DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN UKRAINE: CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Today, digital financial inclusion emerges as a unique, multidimensional social phenomenon inherent to the digital economy. This article highlights selected theoretical and practical aspects of the intensification of digital financial inclusion that have remained insufficiently explored in the contemporary financial literature. Particular attention is given to deepening the theoretical and methodological foundations of digital financial inclusion and to the role of this social phenomenon in addressing internal challenges during times of global upheaval, using the case of modern Ukraine. The relevance of this research is determined by the disruptive spread of digitalization into all spheres of life, with the financial sector playing a decisive role as a system-forming component of socio-economic stability and sustainable development. Digital financial inclusion contributes to economic growth and employment, poverty reduction, and the expansion of economic rights and opportunities for all population groups. Thus, it can serve as a strategic instrument for the government and central bank in addressing the negative socioeconomic consequences of wars of any type or form. The study applies a set of scientific approaches and methods, including the humanomics approach, structural-functional analysis, and SWOT-analysis. As a result of the study, it was found that the philosophy of the mission of digital financial inclusion is primarily associated with the aspiration to realize the inclusive right of every adult individual to safely and affordably access formal and innovative financial services through digital channels. An original definition of digital financial inclusion is formulated from the perspective of humanomics. The infrastructure of the digital financial inclusion ecosystem is proposed. The current state of digital financial inclusion in Ukraine has been analyzed, and a number of practical recommendations for its intensification have been substantiated as a crucial prerequisite for effective post-war recovery, taking into account the security component, principles of sustainable development, and ESG factors. Further research should be directed towards identifying and assessing the relationship between the intensification of digital financial inclusion and the growth of household indebtedness (particularly overdue debt) among users of credit and/or alternative financing through digital financial service channels.