Financial Technology (FinTech) has transformed the delivery of financial services in India by facilitating digital payments, mobile banking, online credit, digital insurance and other technology-enabled financial services. The expansion of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), smartphones and internet-based banking has created significant opportunities for extending formal financial services to rural communities. However, the benefits of FinTech depend considerably on consumers' digital financial literacy, perceptions of usefulness and ease of use, confidence in security and accessibility of digital infrastructure. The present study examines the relationship between digital financial literacy, FinTech adoption and financial inclusion among rural consumers in Tamil Nadu. A descriptive and analytical research design is adopted and an illustrative sample of 348 rural consumers is distributed across the districts of Tamil Nadu. Data are proposed to be collected through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's Alpha, correlation, multiple regression, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling are employed. The illustrative findings indicate that digital financial literacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and security, and accessibility significantly enhance FinTech adoption. FinTech adoption, in turn, positively influences financial inclusion. The study emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, consumer trust, simple technological interfaces and improved rural digital infrastructure for achieving sustainable financial inclusion.

 

Keywords: FinTech Adoption, Digital Financial Literacy, Financial Inclusion, Rural Consumers, Digital Payments, UPI, Tamil Nadu