Sustainable digital finance: where we are now and where we need to be

Ozili, Peterson K (2025): Sustainable digital finance: where we are now and where we need to be. Forthcoming in:

Abstract

Sustainable digital finance is a topic of growing interest among sustainability advocates who are seeking ways to influence digital financial services providers to offer sustainability-oriented digital financial services. This study defines sustainable digital finance, identifies some characteristics of the emerging sustainable digital finance sector and forecasts what sustainable digital finance should be in the future. The study shows the emergence of digitalisation policies, digital finance policies, sustainability and climate change policies, a low interest in sustainable digital finance, a general reluctance towards sustainable digital finance, the rise of green washing by digital finance providers, and the growing interest in sustainable digital finance information among members of the public. The study also shows what sustainable digital finance should be in the future. It forecasts a future where there are environmental, social and governance (ESG)-compliant digital finance laws and regulations, a well-developed sustainable digital finance sandbox to develop sustainability-oriented digital financial services, the emergence of international standards for sustainable digital finance, an ecosystem where digital finance tools are used to promote environmental sustainability, and a self-regulatory environment where the industry takes the lead in developing sustainable digital finance initiatives.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: sustainable digital finance, digital finance, sustainability, sustainable development, Fintech, ESG, digital technology
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights

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