transformation of financial services, including in Islamic microfinance institutions. One form of innovation is the implementation of mobile banking services, which aims to improve transaction efficiency and digital financial literacy among the public. This study aims to analyze customer perceptions of the Mobile UGT service program at BMT UGT Nusantara Labang Branch and its role in improving digital financial literacy among the public. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation of five active customers who have used the Mobile UGT service. The results show that customers generally have a positive perception of the Mobile UGT service. The application is considered easy to use, practical, and able to facilitate various financial transactions such as checking balances, transferring funds, and making payments, without having to come directly to the BMT office. In addition to increasing transaction efficiency, the use of Mobile UGT also contributes to improving customers' digital financial literacy, as reflected in their increased understanding of income and expenditure management, budget planning, utilization of digital transaction features, and awareness of data and account security. However, this study also found several obstacles, mainly related to technical disruptions to the application and internet network limitations. Overall, the Mobile UGT service plays an important role in supporting customers' financial independence and digital financial inclusion. This study recommends strengthening technological infrastructure and continuing education programs to optimize the benefits of digital financial services in the BMT environment.