nep-cob New Economics Papers
on Community banking and credit unions
Issue of 2026–07–27
five papers chosen by
Karoliina S. Kantola, University of Helsinki


  1. Responsible Innovation and Financial Inclusion: A speech at Next-Gen Financial Inclusion, ” the third annual Financial Inclusion Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D.C. (via pre-recorded video)., July 14, 2026 By Michelle W. Bowman
  2. Will Artificial Intelligence Broadly Raise Living Standards or Drive Income and Wealth Inequality?., A speech at Next-Gen Financial Inclusion, ” the third annual Financial Inclusion Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Board., July 14, 2026 By Michael S. Barr
  3. Artificial Intelligence and Application Domains in FinTech By Suela Vasil; Armela Maxhelaku
  4. Financial Integration and Financial Development in Africa By KONAN, Estelle; SOPOUDE, Anne-Marie; DADAKPETE, David
  5. Barriers to Digital Transformation of SMEs in Transition Economies: Implications for Green Growth By Salayeva, Guli; Reyimberganov, Baxrom

  1. By: Michelle W. Bowman
    Date: 2026–07–14
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgsq:103539
  2. By: Michael S. Barr
    Date: 2026–07–14
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgsq:103538
  3. By: Suela Vasil (Departament of informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana); Armela Maxhelaku (Department of Civil Law, Faculty of Law, University of Tirana)
    Abstract: Since late 2022, the rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence and large language models has significantly accelerated the integration of AI into FinTech services, including credit scoring, fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and regulatory compliance. This rapid expansion of this literature identifies the need for taxonomic mapping of AI methods to FinTech application domains. In this article we have applied PRISMA 2020 guideline to peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus-and published between 2024 and early 2026? Using a systematic search strategy? 388 records were identified through database searching? Out of these articles? 144 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review? Data were collected using a structured a coding sheet and synthesized through the taxonomic cross-tabulation of AI categories and FinTech application domains? The results show that machine learning? deep learning and natural language processing are the most frequently applied AI models and Random Forest? Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and BERT are the most applied AI algorithms in FinTech applications? The FinTech domains that are most heavily deployed are credit scoring and lending? fraud detection and security and cryptocurrency and blockchain applications? This article provides an AI-FinTech taxonomy that could serve as an evidence-based reference for academics? practitioners? and policymakers for the adoption of artificial intelligence in financial services?
    Keywords: Artificial intelligence, FinTech, Machine learning, Deep learning, Natural language processing
    JEL: C45 G20 O33
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iefpro:15817211
  4. By: KONAN, Estelle; SOPOUDE, Anne-Marie; DADAKPETE, David
    Abstract: Faced with an ever-increasing financing gap, African economies need to find urgent solutions. With domestic capital markets underdeveloped, private investment is struggling to take off and fully play its role as a lever of economic growth. For some, the key could be greater financial integration, as this would revitalize the domestic financial system. Yet, some studies suggest that this effect is mainly observed in more advanced economies. This paper contributes to this debate by investigating the relation between financial development and financial integration using a sample of 39 African countries observed from 2000 to 2019. Dynamic panel estimation using GMM suggests that increased financial integration leads to higher financial development in Africa. This result can be attributed to the recent upward trend in financial development and financial integration observed in African countries. Expanding our empirical framework to include the spatial dimension, we observe that African countries are surrounded by neighbors with similar levels of financial development. Additionally, our spatial econometric modeling reveals that a country’s total assets held by deposit money banks, are positively influenced by those of its neighboring countries.
    Keywords: Financial Integration, Financial Development, GMM
    JEL: C21 C23 E44 F36
    Date: 2024–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:128121
  5. By: Salayeva, Guli; Reyimberganov, Baxrom
    Abstract: This paper investigates barriers preventing small and medium enterprises from adopting digital technologies for green business models in transition economies. A survey of 385 SME owners across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan was conducted. Factor analysis identifies five barrier dimensions, and logistic regression reveals that financial constraints and human capital deficits are the strongest predictors of non-adoption. Recommendations for targeted policy interventions are provided
    Date: 2026–06–25
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:sfrkp_v1

This nep-cob issue is ©2026 by Karoliina S. Kantola. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
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