The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Recommendation on Financial Literacy recognises that new financial products and services, including digital financial services, are transforming how consumers make financial decisions and choose products (OECD, 2020). While digitalisation offers several benefits, it also increases the complexity of retail finance, especially for vulnerable groups. Additionally, it exposes individuals to new risks such as digital financial exclusion, online fraud, and personal data breaches. Importance of Digital Financial Literacy International financial literacy surveys reveal that large sections of the population across different economies lack adequate basic financial knowledge and are not well prepared to make informed financial decisions. Low levels of digital financial literacy further worsen this situation, negatively affecting personal financial well-being and potentially impacting financial inclusion and stability. Higher levels of digital financial literacy equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours required to effectively navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape. It enables people to benefit from innovative financial products and services while safeguarding themselves against risks such as digital exclusion, fraud, and scams. International Measure of Digital Financial Literacy The OECD has developed internationally recognised tools and promoted the collection of comparable data on financial literacy among adults, MSME owners, and students. These efforts provide valuable insights into individuals’ capabilities and help policymakers and researchers assess how well people can benefit from financial innovations while managing risks. The collection of financial literacy data remains a priority for the OECD and is central to the work of the OECD/INFE. OECD/INFE Measurement Tools and Progress Over time, the OECD/INFE has developed key instruments to measure financial literacy and inclusion among: Adults (OECD, 2026) MSME owners (OECD, 2020) Students through PISA assessments (OECD, 2022) These tools have significantly improved countries’ ability to assess financial literacy levels, benchmark performance, and track progress. They have also been updated to include aspects related to digital financial services and technologies. Since 2022, through the work of the OECD/INFE Working Group on Digital Financial Literacy, survey instruments have been expanded to include digital financial literacy. This includes an internationally agreed definition and a set of measurement questions. Definition of Digital Financial Literacy, Digital financial inclusion & Digital financial services (DFS) Digital financial literacy - A combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary for individuals to be aware of and safely use digital financial services and digital technologies, with the aim of improving their financial well-being. Digital financial inclusion - Refers broadly to the use of digital financial services to advance financial inclusion. It involves “the deployment of digital means to reach financially excluded and underserved populations with a range of formal financial services suited to their needs, delivered responsibly at a cost affordable to customers and sustainable for providers.” Digital is a means of distribution and reach of formal financial services, and not a goal in itself. Digital financial services (DFS) - Can be defined as financial operations using digital technology, including electronic money, mobile financial services, online financial services, i-teller and branchless banking, whether through bank or non-bank institutions. DFS can encompass various monetary transactions such as depositing, withdrawing, sending and receiving money, as well as other financial products and services including payment, credit, saving, pensions and insurance. DFS can also include non-transactional services, such as viewing personal financial information through digital devices. Purpose of the DFL Survey Instrument OECD/INFE survey instrument to measure digital financial literacy is designed to measure digital financial literacy in an internationally comparable way. It is meant to be used as a stand-alone instrument to measure digital financial literacy, and to provide additional insights into the relationship between individuals and the digitalisation of retail financial services compared to the OECD/INFE FL Toolkit. Policy makers and institutions using the OECD/INFE FL Toolkit and wishing to investigate additional aspects of digital financial literacy not covered by it, could use questions from the DFL Survey Instrument to expand the range of issues to investigate. Insights from the Implementation of the DFL Survey Instrument The implementation of the DFL Survey Instrument can offer valuable insights to design and implement digital financial literacy and inclusion strategies, financial literacy programmes on digital financial services, and to support user-centric product design, by providing information for the whole population and specific target groups on: Digital literacy Digital financial literacy and its three components: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours Digital financial inclusion, through digital product and services awareness, choice, and use The risks faced by consumers in the light of their access to and understanding of specific digital products and services, such as digital payments, digital credit products, open banking Consumer awareness and understanding of elements of the regulatory framework applicable to digital financial products and services in their jurisdiction Attitudes to personal data sharing Source: OECD/INFE survey instrument to measure digital financial literacy Related resources OECD/INFE Toolkit for Measuring Financial Literacy, Inclusion and Well‑Being 2026