Explainable AI and Blockchain for Dual-Currency Payments: A Systematic Review of Freelancing in Bangladesh.

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Md. Ruqnuzzaman, Kazi Zawad Uddin This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8004820/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The growth of the global gig economy has had a substantial impact on labor markets, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. One of the major contributors to cross-border digital labor is Bangladesh. Freelancers still encounter difficulties, nevertheless, in obtaining safe, open, and effective international payment options. High transaction fees, settlement delays, currency fluctuations, and restricted access to global digital wallets all have an impact on financial inclusion and income security. Explainable AI (XAI) guarantees that AI-driven judgments are comprehensible, while blockchain facilitates safe and transparent transactions. When combined, these technologies could aid in resolving these issues. With an emphasis on blockchain, XAI, and dual-currency payment systems, this study systematically evaluates 124 peer-reviewed publications that were released between 2015 and 2024. The research were divided into four sections based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines: blockchain-based cross-border payments, XAI applications in banking, dual-currency frameworks (including cryptocurrencies, CBDCs, and DeFi), and freelancing in underdeveloped countries. The findings show that XAI increases transparency in automated financial decision-making, dual-currency systems offer resilience against currency volatility, and blockchain lowers transaction costs and settlement times. When combined, these technologies provide freelancers with increased trust, quicker payments, and smooth communication with local mobile financial services (MFS) like bKash and Nagad. Despite these benefits, low digital literacy, unclear regulations, and limited infrastructure impede adoption. The report offers a road map for legislators, FinTech firms, and independent contractors to get beyond these obstacles, emphasizing the value of regulatory sandboxes, pilot projects, and interoperability across domestic and global financial ecosystems. In the end, combining XAI, blockchain, and dual-currency systems might greatly improve financial inclusion, empower Bangladeshi independent contractors, and aid the digital economy in South Asia as a whole. This paper offers practical avenues for inclusive FinTech innovation in emerging nations by fusing Explainable AI and blockchain-based dual-currency mechanisms in a novel way. Explainable AI (XAI) Blockchain Dual-Currency Payment Artificial Intelligence in Finance Financial Technology (FinTech) Freelancers Cross-Border Payments Digital Wallets Smart Contracts Mobile Financial Services (MFS) Remittances Financial Inclusion Cryptocurrency Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Bangladesh South Asia Gig Economy Developing Countries Systematic Review PRISMA 20 Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Introduction Millions of workers worldwide now have flexible income options because of the gig economy, which has become a distinguishing characteristic of the global labor market. In Bangladesh, freelancing has become a powerful force that is changing the nature of work and making a substantial economic contribution [ 1 ]. It has provided young professionals in emerging nations, especially those in the creative and technological industries, with a unique opportunity to engage with the economy. Bangladesh has established itself as a global hub for freelancing. The nation is now one of the top exporters of digital labor, with over 650,000 registered freelancers generating nearly USD 1 billion annually. With clients primarily located in North America, Europe, and select areas of Asia, freelancers assist with software development, online and mobile application design, digital marketing, content writing, and graphic design. Our ICT Division estimates that the local freelance industry is worth approximately $ 1 billion. According to experts, there are 10 lakh independent contractors in Bangladesh, 650,000 of whom work in the IT industry [ 2 ]. Despite growth, cross-border payments continue to pose a challenge for Bangladeshi freelancers, significantly impacting their financial security. International remittance costs are high of each transaction. Remittances to low- and middle-income nations has than doubled over the previous 15 years, reaching US $ 550 billion in 2021, according to World Bank data [ 3 ]. Bangladesh must rely on Payoneer or bank transfers, as platforms like PayPal are not available in the country. To use Payoneer rather than alternative payment methods to transfer funds to Bangladeshi contractors, workers, and independent contractors. On the other hand, using regular bank transfers or money transfer services like Western Union might result in fees of up to 6% [ 4 ].These intermediaries add expense and delays, making timely payments harder for freelancers. The Taka's volatility against major currencies and the lack of integration between local mobile financial services and global payment platforms further increase financial instability. Two cutting-edge technologies that provide great promise for resolving structural issues in financial systems are blockchain and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). FinTech, or financial technology, is another name for this phenomenon[ 5 ]. Blockchain, as a distributed digital ledger, supports transparent and secure financial transactions, reduces transaction costs, and expedites settlement times. For more than ten years, the blockchain has been a tried-and-true method of employing a distributed database to record transactions in a decentralized, peer-to-peer network[ 6 ].Concurrently, XAI provides interpretability for the algorithms underpinning financial systems, facilitating accountability and enabling regulators and independent contractors to understand the rationale behind fee structures, currency conversions, transaction approvals, and fraud detection mechanisms. The XAI system should be able to describe its understandings and capabilities, as well as what it has done, is doing, and will do in the future. It should also be able to close the important information that it is acting upon[ 7 ]. The integration of these technologies enables the development of dual-currency payment systems, wherein local fiat currencies coexist with digital assets such as global cryptocurrencies or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), thereby supporting both domestic functionality and international interoperability. First, as online commerce grows and societies move toward cashless transactions, there is an increasing demand for digital payments. This calls for government-backed digital currencies to support contemporary payment methods, which CBDCs meet[ 8 ]. To evaluate the applicability of XAI, blockchain, and dual-currency payment systems for Bangladeshi freelancers, this study systematically reviews existing literature in these domains. The study centers on three principal research questions: Although earlier research has separately examined XAI-based financial transparency and blockchain-based remittances, no evaluation has integrated these into dual-currency systems that are pertinent to developing nations. How have XAI and blockchain been applied in cross-border and dual-currency payment systems? What benefits and challenges do these technologies present for freelancers in Bangladesh? What directions should future research and policy take to enhance financial inclusion for freelancers? To advance financial resilience and facilitate the growth of Bangladesh's digital economy, this assessment examines these challenges and offers actionable recommendations for FinTech companies, government entities, and freelancing communities. However, we must also take into account the associated difficulties in order to assert that FinTech in the banking industry may rival the conventional system[ 9 ]. Few studies have rigorously investigated the combined potential of Explainable AI (XAI), blockchain, or dual-currency systems in software engineering and decision-making contexts, although previous research has investigated these topics independently. By performing a synthesis based on PRISMA 2020, this study closes that gap by combining blockchain frameworks, dual-currency mechanisms, and XAI methodologies in a novel way to improve financial interoperability, transparency, and confidence in contemporary digital systems. In addition to reviewing current implementations, this paper synthesizes the relationship between currency interoperability, blockchain trust mechanisms, and XAI interpretability. By examining these technologies from the perspectives of cross-border transparency and financial explainability, the review finds technological complementarities and conceptual connections that were frequently missed in earlier research. Its dual analytical lens, which combines decentralized verification (blockchain) and human-centered interpretability (XAI) to evaluate their combined effects on freelancer payments and financial inclusion, is what makes it distinctive. Blockchain technology is gaining popularity in both academics and industry because of its many benefits, including decentralization, immutability, transparency, and auditability[ 10 ]. 2. Theoretical Background 2.1 Explainable AI in Finance AI is widely used in financial services—in risk assessment, portfolio management, credit scoring, and fraud detection. The use of AI in decision-making will improve the way financial organizations assess, control, and allocate risk[ 11 ]. Yet, many models are "black boxes," limiting user trust and regulatory approval. Explainable AI (XAI) addresses this by providing clear explanations for algorithm outcomes. The majority of these models are referred to as "Black-Box" since they lack explanations of the decision-making process and are intrinsically complex [ 12 ].Predictive capabilities in areas like credit scoring, fraud detection, portfolio management, and risk assessment have greatly increased due to the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms—which allow computers to recognize patterns from data—in financial applications[ 13 ]. XAI can help freelancers with automated transaction flagging for security review, variable fees, and delayed transactions. XAI enhances user confidence in complex digital payment settings by interpreting currency conversion decisions, forecasting volatility, and assessing transactional risk in dual-currency systems. Furthermore, by enabling central banks and financial regulators to comprehend and examine AI-driven financial operations, XAI promotes regulatory compliance. Transition Therefore, XAI can promote confidence in algorithmic payment verification and decision-making for independent contractors, guaranteeing openness in transaction authorization and complaint handling. 