We argue financial technology (FinTech) is the key driver for financial inclusion, which in turn underlies sustainable balanced development, as embodied in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The full potential of FinTech to support the SDGs may be realized with a progressive approach to the development of underlying infrastructure to support digital financial transformation. Our research suggests that the best way to think about such a strategy is to focus on four primary pillars. The first pillar requires the building of digital identity, simplified account opening and e-KYC systems, supported by the second pillar of open interoperable electronic payments systems. The third pillar involves using the infrastructure of the first and second pillars to underpin electronic provision of government services and payments. The fourth pillar—design of digital financial markets and systems—supports broader access to finance and investment. Implementing the four pillars is a major journey for any economy, but one which has tremendous potential to transform not only finance but economies and societies, through FinTech, financial inclusion and sustainable balanced development.

中文翻译：

---

可持续性、金融科技和普惠金融

我们认为金融技术 (FinTech) 是金融包容性的关键驱动力，反过来又是可持续平衡发展的基础，正如联合国可持续发展目标 (SDG) 所体现的那样。通过逐步发展底层基础设施以支持数字金融转型，可以实现金融科技支持可持续发展目标的全部潜力。我们的研究表明，考虑这种策略的最佳方式是关注四个主要支柱。第一个支柱要求建立数字身份、简化开户和 e-KYC 系统，并得到开放互操作电子支付系统的第二个支柱的支持。第三支柱涉及使用第一支柱和第二支柱的基础设施来支持政府服务和支付的电子提供。第四个支柱——数字金融市场和系统的设计——支持更广泛的融资和投资渠道。实施四大支柱对于任何经济体来说都是一段重要的旅程，但它具有巨大的潜力，不仅可以通过金融科技、金融包容性和可持续平衡发展来改变金融，还可以改变经济和社会。