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Case Study | Finance | Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026 | Pages: 862 - 871 | Peru
The Domestic-First Strategy of Yape: How Innovation Precedes Internationalization in Fintech Expansion
Abstract: This study investigates the international expansion of Yape, a Peruvian fintech platform, through the lens of innovation and dynamic capabilities. Using a mixed-methods design combining thematic analysis of corporate communications with archival financial inclusion data, the study examines how domestic innovation preceded regional internationalization between 2016 and 2026. The findings indicate that Yape first strengthened its domestic capabilities through QR-based payments, merchant services, and microfinance before expanding into Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador through strategic partnerships. Three dominant themes emerged: financial inclusion, technological advancement, and partnership-driven scalability. The results demonstrate that sustained domestic innovation created the capabilities necessary for successful regional expansion. The study contributes to the literature on fintech internationalization by illustrating how a phased innovation strategy can support sustainable growth in emerging markets while promoting financial inclusion.
Keywords: Fintech, financial inclusion, dynamic capabilities, internationalization, digital payments, emerging markets, Latin America, strategic partnerships
How to Cite?: Edmundo R. Lizarzaburu Bolanos, Fausto Lizarzaburu, Gabriela Cerna, Diego Martinez, Willynthom Vargas, "The Domestic-First Strategy of Yape: How Innovation Precedes Internationalization in Fintech Expansion", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 862-871, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26729064926, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26729064926