Hossain, FaruqRezaul Islam M.Zaman S.2026-10-012026-10-012025-11-01Hossain, F., Rezaul Islam, M. and Zaman, S. (2025), Exploring the Digital Financial Service in Bangladesh: Unraveling the Dynamics of Trust, Fear, and Privacy. Annals of Anthropological Practice, 49: e70018. https://doi.org/10.1111/napa.700182153957X2-s2.0-105004663009https://hdl.handle.net/10361/30321The main objective of this research is to understand the dynamics of trust, fear, and privacy in the onboarding process for digital financial services (DFS) that have been playing a crucial role in bringing unbanked and underbanked populations into the formal financial ecosystem. The study employed qualitative data collection methods, including in-depth case interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation, with diverse individuals from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Results showed that the onboarding pathway into DFS comprises three phases—pre, during, and post—and involves trust, fear, and privacy, which are context-dependent. Understanding the local dynamics of trust, fear, and privacy is crucial to comprehending the onboarding process, considering the collective nature of Bangladeshi culture, where privacy for sharing private information is a major concern. Findings would be an important guideline for service agents, development practitioners, and policymakers to foster financial inclusion.en-USfalseBangladeshDigital financial serviceDigital onboardingFearPrivacyTrustElectronic commerce.Selling.Book Series10.1111/napa.70018