Dear Editors,

I would like to submit the following chapter proposal for consideration in your edited volume: "Comparative and Cross-Country Case Studies." Title: DIGITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES AND WOMEN'S FINANCIAL INCLUSION— Evidence from South ASEAN Countries

Authors: Dr. Kamakula N. Murthy, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Corresponding Author: kamakula.nmurthy@gmail.com

Dr. Ch. Ravi Kiran, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.  crk_sh@vignan.ac.in 

Abstract

Background: Digital financial services (DFS) have expanded access to formal financial systems and created new opportunities for women's financial inclusion in developing economies. Mobile banking, digital payments, fintech, and e-wallets enable women to save, borrow, receive payments, and access financial services more efficiently. In South ASEAN, rapid digitalization has accelerated financial inclusion; however, the benefits remain uneven due to disparities in digital infrastructure, financial literacy, institutional quality, and regulatory support. Despite the growing body of research on digital finance, there is limited cross-country evidence of its impact on women's financial inclusion in the region. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between digital financial services and women's financial inclusion in ten South ASEAN countries during 2014–2024 and highlights its implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8.

 Objectives: This study aims to:

1. Examine the impact of digital financial services on women's financial inclusion in South ASEAN countries.
2. Assess the role of digital infrastructure, financial literacy, and institutional quality in strengthening women's access to formal financial services.
3. Provide policy recommendations for promoting inclusive digital finance to enhance women's economic empowerment.

Research Methodology: The study employs a quantitative research design using balanced panel data for ten South ASEAN countries covering the period 2014–2024. Data are collected from the World Bank Global Findex Database, the IMF Financial Access Survey, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN Women, and the World Development Indicators. Fixed-effects, random-effects, and system generalized method of moments (System-GMM) models are used to estimate the relationship while addressing country-specific heterogeneity and endogeneity.

Major Findings: The findings are expected to show that digital financial services significantly improve women's ownership and use of formal financial accounts, increase adoption of digital payments, encourage savings, and expand access to formal credit. The positive effects are stronger in countries with better digital infrastructure, higher internet penetration, stronger financial literacy, and effective institutions. However, digital gender gaps and weak regulatory frameworks continue to limit the benefits in lower-income ASEAN economies.

Conclusion: The study concludes that digital financial services play an important role in advancing women's financial inclusion and economic empowerment in South ASEAN. Strengthening digital infrastructure, improving financial literacy, and developing supportive regulatory frameworks are essential for reducing gender-based financial exclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8.

Keywords: Digital Financial Services, Women's Financial Inclusion, Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, FinTech, Economic Empowerment, South ASEAN, Sustainable Development Goals, Panel Data Analysis

 Regards

Dr. Kamakula N. Murthy
Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR) Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India Email: kamakula.nmurthy@gmail.com