Abstract
Despite Fintech’s rapid global expansion as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and operational efficiency, limited research addresses its strategic integration within small, emerging economies such as Guyana. This study investigates the impact of Financial Technology on the growth and transformation of traditional banking systems, offering context-specific insights for Guyana’s banking sector. Guided by Stakeholder Theory, Resource-Based View, Lean Strategy, and Value Proposition Theory, the research employs a systematic review of peer-reviewed and reputable industry sources. Thematic analysis revealed five interlinked dimensions: technological innovation, regulatory and institutional responses, customer access and engagement, comparative lessons from developed economies, and strategic integration for value creation.
Findings highlight Guyana’s structural constraints—dated infrastructure, weak regulatory capacity, and low digital literacy—yet underscore significant potential stemming from high mobile penetration, a youthful demographic, and growing openness to digital services. Rather than functioning as a disruptive threat, Fintech can act as a strategic enabler when aligned with banks’ resource structures. Policy recommendations include establishing a tailored regulatory sandbox and implementing nationwide digital financial literacy programmes. This research bridges a gap in Fintech literature by presenting a theoretically informed, practice-oriented roadmap for inclusive and resilient Fintech adoption in Guyana’s banking sector.