EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FINTECH TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL LENDING PLATFORMS IN FINANCING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Keywords:
small and medium-sized enterprises, fintech, digital lending, alternative finance, online platforms, financial inclusion, credit scoring, SME financing, financial technologies, investment efficiencyAbstract
This article examines the role of fintech technologies and digital lending platforms in improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. The study analyzes the main features of technology-based lending models, their advantages over traditional bank financing, and their impact on reducing transaction costs and simplifying credit procedures. Particular attention is given to the use of alternative data, automated credit scoring, and online platforms that enable faster and more flexible financing for small businesses. The paper also evaluates the economic effectiveness of digital lending in terms of financial inclusion, investment activity, and business sustainability. In addition, existing challenges related to credit risk, data protection, and regulatory issues are discussed. Based on the analysis, practical recommendations are proposed to enhance the development and effective use of fintech solutions in SME financing.
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