Cryptocurrencies and Financial Inclusion in Mexico

Abstract

This study investigates on the relationship between cryptocurrencies and financial inclusion in Mexico. Using a basic, descriptive and qualitative research design, first a brief literature review is conducted in order to analyze the impact of cryptocurrencies on financial inclusion according to the state-of-the-art opinion of other researchers on the topic. Secondly, aiming to improve the understanding of the potential that cryptocurrencies may have for financial inclusion in Mexico, a digital questionnaire is applied to a sample of 415 individuals. Main results of the literature review show that fintech and blockchain technology including cryptocurrencies have the potential to improve the situation of financial inclusion, especially in developing countries. The conducted survey on consumer perceptions of cryptocurrencies reveals that there exists an important growth potential for the use of cryptocurrencies in Mexico. However, security issues, distrust, a lack of technological and financial education and deficient regulation are major obstacles on the way.