2.2 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology Decentralized, immutable transaction records are made possible by blockchain technology, a secure, shared digital database. The primary advantage of blockchain technology is its capacity to monitor transactions in public, decentralized databases, eliminating fraud and counterfeiting[ 14 ]. Blockchain drastically reduces transaction costs and settlement times from days to minutes by eliminating intermediaries, or third parties that usually process transactions. By lowering the risk of fraud, removing needless middlemen, and fostering participant trust through a decentralized and unchangeable ledger, blockchain technology solves these problems by facilitating transparent and safe transactions on a global scale [ 15 ].Smart contracts, which are self-executing digital agreements, are supported by distributed ledger technology (DLT), a network-based system for recording transactions that enables escrow procedures and conditional payments, particularly relevant to freelancing. The Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) offers a framework for creating decentralized applications that register, share, and synchronize transactions on digital assets without the need for a central authority[ 16 ]. Blockchain makes payment transactions transparent and auditable, addressing client fraud and late payments. Smart contracts eliminate disputes and foster trust by automatically releasing funds when specified conditions are met. Blockchain networks resist censorship and manipulation, which is key in regions lacking strong financial infrastructure. On the blockchain network, a transaction is a data structure that symbolizes the exchange of digital assets between peers [ 17 ]. Transition As a result, the decentralized architecture of blockchain technology offers the technological underpinnings for automated dual-currency conversions and tamper-proof recording of freelancer transactions. 2.3 Dual-Currency Payment Systems Digital assets like cryptocurrencies and CBDCs integrate with fiat currencies in dual-currency setups. "Same system and same currency," "same system and different currency," "same currency and different currency," "same currency and different system," and "different currency and different system" are the four quadrants into which CBDC cross-border payments can be separated[ 18 ]. This gives freelancers flexibility by enabling payments in CBDC or bitcoin, which can be exchanged for local currency using mobile financial services. CBDCs offer government-backed stability, while stablecoins based on major currencies reduce volatility. For possible advantages including effective monetary policies and risk management, central banks will be encouraged to introduce CBDCs and approve the issuance of stablecoins [ 19 ]. Dual-currency solutions enable Bangladeshi freelancers to address currency volatility and limited access to international payment platforms, offering both local usability and global interoperability. Compared to conventional remittance methods, dual-currency payments allow for faster settlement and lower transaction fees. Transition This dual-currency viewpoint emphasizes the necessity of transparent, intelligent systems that can adjust to fluctuations in exchange rates while still adhering to regional financial laws. 2.4 Freelancers and the South Asian Gig Economy A sizable percentage of the world's freelance workforce comes from South Asia, with Bangladesh being one of the top five exporters of digital labor. According to an International Labour Organization (ILO) research, Bangladesh is one of a few developing nations that have become significant suppliers to the global market for digital labor platforms, which has grown fivefold over the past ten years [ 20 ].Freelancers are qualified professional service providers who work for a variety of company clients on a temporary basis under a contract for tasks or services in exchange for a fee. They are neither employees nor employers [ 3 ]. Freelancers face high remittance fees, stringent financial laws, and limited integration with international FinTech systems, despite the sector's expansion. These obstacles can be addressed by implementing XAI-driven, blockchain-based dual-currency frameworks, which would enhance freelancers' competitiveness in the global market, promote financial inclusion, and increase income security. The PRISMA 2020 approach for systematic reviews is used in this study to ensure a thorough and transparent literature analysis. Relevant material was sourced from ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Central bank, World Bank, and IMF bulletins were also consulted. Search terms such as "Explainable AI," "Blockchain," "Dual-Currency," "CBDC," "Freelancers," "Cross-Border Payments," and "Bangladesh" were used to identify papers published between 2015 and 2024. The terms “Digital Payments” and “Bangladesh” were also combined to refine the search results. Transition Together, these technologies create a unified ecosystem where freelancers can securely receive payments, understand transaction logic through explainability, and maintain cross-border trust. Figure 2 : Conceptual framework showing how Blockchain and Explainable AI (XAI) work together to make dual-currency payments for freelancers safe and transparent. The XAI modules that decipher risk assessments and transaction analytics are represented by the left segment. The central blockchain layer uses smart contracts and CBDC integration to guarantee distributed validation and unchangeable record-keeping. The benefits for end users—trust, quicker settlements, and lower conversion costs in international freelance transactions—are reflected in the appropriate category. These four theoretical areas—the gig economy, blockchain, dual-currency systems, and XAI—combine to create a new interdisciplinary ecology. The conceptual overlap between both demonstrates how dual-currency models localize these advances in socioeconomic situations such as Bangladesh, while interpretability (XAI) can operationalize confidence in decentralized payment networks (blockchain). This conceptual bridge, which links technology drives to the results of financial inclusion, is depicted in Fig. 2 . Figure 2 illustrates how decentralization (Blockchain) and interpretability (XAI) work together to improve efficiency and confidence in digital payment ecosystems. Figure 2 illustrates the interplay between these technologies and shows how XAI explainability facilitates blockchain-enabled dual-currency transactions for independent contractors. 3. Methodology This work adhered to the PRISMA 2020 principles to ensure rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in the review process. [ 21 ] The search, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages were carried out methodically for studies published between 2015 and 2024 using six main databases: Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus. The PRISMA flow diagram (Fig. 1 ) shows how many records were found, screened, excluded (with explanations), and included to the final synthesis; Section 3.2 describes the precise exclusion criteria. 3.1 Search Strategy Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus were all thoroughly searched. Only English-language, peer-reviewed research published between 2015 and 2024 was taken into account. Search strings were developed using Boolean operators (AND, OR) and covered multiple conceptual components relevant to Explainable AI (XAI), Blockchain, Dual-Currency Systems, Digital Payments, and Freelancing Ecosystems. Table 1 PRISMA Search Strategy Component Keywords / Phrases Boolean Search Example Databases Explainable AI “Explainable AI”, XAI, “Transparent AI”, “Interpretable Models”, “AI Explainability” (“Explainable AI” OR “XAI” OR “Transparent AI” OR “Interpretable Models” OR “AI Explainability”) Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, Scopus Blockchain Systems “Blockchain”, “Distributed Ledger Technology”, “Smart Contracts”, “Decentralized Finance” (“Blockchain” OR “Distributed Ledger Technology” OR “Smart Contracts” OR “Decentralized Finance”) Same as above Dual-Currency & Payments “Dual-Currency”, “CBDC”, “Cross-Border Payments”, “DeFi”, “Digital Currency” (“Dual-Currency” OR “CBDC” OR “Cross-Border Payments” OR “DeFi” OR “Digital Currency”) Same as above Freelancing & Gig Economy “Freelancers”, “Gig Economy”, “Digital Platforms”, “Online Labor Markets”, “Remote Work” (“Freelancers” OR “Gig Economy” OR “Digital Platforms” OR “Online Labor Markets” OR “Remote Work”) Same as above Country / Region “Bangladesh”, “South Asia”, “Developing Countries”, “Emerging Economies” (“Bangladesh” OR “South Asia” OR “Developing Countries” OR “Emerging Economies”) Same as above Review Type “Systematic Review”, “Literature Review”, “Mapping Study”, “Survey” (“Systematic Review” OR “Literature Review” OR “Mapping Study” OR “Survey”) Same as above Combined Search Example — ((“Explainable AI” OR “XAI” OR “Transparent AI” OR “Interpretable Models”) AND (“Blockchain” OR “Distributed Ledger Technology” OR “Smart Contracts”) AND (“Dual-Currency” OR “CBDC” OR “Cross-Border Payments” OR “DeFi”) AND (“Freelancers” OR “Gig Economy” OR “Digital Platforms”) AND (“Bangladesh” OR “South Asia”) AND (“Systematic Review” OR “Literature Review”)) — 3.2 Screening and Selection In all, 612 records were found in all databases during the first search phase. 483 studies were kept for title and abstract screening after 129 duplicate entries were eliminated. 242 of these papers were disqualified because they have nothing to do with blockchain, financial systems, or explainable AI. A detailed evaluation of the remaining 241 full-text papers was then conducted using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. 124 papers were found to satisfy the qualifying conditions after this thorough review, and they were then included in the final synthesis. Peer-reviewed research, conference proceedings, and policy reports pertaining to blockchain, Explainable AI (XAI), or digital payment systems were the main emphasis of the inclusion criteria. Priority was given to studies examining decentralized finance (DeFi), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), or dual-currency models in the context of cross-border payments or freelancing. Studies that provided conceptual or empirical insights pertinent to Bangladesh or comparable developing economies were also considered. On the other hand, the exclusion criteria excluded papers authored in languages other than English, research unrelated to financial services, payment systems, or freelancing, and non-peer-reviewed sources like blogs, news pieces, or editorials. Following selection, a three-dimensional coding framework was used to thematically analyze the final dataset, with a focus on the following areas: (i) Technological Attributes, which included Explainable AI models, blockchain mechanisms, and transparency or security principles; (ii) Financial Mechanisms, which included CBDC interoperability, DeFi integration, and dual-currency operations; and (iii) Contextual Relevance, which focused on financial inclusion, regulatory adaptability, and freelancing ecosystems in Bangladesh. In order to support dual-currency payment frameworks for freelancers in Bangladesh, this methodical and structured screening and analysis process guaranteed methodological rigor, reproducibility, and depth. It also made it easier to identify important trends, research gaps, and areas where Explainable AI and Blockchain could work together. 3.3 PRISMA Flow Diagram During the study selection process, the PRISMA 2020 principles were adhered to, guaranteeing an open and methodical approach. Figure 1 depicts the entire record flow, from first identification to final inclusion. The identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion phases of the systematic review are summed up in this diagram in compliance with PRISMA 2020. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 124 papers that address Explainable AI (XAI), blockchain, dual-currency payment systems, and freelancing in poor nations as a consequence of this meticulous approach. This synthesis used a multi-dimensional coding framework that categorized studies across three analytical axes: technical (XAI, blockchain), financial (CBDC, DeFi, remittance), and contextual (freelancing, inclusion, regulation). This is in contrast to traditional reviews that concentrate on single technology domains. This made it possible to compare technology development, regulatory preparedness, and socioeconomic applicability across different countries. 