THE ROLE OF DIGITAL FINANCING AND FINTECH TECHNOLOGIES IN ENHANCING THE FINANCIAL COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL BUSINESSES

This article analyzes the role of digital financing and financial technology (FinTech) in enhancing the financial competitiveness of small businesses based on international experience. In particular, the study evaluates the impact of Digital Lending, Open Banking, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending, Crowdfunding, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Credit Scoring, and Blockchain-based Financial Instruments on financial management, access to finance, and the financial competitiveness of small business entities. Furthermore, the paper identifies priority directions for implementing these innovative financial technologies in Uzbekistan and provides practical recommendations for their effective adoption.