Designing a Customer-Centric Performance Model for Digital Lending Systems in Emerging Markets

• Author(s): Adaobi Beverly Akonobi ; Christiana Onyinyechi Okpokwu
• Paper ID: 1710119
• Page: 395-411
• Published Date: 31-10-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 3 Issue 4 October-2019

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital lending systems in emerging markets offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance financial inclusion, yet their long-term viability hinges on aligning performance frameworks with the evolving needs and experiences of end-users. This proposes the design of a customer-centric performance model for digital lending ecosystems, emphasizing the interplay between operational efficiency, user trust, and inclusive service delivery. Traditional performance metrics—such as portfolio-at-risk, loan recovery rates, and cost-efficiency—often overlook critical dimensions of borrower experience, including digital accessibility, grievance redress mechanisms, algorithmic transparency, and socio-economic adaptability. To address these gaps, the proposed model integrates both quantitative and qualitative indicators across four key dimensions: customer engagement, technological reliability, financial inclusivity, and regulatory responsiveness. The model leverages user journey mapping, real-time behavioral analytics, and localized feedback loops to identify bottlenecks, enhance algorithmic fairness, and personalize credit pathways. Particular attention is paid to vulnerable borrower groups—such as women, informal workers, and rural entrepreneurs—who face systemic access barriers in fintech environments. This also highlights how interoperable data ecosystems and explainable AI tools can improve trust and accountability in automated credit decisions. Moreover, adaptive risk scoring models that incorporate real-world context and mobile usage patterns are positioned as vital to scaling sustainable lending operations. Drawing from empirical case studies across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the framework demonstrates how customer-centric KPIs can drive responsible growth while mitigating default risks and digital exclusion. This concludes by recommending collaborative policy and innovation pathways involving regulators, fintech innovators, and civil society actors. Ultimately, this model aims to reframe digital lending success in terms of long-term borrower empowerment, systemic resilience, and equitable economic participation—offering a blueprint for inclusive financial technology ecosystems in emerging economies.

Keywords

Designing, Customer-Centric, Performance Model, Digital Lending Systems, Emerging Markets

Citations

IRE Journals:
Adaobi Beverly Akonobi , Christiana Onyinyechi Okpokwu "Designing a Customer-Centric Performance Model for Digital Lending Systems in Emerging Markets" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 4 2019 Page 395-411

IEEE:
Adaobi Beverly Akonobi , Christiana Onyinyechi Okpokwu "Designing a Customer-Centric Performance Model for Digital Lending Systems in Emerging Markets" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(4)