4. Findings and Literature Synthesis 4.1 Applications of XAI in Financial Transparency Financial decision-making, fraud detection, algorithm auditing, and credit risk assessment have all made extensive use of XAI. Users' confidence in online payment systems and digital wallets is increased by transparent models. Explainability, which denotes any process that aims to elucidate its internal workings, can generally be seen as a crucial characteristic of AI models[ 22 ]. By providing explanations of deductions, transaction delays, or security flags, XAI helps freelancers understand remittance procedures. Additionally, freelancers can make informed financial decisions by utilizing XAI-driven analytics to estimate foreign exchange risks and optimize conversion strategies. Although there are clear benefits to XAI, there are also numerous obstacles to overcome in its application. It's still difficult to strike the correct balance between explainability and prediction accuracy [ 23 ]. While XAI enhances decision interpretability, its application in underdeveloped economies is still constrained by computational power and data accessibility, according to a comparative analysis of the reviewed research. There is a geographic implementation difference, as evidenced by studies from Europe and East Asia that claim better explainability maturity levels than South Asia. 4.2 Blockchain in Cross-Border Freelancer Payments When compared to conventional banking systems, the use of blockchain in cross-border payments has decreased remittance expenses by as much as 70%. Crypto remittances can save prices by up to 70% in high-fee corridors like regions of Africa where rates reach 10% [ 24 ].This article's first section will look at the state of cross-border financial transactions today and show how costly and inefficient they are. One of the first and most promising uses of blockchain technology has been international payments [ 25 ]. This section will then examine how blockchain technology can make cross-border payment procedures more economical and efficient by lowering the number of middlemen .To make an anonymous decentralized marketplace a reality, trust is essential [ 26 ]. In South Asia, platforms like Stellar and RippleNet have tested international freelancer payments, settling transactions very instantaneously. A public blockchain-based network called Stellar was created to solve the problems with the existing correspondent banking systems [ 27 ]. Escrow protection, which smart contracts offer, guarantees safe and prompt payment distribution. According to studies, computerized verification and settlement procedures help independent contractors by lowering the number of conflicts and their reliance on middlemen. Blockchain's efficiency boost of up to 70% in cross-border payment systems stands in stark contrast to Bangladesh's lack of legislative flexibility. More than 70% of transactions are still not digital [ 28 ]. Regional FinTechs are still in the prototyping stage, whereas RippleNet and Stellar exhibit operational readiness, indicating a translational gap between institutional adoption and technology viability. FinTech companies increasingly employ blockchain technology as a helpful tool to boost transparency, streamline operations, and take advantage of new opportunities[ 29 ]. 4.3 Mobile Financial Services and Smart Contracts Domestic financial inclusion has increased thanks to Bangladesh's mobile financial services ecosystem. For consumers, businesses, and the growth of the national economy, financial inclusion is essential [ 15 ]. These platforms are still largely disconnected from international payment networks, however. from international payment networks, though. Smart contracts can automate conditional payments, allowing for dual-currency transactions, and blockchain integration can link MFS to global digital wallets. In the developing markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, mobile financial services (MFS) is a rapidly expanding sector [ 30 ]. In the developing markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, mobile financial services (MFS) is a rapidly expanding sector. Economically disadvantaged individuals who are shut out of official financial channels can benefit from it [ 31 ]. Freelancers can easily convert funds into local fiat currency for domestic use while receiving cryptocurrency or CBDC payments from overseas, thanks to this compatibility. We examine two technology-based projects: "stablecoins," which are privately issued cryptocurrency assets that rely on blockchain technology and seek to maintain stable value, frequently through collateralization by other valuable assets, and "central bank digital currencies" (CBDCs), which are digital money intended as a representation of fiat money with universal accessibility and the status of a legal tender [ 32 ]. 4.4 Dual-Currency Adoption: Crypto, CBDCs, and DeFi Government-backed digital currency adoption is demonstrated by pilot projects for CBDCs in China, Nigeria, and India. The transformational potential of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in resolving the problems associated with digital payments is increasingly being recognized by academic studies of blockchain-based currencies [ 33 ]. While decentralized financial platforms increase access to global capital, stablecoins reduce volatility. Research and development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has begun in central banks around the world. Concerns about the privacy, competition, and integrity of CBDC systems have also progressively surfaced in the context of the digital economy [ 34 ]. Dual-currency systems offer Bangladeshi freelancers quicker and more affordable payment options, thereby reducing their vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations and enhancing their financial stability. Additionally, freelancers can generate additional revenue streams by saving, investing, or participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) financing using dual-currency frameworks. There are worries that the expansion of decentralized finance markets in Asia may be hampered by regulations [ 35 ]. Central bank-controlled stability is demonstrated by CBDC experiments in China and Nigeria, but decentralized DeFi networks provide freedom for innovation. examined the factors behind CBDC research and acceptance in sovereign economies, including monetary policy, improved access to financial services, security, and consumer protection[31. ]Investing in cryptocurrencies as assets, utilizing them for transactions, taking part in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities, and encouraging the creation and expansion of cryptocurrency-related projects and platforms are all examples of adoption behavior[ 37 ].The situation in Bangladesh points to a hybrid approach that makes use of stablecoins backed by CBDCs that are connected with mobile banking systems. Since each electronic payment system can conceal all or some of the payee's information, a CBDC's capacity to protect privacy may differ [ 38 ]. 4.5 Financial Inclusion and Policy Gaps The adoption of blockchain-based payments in Bangladesh is constrained by legislative obstacles to cryptocurrency use, notwithstanding advancements in domestic financial inclusion made possible by MFS. According to the study, MFS's financial inclusion index increased by an astounding 99% in 2021[ 39 ]. One policy suggestion is to create regulatory sandboxes where blockchain and dual-currency frameworks can be tested in a secure environment, thereby ensuring security and fostering innovation. According to an increasing amount of data, financial development and better access to financing—also known as financial inclusion—are likely to decrease poverty and income inequality in a nation in addition to accelerating economic growth [ 40 ]. Programs for digital literacy are also essential for raising freelancers' knowledge of new financial technologies. 5. Discussion For freelancers in Bangladesh, the integration of blockchain technology and XAI into dual-currency payment systems presents significant opportunities for growth and expansion. Blockchain helps with identity verification, safe data exchange, and decentralized architectures. Predictive analytics, autonomous decision-making, and adaptive behavior are all supported by AI [ 41 ].Reduced transaction costs, quicker payments, more security, and transparency are among the advantages. A blockchain system can continue to function as a reliable transaction system with a well-designed consensus algorithm [ 42 ]. Dual-currency systems mitigate currency fluctuations, and smart contracts minimize disputes. Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are two very different technologies with incredibly varied uses[ 43 ]. Incorporating these observations, the review suggests a conceptual framework (Fig. 3 ) that uses policy mediators (regulation, digital literacy, interoperability) to connect technology enablers (blockchain, XAI) to financial outcomes (cost reduction, transparency, resilience). Figure 3 shows a tri-layered interaction model that shows how the policy layer (interoperability, digital literacy, and regulation) mediates between technological enablers (Blockchain and Explainable AI) and the financial outcomes that follow (financial inclusion, cost effectiveness, transparency, and resilience) for Bangladeshi freelancers. Regulatory limitations, low digital literacy, and uneven infrastructure—especially in rural areas—are obstacles. Proactive regulatory frameworks accelerate adoption. Bangladesh can overcome these obstacles by first implementing collaborative FinTech initiatives, then enhancing financial literacy efforts, and finally conducting controlled sandbox activities. As the global FinTech scene develops at an exponential rate, technology and finance have proven to be ideal partners[ 44 ]. The use of technology to provide financial services is known as fintech. FinTech, however, did not emerge out of thin air. Using codes and telegrams, the US Federal Reserve Bank set up a wire-transfer network in 1918 [ 45 ]. Furthermore, system design must incorporate ethical considerations, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI. Concerns about data privacy, parity in educational resources, and algorithmic biases are only a few of the ethical issues raised by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education [ 46 ].Sustainable adoption requires that blockchain networks adhere to legal requirements and that XAI models be interpretable. Blockchain use in supply chains is still in its infancy, though, and there are a number of important issues that must be resolved, including the absence of standardization, interoperability, and regulatory clarity [ 47 ]. Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the financial sector and influencing bank operations. These technologies not only lower security risks and speed up transactions, but they can also assist financial institutions in creating blockchain smart contracts that improve online transactions even more[ 48 ]. Incorporating these observations, the review suggests a conceptual framework (Fig. 3 ) that uses policy mediators (regulation, digital literacy, interoperability) to connect technology enablers (blockchain, XAI) to financial outcomes (cost reduction, transparency, resilience). Policymakers can follow this three-layered paradigm as they sequence innovation, from sandbox experimentation to institutional acceptance. 6. Implications for Freelancers in Bangladesh 1. Lower Costs : By doing away with middlemen, blockchain lowers remittance fees and improves revenue retention. 2. Transparency : XAI offers comprehensible justifications for automated judgments, fees, and currency conversions. 