Cybersecurity and Data Protection in FinTech: Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Financial Services
摘要
The rapid expansion of FinTech in emerging markets presents new opportunities for financial inclusion, particularly among underserved populations. However, this progress is increasingly threatened by cybersecurity risks and weak data protection practices. This chapter examines the multidimensional challenges of securing FinTech ecosystems while promoting inclusive financeInclusive finance. It explores the cyber threat landscape, legal and regulatory frameworks, organizational resilience strategies, and the ethical dimensions of data governance. Drawing on case studies from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and India, the chapter underscores the importance of secure platform design, regulatory enforcement, user empowerment, and algorithmic accountability. It proposes a framework for building cyber-resilient and rights-based FinTech systems that protect users while fostering innovation. The analysis concludes with strategic recommendations for regulators, industry actors, and development partners to ensure that digital finance remains a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.