Trust in digital banking: a thematic review of drivers, barriers and emerging evidence in developing countries

This article presents a thematic review of the growing body of literature on trust in digital banking within the context of developing countries. Trust is widely recognized as a critical enabler of digital financial inclusion, influencing users' willingness to adopt and continue using mobile banking, fintech platforms, and online financial services. Drawing from interdisciplinary sources, this review identifies the core drivers of trust-including institutional quality, technological security, and user experience-as well as key barriers such as digital illiteracy, fraud concerns, and weak regulatory enforcement. The review also highlights emerging patterns across regions and proposes a research agenda to address gaps in understanding how trust dynamics vary culturally, institutionally, and technologically. This synthesis aims to inform both scholars and policymakers seeking to design effective strategies for inclusive digital finance.