3. Security : Smart contracts guarantee escrow-based, safe payments that are automatically executed when a task is finished. 4. Financial Inclusion : Local MFS platforms may easily integrate global cryptocurrency and CBDCs thanks to dual-currency systems. 5. Income Resilience : Stablecoins and CBDCs offer dependable purchasing power by guarding against currency fluctuations. 7. Future Research Directions Future research should focus on integrated socio-technical modeling rather than discrete technology assessments. The method known as Socio-Technical Security Modelling and Simulation (STSec-M&S) is used to describe and reason about security perspectives that take into account a system's technical and social components [ 49 ].To comprehend scalability and governance implications, this calls for comparative study across poor countries, participatory pilot testing, and longitudinal empirical studies. The concept of governance is incredibly broad and encompasses a variety of interaction and decision-making processes among the actors involved in resolving communal problems[ 50 ]. Standardized XAI Models : Create explainability measures for financial AI that are domain-specific. CBDC Integration : Empirical research evaluating the usefulness of freelancers and the uptake of CBDC in South Asia. Pilot Programs : Models of collaboration between blockchain platforms and MFS providers to test transactions using two currencies. Policy Sandboxes : A regulated setting for regulatory experimentation to strike a balance between financial stability and innovation. Ethical AI : Examine the issues of accountability, prejudice, and privacy in financial XAI models. Digital Literacy Initiatives : Evaluate how specific educational initiatives affect the uptake of dual-currency and blockchain frameworks. 8. Conclusion An actionable research and policy path for developing markets like Bangladesh is provided by this review, which is one of the first systematic, cross-sector syntheses of Explainable AI–Blockchain integration within dual-currency systems for freelancing economies. This thorough review demonstrates how blockchain technology and explainable AI can revolutionize the way freelancers in Bangladesh are paid in two currencies. Blockchain lowers costs and settlement times, dual-currency systems offer flexibility and robustness, and XAI improves transparency and trust. When considered collectively, these technologies enhance financial inclusion and eliminate structural barriers to international payments. To realize the full potential of these breakthroughs, obstacles related to adoption, infrastructure, and regulations must be overcome. Bangladesh may establish itself as a pioneer in digital freelancer payments and support the larger South Asian digital economy by embracing innovation through regulatory sandboxes, pilot programs, the implementation of ethical AI, and regional partnerships. Declarations Conflict of Interest The authors affirm that the work described in this publication was not influenced by any known competing financial interests or personal relationships. Funding Declaration No specific grant from a public, private, or nonprofit funding organization was obtained for this study. Author Contribution Md. Ruqnuzzaman wrote the first draft of the report, conducted the systematic literature review, conceived the project, and developed the research framework.Kazi Zawad Uddin contributed to the creation of conceptual and theoretical models as well as data analysis and visualization. Together, the two authors improved the approach, verified the results, and critically edited the work for intellectual substance. The completed manuscript was read and approved by all authors. Serially update it. Acknowledgment The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Islamic University in Kushtia, Bangladesh, is greatly appreciated by the authors for their unwavering institutional and scholarly support during this work. Additionally, the authors would like to express their gratitude to Zhengzhou University in China for their invaluable intellectual resources and research collaboration, which greatly aided in the successful completion of this study. 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Marín et al. , “Ethical Challenges Associated with the Use of Artificial Intelligence in University Education,” J Acad Ethics , vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 2443–2467, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s10805-025-09660-w. B. C. Cheong, “Leveraging blockchain for enhanced transparency and traceability in sustainable supply chains,” Discov Anal , vol. 3, no. 1, p. 6, June 2025, doi: 10.1007/s44257-025-00032-7. A. Nuhiu and F. Aliu, “The Benefits of Combining AI and Blockchain in Enhancing Decision-Making in Banking Industry,” in Integrating Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0 Innovations , S. Goundar and R. Anandan, Eds., Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2024, pp. 305–326. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-35751-0_22. “Socio‐Technical Security Modelling and Simulations in Cyber‐Physical Systems: Outlook on Knowledge, Perceptions, Practices, Enablers, and Barriers - Ani - 2025 - IET Cyber-Physical Systems: Theory & Applications - Wiley Online Library.” Accessed: Oct. 28, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1049/cps2.70017 M. Liu and K. Lo, “A comparative review of urban climate governance in Chinese and Western contexts,” Urban Governance , vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 81–88, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ugj.2021.11.003. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":234963,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePRISMA 2020 flow diagram of the study selection process\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8004820/v1/4b3141bc77d4606817dd597b.png"},{"id":95093579,"identity":"204b97da-ae74-4ee8-9a3e-cb17c0186895","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-04 08:54:24","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":25230,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eConceptual Framework of Explainable AI and Blockchain Integration for Dual-Currency Freelance Payments\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8004820/v1/f3fa703281dff822b7cf5302.png"},{"id":95093581,"identity":"cc01529f-261f-41b1-939f-5d09d65ab2a5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-04 08:54:27","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":44078,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTri-layered Interaction Model Linking Technological Enablers, Policy Mediators, and Financial Outcomes in Dual-Currency Freelancing Systems\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8004820/v1/e38caa9d0672116e64a6f80a.png"},{"id":95229865,"identity":"66bae5f2-1420-474e-95b0-f7b86a92949e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-05 16:36:37","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1078602,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8004820/v1/304ee93f-eee2-4637-b394-ccb466c08347.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eExplainable AI and Blockchain for Dual-Currency Payments: A Systematic Review of Freelancing in Bangladesh.\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMillions of workers worldwide now have flexible income options because of the gig economy, which has become a distinguishing characteristic of the global labor market. In Bangladesh, freelancing has become a powerful force that is changing the nature of work and making a substantial economic contribution [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. It has provided young professionals in emerging nations, especially those in the creative and technological industries, with a unique opportunity to engage with the economy. Bangladesh has established itself as a global hub for freelancing. The nation is now one of the top exporters of digital labor, with over 650,000 registered freelancers generating nearly USD 1\u0026nbsp;billion annually. With clients primarily located in North America, Europe, and select areas of Asia, freelancers assist with software development, online and mobile application design, digital marketing, content writing, and graphic design. Our ICT Division estimates that the local freelance industry is worth approximately \u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e1\u0026nbsp;billion. According to experts, there are 10 lakh independent contractors in Bangladesh, 650,000 of whom work in the IT industry [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite growth, cross-border payments continue to pose a challenge for Bangladeshi freelancers, significantly impacting their financial security. International remittance costs are high of each transaction. Remittances to low- and middle-income nations has than doubled over the previous 15 years, reaching US\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e550\u0026nbsp;billion in 2021, according to World Bank data [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Bangladesh must rely on Payoneer or bank transfers, as platforms like PayPal are not available in the country. To use Payoneer rather than alternative payment methods to transfer funds to Bangladeshi contractors, workers, and independent contractors. On the other hand, using regular bank transfers or money transfer services like Western Union might result in fees of up to 6% [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e].These intermediaries add expense and delays, making timely payments harder for freelancers. The Taka's volatility against major currencies and the lack of integration between local mobile financial services and global payment platforms further increase financial instability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo cutting-edge technologies that provide great promise for resolving structural issues in financial systems are blockchain and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). FinTech, or financial technology, is another name for this phenomenon[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Blockchain, as a distributed digital ledger, supports transparent and secure financial transactions, reduces transaction costs, and expedites settlement times. For more than ten years, the blockchain has been a tried-and-true method of employing a distributed database to record transactions in a decentralized, peer-to-peer network[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].Concurrently, XAI provides interpretability for the algorithms underpinning financial systems, facilitating accountability and enabling regulators and independent contractors to understand the rationale behind fee structures, currency conversions, transaction approvals, and fraud detection mechanisms. The XAI system should be able to describe its understandings and capabilities, as well as what it has done, is doing, and will do in the future. It should also be able to close the important information that it is acting upon[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. The integration of these technologies enables the development of dual-currency payment systems, wherein local fiat currencies coexist with digital assets such as global cryptocurrencies or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), thereby supporting both domestic functionality and international interoperability. First, as online commerce grows and societies move toward cashless transactions, there is an increasing demand for digital payments. This calls for government-backed digital currencies to support contemporary payment methods, which CBDCs meet[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo evaluate the applicability of XAI, blockchain, and dual-currency payment systems for Bangladeshi freelancers, this study systematically reviews existing literature in these domains. The study centers on three principal research questions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough earlier research has separately examined XAI-based financial transparency and blockchain-based remittances, no evaluation has integrated these into dual-currency systems that are pertinent to developing nations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow have XAI and blockchain been applied in cross-border and dual-currency payment systems?