Assessing the role of mobile banking in promoting sustainable financial inclusion and responsible borrowing practices in Qatar’s digital economy
Abstract
The adoption of mobile banking and its impact on enhancing financial inclusion and consumer credit in Qatar is the focus of this research. A survey of 600 participants was conducted using a close-end questionnaire to measure variables across five key domains: literacy, mobile banking services, use of information technology, new formation of structures and banking, and clients’ confidence in security measures. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and t-tests. It was concluded that although the level of mobile banking is relatively high in the region, it is also associated with certain weaknesses such as financial liberalisation, digital literacy, development of banking structures, and customer confidence. In relation to improving the scale and users of digital financial services, this paper recommends that the government should pay more attention to issues of coverage/container, address specific groups of clients, support the financial value chain, and establish customer trust. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Dr Avtar Singh is a distinguished academician and Associate Professor of Marketing at the Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Holding a PhD in sports marketing and an MBA, he brings over 15 years of industry experience to his scholarly work, creating a critical bridge between academic theory and practical policy. His extensive research portfolio, which includes over 30 publications in leading national and international journals, spans a diverse range of specialisations including social media marketing, AI, sustainability, and the socio-economic impacts of digital technology. Avtar is particularly recognised for his expertise in applying both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to evaluate complex market structures and consumer behaviours. His recent scholarship explores how digital adoption facilitates sustainable financial inclusion in emerging economies such as Qatar, while also investigating the regulatory frameworks necessary for responsible borrowing.
Amira Omar Mahgoub Mohamed Ali is a distinguished PhD scholar in management at the Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Her doctoral research examines the digital transformation of financial services across the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Qatari banking landscape. With a 17-year professional career, including eight years of specialised experience within the banking sector, Amira brings a rare depth of practical expertise to her academic pursuits. Currently serving as a Senior Customer Service Professional at Qatar National Bank (QNB), she effectively bridges the gap between FinTech innovation and real-world consumer requirements. Her professional background informs her expertise in mobile banking adoption, data privacy, and strategic growth. A key pillar of her work is addressing barriers to financial inclusion for underbanked populations, particularly low-income expatriate workers. By integrating established technology acceptance models with rigorous regional regulatory studies, Amira offers vital insights into how FinTech can drive economic formalisation and enhance data security.
