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Socio-Cultural and Behavioral Determinants of FinTech Adoption and Credit Access Among Ecuadorian SMEs
(MDPI AG, 2026-01-14)
PÉREZ CAMPDESUÑER, REYNER FRANCISCO
;
SÁNCHEZ RODRÍGUEZ, ALEXANDER
;
MARTÍNEZ VIVAR, RODOBALDO
;
MANCIATI ALARCON, ROBERTO XAVIER
;
Margarita De Miguel Guzmán
This study analyzes the socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of FinTech adoption and access to credit among Ecuadorian SMEs. A probabilistic sample of 600 firms, operating in the services, commerce, information and communication technologies (ICT), and industry sectors, was surveyed to ensure representation of the country’s productive structure. The model integrates financial literacy, institutional trust, and perceived accessibility as key independent variables, with FinTech adoption as a digital behavioral factor and access to credit and credit conditions as the primary dependent outcomes. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), complemented by multi-group invariance tests and cluster analysis, the study evaluates seven hypotheses linking cognitive, perceptual, and digital mechanisms to financing behavior and firm performance. Results show that financial literacy and institutional trust significantly improve access to formal credit, with perceived accessibility acting as a partial mediator. FinTech adoption enhances credit conditions but remains limited among micro and small firms. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening financial education programs, simplifying credit procedures to reduce perceived barriers, and developing trust-building regulatory frameworks for digital finance. The results highlight the importance of socio-cultural and behavioral factors in shaping SME financing decisions and contribute to the understanding of financial inclusion dynamics in emerging economies.
Scopus© Citations 2
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Latin American consensus on the treatment of melasma
(Wiley, 2025-03-01)
Jorge Ocampo‐Candiani
;
Roberto Alas‐Carbajal
;
Jorge F. Bonifaz Araujo
;
Hernando Marín Castro
;
Fernando Valenzuela‐Ahumada
Melasma is a chronic, relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder that primarily affects photoexposed areas, occurring most frequently in adult women with darker skin phototypes. The primary factors contributing to its development include sun exposure, sex hormones (e.g., pregnancy), and genetic predisposition. Melasma is highly prevalent in Latin America, where many countries lie in intertropical zones and exhibit significant ethnic diversity because of centuries of intermixing among Native Americans, Europeans, and Sub‐Saharan Africans. Nine Latin American experts formulated a DELPHI‐based consensus to develop a valuable approach for treating melasma in this diverse population. After establishing an accurate diagnosis, assessing the impact on quality of life, and determining disease severity, the consensus recommends mitigating known triggers and promoting rigorous photoprotection. Active therapy should be tailored based on individual characteristics (e.g., pregnancy status, previous treatments, skin sensitivity). Treatment options include topical depigmenting agents, systemic therapies, and procedural interventions such as laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels. Periodic reassessment of the treatment is essential, with strategies adjusted if targeted outcomes are not achieved. Once clinical remission is attained, patients should continue using topical depigmenting agents and maintain strict photoprotection measures to prevent recurrence.
Scopus© Citations 14

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