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat benefits and challenges do these technologies present for freelancers in Bangladesh?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat directions should future research and policy take to enhance financial inclusion for freelancers?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo advance financial resilience and facilitate the growth of Bangladesh's digital economy, this assessment examines these challenges and offers actionable recommendations for FinTech companies, government entities, and freelancing communities. However, we must also take into account the associated difficulties in order to assert that FinTech in the banking industry may rival the conventional system[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew studies have rigorously investigated the combined potential of Explainable AI (XAI), blockchain, or dual-currency systems in software engineering and decision-making contexts, although previous research has investigated these topics independently. By performing a synthesis based on PRISMA 2020, this study closes that gap by combining blockchain frameworks, dual-currency mechanisms, and XAI methodologies in a novel way to improve financial interoperability, transparency, and confidence in contemporary digital systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn addition to reviewing current implementations, this paper synthesizes the relationship between currency interoperability, blockchain trust mechanisms, and XAI interpretability. By examining these technologies from the perspectives of cross-border transparency and financial explainability, the review finds technological complementarities and conceptual connections that were frequently missed in earlier research. Its dual analytical lens, which combines decentralized verification (blockchain) and human-centered interpretability (XAI) to evaluate their combined effects on freelancer payments and financial inclusion, is what makes it distinctive. Blockchain technology is gaining popularity in both academics and industry because of its many benefits, including decentralization, immutability, transparency, and auditability[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Theoretical Background","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1 Explainable AI in Finance\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAI is widely used in financial services\u0026mdash;in risk assessment, portfolio management, credit scoring, and fraud detection. The use of AI in decision-making will improve the way financial organizations assess, control, and allocate risk[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Yet, many models are \"black boxes,\" limiting user trust and regulatory approval. Explainable AI (XAI) addresses this by providing clear explanations for algorithm outcomes. The majority of these models are referred to as \"Black-Box\" since they lack explanations of the decision-making process and are intrinsically complex [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e].Predictive capabilities in areas like credit scoring, fraud detection, portfolio management, and risk assessment have greatly increased due to the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms\u0026mdash;which allow computers to recognize patterns from data\u0026mdash;in financial applications[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eXAI can help freelancers with automated transaction flagging for security review, variable fees, and delayed transactions. XAI enhances user confidence in complex digital payment settings by interpreting currency conversion decisions, forecasting volatility, and assessing transactional risk in dual-currency systems. Furthermore, by enabling central banks and financial regulators to comprehend and examine AI-driven financial operations, XAI promotes regulatory compliance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore, XAI can promote confidence in algorithmic payment verification and decision-making for independent contractors, guaranteeing openness in transaction authorization and complaint handling.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDecentralized, immutable transaction records are made possible by blockchain technology, a secure, shared digital database. The primary advantage of blockchain technology is its capacity to monitor transactions in public, decentralized databases, eliminating fraud and counterfeiting[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Blockchain drastically reduces transaction costs and settlement times from days to minutes by eliminating intermediaries, or third parties that usually process transactions. By lowering the risk of fraud, removing needless middlemen, and fostering participant trust through a decentralized and unchangeable ledger, blockchain technology solves these problems by facilitating transparent and safe transactions on a global scale [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].Smart contracts, which are self-executing digital agreements, are supported by distributed ledger technology (DLT), a network-based system for recording transactions that enables escrow procedures and conditional payments, particularly relevant to freelancing. The Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) offers a framework for creating decentralized applications that register, share, and synchronize transactions on digital assets without the need for a central authority[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlockchain makes payment transactions transparent and auditable, addressing client fraud and late payments. Smart contracts eliminate disputes and foster trust by automatically releasing funds when specified conditions are met. Blockchain networks resist censorship and manipulation, which is key in regions lacking strong financial infrastructure. On the blockchain network, a transaction is a data structure that symbolizes the exchange of digital assets between peers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a result, the decentralized architecture of blockchain technology offers the technological underpinnings for automated dual-currency conversions and tamper-proof recording of freelancer transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3 Dual-Currency Payment Systems\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDigital assets like cryptocurrencies and CBDCs integrate with fiat currencies in dual-currency setups. \"Same system and same currency,\" \"same system and different currency,\" \"same currency and different currency,\" \"same currency and different system,\" and \"different currency and different system\" are the four quadrants into which CBDC cross-border payments can be separated[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. This gives freelancers flexibility by enabling payments in CBDC or bitcoin, which can be exchanged for local currency using mobile financial services. CBDCs offer government-backed stability, while stablecoins based on major currencies reduce volatility. For possible advantages including effective monetary policies and risk management, central banks will be encouraged to introduce CBDCs and approve the issuance of stablecoins [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Dual-currency solutions enable Bangladeshi freelancers to address currency volatility and limited access to international payment platforms, offering both local usability and global interoperability. Compared to conventional remittance methods, dual-currency payments allow for faster settlement and lower transaction fees.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis dual-currency viewpoint emphasizes the necessity of transparent, intelligent systems that can adjust to fluctuations in exchange rates while still adhering to regional financial laws.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.4 Freelancers and the South Asian Gig Economy\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA sizable percentage of the world's freelance workforce comes from South Asia, with Bangladesh being one of the top five exporters of digital labor. According to an International Labour Organization (ILO) research, Bangladesh is one of a few developing nations that have become significant suppliers to the global market for digital labor platforms, which has grown fivefold over the past ten years [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e].Freelancers are qualified professional service providers who work for a variety of company clients on a temporary basis under a contract for tasks or services in exchange for a fee. They are neither employees nor employers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Freelancers face high remittance fees, stringent financial laws, and limited integration with international FinTech systems, despite the sector's expansion. These obstacles can be addressed by implementing XAI-driven, blockchain-based dual-currency frameworks, which would enhance freelancers' competitiveness in the global market, promote financial inclusion, and increase income security. The PRISMA 2020 approach for systematic reviews is used in this study to ensure a thorough and transparent literature analysis. Relevant material was sourced from ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Central bank, World Bank, and IMF bulletins were also consulted. Search terms such as \"Explainable AI,\" \"Blockchain,\" \"Dual-Currency,\" \"CBDC,\" \"Freelancers,\" \"Cross-Border Payments,\" and \"Bangladesh\" were used to identify papers published between 2015 and 2024. The terms \u0026ldquo;Digital Payments\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Bangladesh\u0026rdquo; were also combined to refine the search results.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eTogether, these technologies create a unified ecosystem where freelancers can securely receive payments, understand transaction logic through explainability, and maintain cross-border trust.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e: Conceptual framework showing how Blockchain and Explainable AI (XAI) work together to make dual-currency payments for freelancers safe and transparent. The XAI modules that decipher risk assessments and transaction analytics are represented by the left segment. The central blockchain layer uses smart contracts and CBDC integration to guarantee distributed validation and unchangeable record-keeping. The benefits for end users\u0026mdash;trust, quicker settlements, and lower conversion costs in international freelance transactions\u0026mdash;are reflected in the appropriate category.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese four theoretical areas\u0026mdash;the gig economy, blockchain, dual-currency systems, and XAI\u0026mdash;combine to create a new interdisciplinary ecology. The conceptual overlap between both demonstrates how dual-currency models localize these advances in socioeconomic situations such as Bangladesh, while interpretability (XAI) can operationalize confidence in decentralized payment networks (blockchain). This conceptual bridge, which links technology drives to the results of financial inclusion, is depicted in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e illustrates how decentralization (Blockchain) and interpretability (XAI) work together to improve efficiency and confidence in digital payment ecosystems. