Does access to credit from digital banks and fintechs increase the likelihood of personal debt in Brazil?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/2318-0722.2024.30.e14924

Keywords:

financial inclusion, financial literacy, financial attitude, digital finance, fintech

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between access to credit through digital banks and fintechs and the probability of personal debt in Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied, obtaining 303 respondents, aged between 18 and 65, with questions related to the level of indebtedness, financial literacy, and access to credit. The data obtained were analyzed through logistic regressions. The results show that most respondents have some level of debt and that a significant part of the sample has easy access to credit through digital banks and FinTechs. Specifically, there is a positive relationship between ease of access to credit in digital financial institutions and the likelihood of indebtedness at different levels. There is also a negative relationship between the level of financial literacy and indebtedness. The article contributes to the understanding of the economic scenario in Brazil and may also have significant practical implications for public policies, regulation, financial practices, and education. The lack of previous studies on this topic demonstrates the importance of further investigating this specific interaction in the Brazilian context and highlights a gap in the academic literature and opportunities for future research. 

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Author Biographies

Barbara Priscila de Souza Corrêa, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Graduada em Contabilidade e pós-graduada em Finanças, possui experiência em controladoria, valuation e assessoria contábil. Desde 2021, atua como planejadora financeira, ajudando indivíduos a organizarem suas finanças e alcançarem seus objetivos financeiros.

Carolina Coletta, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Doutora em Administração de Empresas (Finanças) pela Fundação Getúlio Vargas.

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Published

2024-12-20

How to Cite

CORRÊA, B. P. de S.; COLETTA, C. Does access to credit from digital banks and fintechs increase the likelihood of personal debt in Brazil?. Journal of Administrative Sciences, [S. l.], v. 30, p. 1–13, 2024. DOI: 10.5020/2318-0722.2024.30.e14924. Disponível em: https://ojs.unifor.br/rca/article/view/14924. Acesso em: 9 may. 2025.

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