FinTechHub for digital financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia
Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Mohamed Y. I. Helal, Ibrahim A. A. Elgendy, Mohammed A. Al-Sharafi, Mohamed Hosny, Shehab Abdulhabib Alzaeemi, M. Sadiq Sohail, Inyoung ChaePurpose
This paper introduces FinTechHub as a knowledge-enabled fintech innovation platform designed to reduce fragmentation in Saudi Arabia's digital financial services. It explains how a governed access point can support discovery, comparison and guided journeys across multiple financial services while preserving delivery by licensed providers.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper develops a conceptual framework grounded in platform ecosystem theory. It specifies design principles for Arabic-first usability, accessibility, security-by-design, transparent consent, Sharia-compliant product governance and embedded digital financial literacy. It proposes a layered architecture that covers user experience, orchestration logic, data and analytics, standardized application programming interface (API) integration and governance controls.
Findings
The framework shows that integration breadth, interoperability quality, personalization and user control can strengthen perceived usefulness, trust and sustained use. It also positions embedded digital financial literacy support as a knowledge mechanism that helps users interpret fees, risks and product alternatives at the moment of choice, thereby supporting adoption and inclusion outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
As a conceptual paper, the framework requires future validation through prototypes, experiments and longitudinal studies across underserved segments in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf context.
Practical implications
The paper guides platform designers, fintech providers, regulators and inclusion programs on how governed platform design can reduce friction, improve transparency and support safer financial decision-making.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to fintech innovation and knowledge-based digital inclusion by conceptualizing FinTechHub as a governed, knowledge-enabled orchestration platform rather than a simple aggregation interface or comparison site.