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the interplay between these technologies and shows how XAI explainability facilitates blockchain-enabled dual-currency transactions for independent contractors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis work adhered to the PRISMA 2020 principles to ensure rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in the review process. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] The search, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages were carried out methodically for studies published between 2015 and 2024 using six main databases: Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe PRISMA flow diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) shows how many records were found, screened, excluded (with explanations), and included to the final synthesis; Section \u003cspan refid=\"Sec9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.2\u003c/span\u003e describes the precise exclusion criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1 Search Strategy\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoogle Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus were all thoroughly searched. Only English-language, peer-reviewed research published between 2015 and 2024 was taken into account.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSearch strings were developed using Boolean operators (AND, OR) and covered multiple conceptual components relevant to Explainable AI (XAI), Blockchain, Dual-Currency Systems, Digital Payments, and Freelancing Ecosystems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePRISMA Search Strategy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eComponent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeywords / Phrases\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoolean Search Example\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDatabases\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplainable AI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Explainable AI\u0026rdquo;, XAI, \u0026ldquo;Transparent AI\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Interpretable Models\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;AI Explainability\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Explainable AI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;XAI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Transparent AI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Interpretable Models\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;AI Explainability\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoogle Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, Scopus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlockchain Systems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Blockchain\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Distributed Ledger Technology\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Smart Contracts\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Decentralized Finance\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Blockchain\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Distributed Ledger Technology\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Smart Contracts\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Decentralized Finance\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSame as above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDual-Currency \u0026amp; Payments\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Dual-Currency\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;CBDC\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Cross-Border Payments\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;DeFi\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Digital Currency\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Dual-Currency\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;CBDC\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Cross-Border Payments\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;DeFi\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Digital Currency\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSame as above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFreelancing \u0026amp; Gig Economy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Freelancers\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Gig Economy\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Digital Platforms\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Online Labor Markets\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Remote Work\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Freelancers\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Gig Economy\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Digital Platforms\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Online Labor Markets\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Remote Work\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSame as above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCountry / Region\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Bangladesh\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;South Asia\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Developing Countries\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Emerging Economies\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Bangladesh\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;South Asia\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Developing Countries\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Emerging Economies\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSame as above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eReview Type\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Systematic Review\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Literature Review\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Mapping Study\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Survey\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u0026ldquo;Systematic Review\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Literature Review\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Mapping Study\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Survey\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSame as above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombined Search Example\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e((\u0026ldquo;Explainable AI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;XAI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Transparent AI\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Interpretable Models\u0026rdquo;) AND (\u0026ldquo;Blockchain\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Distributed Ledger Technology\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Smart Contracts\u0026rdquo;) AND (\u0026ldquo;Dual-Currency\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;CBDC\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Cross-Border Payments\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;DeFi\u0026rdquo;) AND (\u0026ldquo;Freelancers\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Gig Economy\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Digital Platforms\u0026rdquo;) AND (\u0026ldquo;Bangladesh\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;South Asia\u0026rdquo;) AND (\u0026ldquo;Systematic Review\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Literature Review\u0026rdquo;))\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2 Screening and Selection\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn all, 612 records were found in all databases during the first search phase. 483 studies were kept for title and abstract screening after 129 duplicate entries were eliminated. 242 of these papers were disqualified because they have nothing to do with blockchain, financial systems, or explainable AI. A detailed evaluation of the remaining 241 full-text papers was then conducted using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. 124 papers were found to satisfy the qualifying conditions after this thorough review, and they were then included in the final synthesis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeer-reviewed research, conference proceedings, and policy reports pertaining to blockchain, Explainable AI (XAI), or digital payment systems were the main emphasis of the inclusion criteria. Priority was given to studies examining decentralized finance (DeFi), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), or dual-currency models in the context of cross-border payments or freelancing. Studies that provided conceptual or empirical insights pertinent to Bangladesh or comparable developing economies were also considered. On the other hand, the exclusion criteria excluded papers authored in languages other than English, research unrelated to financial services, payment systems, or freelancing, and non-peer-reviewed sources like blogs, news pieces, or editorials.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollowing selection, a three-dimensional coding framework was used to thematically analyze the final dataset, with a focus on the following areas: (i) Technological Attributes, which included Explainable AI models, blockchain mechanisms, and transparency or security principles; (ii) Financial Mechanisms, which included CBDC interoperability, DeFi integration, and dual-currency operations; and (iii) Contextual Relevance, which focused on financial inclusion, regulatory adaptability, and freelancing ecosystems in Bangladesh.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn order to support dual-currency payment frameworks for freelancers in Bangladesh, this methodical and structured screening and analysis process guaranteed methodological rigor, reproducibility, and depth. It also made it easier to identify important trends, research gaps, and areas where Explainable AI and Blockchain could work together.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3 PRISMA Flow Diagram\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring the study selection process, the PRISMA 2020 principles were adhered to, guaranteeing an open and methodical approach. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e depicts the entire record flow, from first identification to final inclusion.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion phases of the systematic review are summed up in this diagram in compliance with PRISMA 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis systematic review synthesizes evidence from 124 papers that address Explainable AI (XAI), blockchain, dual-currency payment systems, and freelancing in poor nations as a consequence of this meticulous approach.