Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Alternative Data as Mechanisms for Financial Inclusion of MSMEs in Peru: An Integrative Review
Authors
- María Laura Munaris Gutierrez Universidad San Martín de Porres
-
Milagros Alejandra Salinas Atencio
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6951-5934
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21678/jb.2026.2848Keywords:
financial inclusion, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), artificial intelligence, credit scoring, alternative data, fintech, algorithmic biasAbstract
This study analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) as a mechanism to mitigate the information asymmetries that limit access to credit for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Peru. Through a narrative and integrative document review, secondary evidence from technical reports, academic literature, and case studies (2020-2025) was systematized.
The findings reveal a structural divide: while small businesses achieve credit access levels of 54,3%, microenterprises barely reach 26,3%, restricted by «financial self-censorship» stemming from tax barriers (NRUS Regime) and informality.
The research validates that the adoption of alternative credit scoring models and the use of transactional fingerprints from digital wallets allow the lack of formal financial statements to be replaced by a behavioral «presumption of solvency.» However, it is argued that the viability of this technological inclusion faces significant ethical risks, such as algorithmic bias and automated discrimination. It concludes that the sustainability of the model requires rigorous data governance and the effective implementation of regulatory sandboxes.
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References
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