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis synthesis used a multi-dimensional coding framework that categorized studies across three analytical axes: technical (XAI, blockchain), financial (CBDC, DeFi, remittance), and contextual (freelancing, inclusion, regulation). This is in contrast to traditional reviews that concentrate on single technology domains. This made it possible to compare technology development, regulatory preparedness, and socioeconomic applicability across different countries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Findings and Literature Synthesis","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.1 Applications of XAI in Financial Transparency\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial decision-making, fraud detection, algorithm auditing, and credit risk assessment have all made extensive use of XAI. Users' confidence in online payment systems and digital wallets is increased by transparent models. Explainability, which denotes any process that aims to elucidate its internal workings, can generally be seen as a crucial characteristic of AI models[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. By providing explanations of deductions, transaction delays, or security flags, XAI helps freelancers understand remittance procedures. Additionally, freelancers can make informed financial decisions by utilizing XAI-driven analytics to estimate foreign exchange risks and optimize conversion strategies. Although there are clear benefits to XAI, there are also numerous obstacles to overcome in its application. It's still difficult to strike the correct balance between explainability and prediction accuracy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile XAI enhances decision interpretability, its application in underdeveloped economies is still constrained by computational power and data accessibility, according to a comparative analysis of the reviewed research. There is a geographic implementation difference, as evidenced by studies from Europe and East Asia that claim better explainability maturity levels than South Asia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.2 Blockchain in Cross-Border Freelancer Payments\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen compared to conventional banking systems, the use of blockchain in cross-border payments has decreased remittance expenses by as much as 70%. Crypto remittances can save prices by up to 70% in high-fee corridors like regions of Africa where rates reach 10% [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].This article's first section will look at the state of cross-border financial transactions today and show how costly and inefficient they are. One of the first and most promising uses of blockchain technology has been international payments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. This section will then examine how blockchain technology can make cross-border payment procedures more economical and efficient by lowering the number of middlemen .To make an anonymous decentralized marketplace a reality, trust is essential [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. In South Asia, platforms like Stellar and RippleNet have tested international freelancer payments, settling transactions very instantaneously. A public blockchain-based network called Stellar was created to solve the problems with the existing correspondent banking systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Escrow protection, which smart contracts offer, guarantees safe and prompt payment distribution. According to studies, computerized verification and settlement procedures help independent contractors by lowering the number of conflicts and their reliance on middlemen.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlockchain's efficiency boost of up to 70% in cross-border payment systems stands in stark contrast to Bangladesh's lack of legislative flexibility. More than 70% of transactions are still not digital [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Regional FinTechs are still in the prototyping stage, whereas RippleNet and Stellar exhibit operational readiness, indicating a translational gap between institutional adoption and technology viability. FinTech companies increasingly employ blockchain technology as a helpful tool to boost transparency, streamline operations, and take advantage of new opportunities[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.3 Mobile Financial Services and Smart Contracts\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDomestic financial inclusion has increased thanks to Bangladesh's mobile financial services ecosystem. For consumers, businesses, and the growth of the national economy, financial inclusion is essential [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. These platforms are still largely disconnected from international payment networks, however. from international payment networks, though. Smart contracts can automate conditional payments, allowing for dual-currency transactions, and blockchain integration can link MFS to global digital wallets. In the developing markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, mobile financial services (MFS) is a rapidly expanding sector [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. In the developing markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, mobile financial services (MFS) is a rapidly expanding sector. Economically disadvantaged individuals who are shut out of official financial channels can benefit from it [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. Freelancers can easily convert funds into local fiat currency for domestic use while receiving cryptocurrency or CBDC payments from overseas, thanks to this compatibility. We examine two technology-based projects: \"stablecoins,\" which are privately issued cryptocurrency assets that rely on blockchain technology and seek to maintain stable value, frequently through collateralization by other valuable assets, and \"central bank digital currencies\" (CBDCs), which are digital money intended as a representation of fiat money with universal accessibility and the status of a legal tender [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.4 Dual-Currency Adoption: Crypto, CBDCs, and DeFi\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernment-backed digital currency adoption is demonstrated by pilot projects for CBDCs in China, Nigeria, and India. The transformational potential of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in resolving the problems associated with digital payments is increasingly being recognized by academic studies of blockchain-based currencies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. While decentralized financial platforms increase access to global capital, stablecoins reduce volatility. Research and development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has begun in central banks around the world. Concerns about the privacy, competition, and integrity of CBDC systems have also progressively surfaced in the context of the digital economy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. Dual-currency systems offer Bangladeshi freelancers quicker and more affordable payment options, thereby reducing their vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations and enhancing their financial stability. Additionally, freelancers can generate additional revenue streams by saving, investing, or participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) financing using dual-currency frameworks. There are worries that the expansion of decentralized finance markets in Asia may be hampered by regulations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCentral bank-controlled stability is demonstrated by CBDC experiments in China and Nigeria, but decentralized DeFi networks provide freedom for innovation. examined the factors behind CBDC research and acceptance in sovereign economies, including monetary policy, improved access to financial services, security, and consumer protection[31. ]Investing in cryptocurrencies as assets, utilizing them for transactions, taking part in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities, and encouraging the creation and expansion of cryptocurrency-related projects and platforms are all examples of adoption behavior[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].The situation in Bangladesh points to a hybrid approach that makes use of stablecoins backed by CBDCs that are connected with mobile banking systems. Since each electronic payment system can conceal all or some of the payee's information, a CBDC's capacity to protect privacy may differ [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.5 Financial Inclusion and Policy Gaps\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe adoption of blockchain-based payments in Bangladesh is constrained by legislative obstacles to cryptocurrency use, notwithstanding advancements in domestic financial inclusion made possible by MFS. According to the study, MFS's financial inclusion index increased by an astounding 99% in 2021[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. One policy suggestion is to create regulatory sandboxes where blockchain and dual-currency frameworks can be tested in a secure environment, thereby ensuring security and fostering innovation. According to an increasing amount of data, financial development and better access to financing\u0026mdash;also known as financial inclusion\u0026mdash;are likely to decrease poverty and income inequality in a nation in addition to accelerating economic growth [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. Programs for digital literacy are also essential for raising freelancers' knowledge of new financial technologies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eFor freelancers in Bangladesh, the integration of blockchain technology and XAI into dual-currency payment systems presents significant opportunities for growth and expansion. Blockchain helps with identity verification, safe data exchange, and decentralized architectures. Predictive analytics, autonomous decision-making, and adaptive behavior are all supported by AI [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e].Reduced transaction costs, quicker payments, more security, and transparency are among the advantages. A blockchain system can continue to function as a reliable transaction system with a well-designed consensus algorithm [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Dual-currency systems mitigate currency fluctuations, and smart contracts minimize disputes. Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are two very different technologies with incredibly varied uses[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncorporating these observations, the review suggests a conceptual framework (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) that uses policy mediators (regulation, digital literacy, interoperability) to connect technology enablers (blockchain, XAI) to financial outcomes (cost reduction, transparency, resilience).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows a tri-layered interaction model that shows how the policy layer (interoperability, digital literacy, and regulation) mediates between technological enablers (Blockchain and Explainable AI) and the financial outcomes that follow (financial inclusion, cost effectiveness, transparency, and resilience) for Bangladeshi freelancers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegulatory limitations, low digital literacy, and uneven infrastructure—especially in rural areas—are obstacles. Proactive regulatory frameworks accelerate adoption. Bangladesh can overcome these obstacles by first implementing collaborative FinTech initiatives, then enhancing financial literacy efforts, and finally conducting controlled sandbox activities. As the global FinTech scene develops at an exponential rate, technology and finance have proven to be ideal partners[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. The use of technology to provide financial services is known as fintech. FinTech, however, did not emerge out of thin air. Using codes and telegrams, the US Federal Reserve Bank set up a wire-transfer network in 1918 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, system design must incorporate ethical considerations, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI. Concerns about data privacy, parity in educational resources, and algorithmic biases are only a few of the ethical issues raised by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e].Sustainable adoption requires that blockchain networks adhere to legal requirements and that XAI models be interpretable. Blockchain use in supply chains is still in its infancy, though, and there are a number of important issues that must be resolved, including the absence of standardization, interoperability, and regulatory clarity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]. Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the financial sector and influencing bank operations. These technologies not only lower security risks and speed up transactions, but they can also assist financial institutions in creating blockchain smart contracts that improve online transactions even more[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncorporating these observations, the review suggests a conceptual framework (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) that uses policy mediators (regulation, digital literacy, interoperability) to connect technology enablers (blockchain, XAI) to financial outcomes (cost reduction, transparency, resilience). Policymakers can follow this three-layered paradigm as they sequence innovation, from sandbox experimentation to institutional acceptance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Implications for Freelancers in Bangladesh","content":"\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cb\u003eLower Costs\u003c/b\u003e: By doing away with middlemen, blockchain lowers remittance fees and improves revenue retention.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cb\u003eTransparency\u003c/b\u003e: XAI offers comprehensible justifications for automated judgments, fees, and currency conversions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cb\u003eSecurity\u003c/b\u003e: Smart contracts guarantee escrow-based, safe payments that are automatically executed when a task is finished.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cb\u003eFinancial Inclusion\u003c/b\u003e: Local MFS platforms may easily integrate global cryptocurrency and CBDCs thanks to dual-currency systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5. \u003cb\u003eIncome Resilience\u003c/b\u003e: Stablecoins and CBDCs offer dependable purchasing power by guarding against currency fluctuations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"7. Future Research Directions","content":"\u003cp\u003eFuture research should focus on integrated socio-technical modeling rather than discrete technology assessments. The method known as Socio-Technical Security Modelling and Simulation (STSec-M\u0026amp;S) is used to describe and reason about security perspectives that take into account a system's technical and social components [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e].To comprehend scalability and governance implications, this calls for comparative study across poor countries, participatory pilot testing, and longitudinal empirical studies. The concept of governance is incredibly broad and encompasses a variety of interaction and decision-making processes among the actors involved in resolving communal problems[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStandardized XAI Models\u003c/b\u003e: Create explainability measures for financial AI that are domain-specific.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCBDC Integration\u003c/b\u003e: Empirical research evaluating the usefulness of freelancers and the uptake of CBDC in South Asia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePilot Programs\u003c/b\u003e: Models of collaboration between blockchain platforms and MFS providers to test transactions using two currencies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePolicy Sandboxes\u003c/b\u003e: A regulated setting for regulatory experimentation to strike a balance between financial stability and innovation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEthical AI\u003c/b\u003e: Examine the issues of accountability, prejudice, and privacy in financial XAI models.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDigital Literacy Initiatives\u003c/b\u003e: Evaluate how specific educational initiatives affect the uptake of dual-currency and blockchain frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"8. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAn actionable research and policy path for developing markets like Bangladesh is provided by this review, which is one of the first systematic, cross-sector syntheses of Explainable AI\u0026ndash;Blockchain integration within dual-currency systems for freelancing economies. This thorough review demonstrates how blockchain technology and explainable AI can revolutionize the way freelancers in Bangladesh are paid in two currencies. Blockchain lowers costs and settlement times, dual-currency systems offer flexibility and robustness, and XAI improves transparency and trust. When considered collectively, these technologies enhance financial inclusion and eliminate structural barriers to international payments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo realize the full potential of these breakthroughs, obstacles related to adoption, infrastructure, and regulations must be overcome. Bangladesh may establish itself as a pioneer in digital freelancer payments and support the larger South Asian digital economy by embracing innovation through regulatory sandboxes, pilot programs, the implementation of ethical AI, and regional partnerships.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eConflict of Interest\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors affirm that the work described in this publication was not influenced by any known competing financial interests or personal relationships.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeclaration\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo specific grant from a public, private, or nonprofit funding organization was obtained for this study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMd. Ruqnuzzaman wrote the first draft of the report, conducted the systematic literature review, conceived the project, and developed the research framework.Kazi Zawad Uddin contributed to the creation of conceptual and theoretical models as well as data analysis and visualization. Together, the two authors improved the approach, verified the results, and critically edited the work for intellectual substance. The completed manuscript was read and approved by all authors. Serially update it.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgment\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Islamic University in Kushtia, Bangladesh, is greatly appreciated by the authors for their unwavering institutional and scholarly support during this work. Additionally, the authors would like to express their gratitude to Zhengzhou University in China for their invaluable intellectual resources and research collaboration, which greatly aided in the successful completion of this study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatiur Rahman, \u0026ldquo;The growth of freelancing \u0026amp; its effect on Bangladesh\u0026rsquo;s economy,\u0026rdquo; The Financial Express. Accessed: Oct. 06, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/the-growth-of-freelancing-its-effect-on-bangladeshs-economy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF. B. Iqbal, \u0026ldquo;Bangladesh\u0026rsquo;s reputation as a freelancing powerhouse is on the line,\u0026rdquo; The Daily Star. Accessed: Oct. 06, 2025. [Online]. 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Lo, \u0026ldquo;A comparative review of urban climate governance in Chinese and Western contexts,\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003eUrban Governance\u003c/em\u003e, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 81\u0026ndash;88, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ugj.2021.11.003.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Explainable AI (XAI), Blockchain, Dual-Currency Payment, Artificial Intelligence in Finance, Financial Technology (FinTech), Freelancers, Cross-Border Payments, Digital Wallets, Smart Contracts, Mobile Financial Services (MFS), Remittances, Financial Inclusion, Cryptocurrency, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), Bangladesh, South Asia Gig Economy, Developing Countries, Systematic Review, PRISMA 20","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8004820/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8004820/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe growth of the global gig economy has had a substantial impact on labor markets, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. One of the major contributors to cross-border digital labor is Bangladesh. Freelancers still encounter difficulties, nevertheless, in obtaining safe, open, and effective international payment options. High transaction fees, settlement delays, currency fluctuations, and restricted access to global digital wallets all have an impact on financial inclusion and income security. Explainable AI (XAI) guarantees that AI-driven judgments are comprehensible, while blockchain facilitates safe and transparent transactions. When combined, these technologies could aid in resolving these issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith an emphasis on blockchain, XAI, and dual-currency payment systems, this study systematically evaluates 124 peer-reviewed publications that were released between 2015 and 2024. The research were divided into four sections based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines: blockchain-based cross-border payments, XAI applications in banking, dual-currency frameworks (including cryptocurrencies, CBDCs, and DeFi), and freelancing in underdeveloped countries. The findings show that XAI increases transparency in automated financial decision-making, dual-currency systems offer resilience against currency volatility, and blockchain lowers transaction costs and settlement times. When combined, these technologies provide freelancers with increased trust, quicker payments, and smooth communication with local mobile financial services (MFS) like bKash and Nagad.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite these benefits, low digital literacy, unclear regulations, and limited infrastructure impede adoption. The report offers a road map for legislators, FinTech firms, and independent contractors to get beyond these obstacles, emphasizing the value of regulatory sandboxes, pilot projects, and interoperability across domestic and global financial ecosystems. In the end, combining XAI, blockchain, and dual-currency systems might greatly improve financial inclusion, empower Bangladeshi independent contractors, and aid the digital economy in South Asia as a whole.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis paper offers practical avenues for inclusive FinTech innovation in emerging nations by fusing Explainable AI and blockchain-based dual-currency mechanisms in a novel way.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Explainable AI and Blockchain for Dual-Currency Payments: A Systematic Review of Freelancing in Bangladesh.","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-04 08:53:46","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8004820/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e4b45390-89f9-4036-8203-9725d8574cd0","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 4th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-04T08:54:12+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-04 08:53:46","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8004820","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8004820","identity":"rs-8004820","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}