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on Financial Literacy and Education |
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Issue of 2024‒07‒29
five papers chosen by |
| By: | Mr. Serhan Cevik |
| Abstract: | The emergence of financial technologies—fintech—has become an engine of change, promising to expand access to financial services and give a boost to financial inclusion. The ownership of accounts in formal financial institutions increased from 51 percent of the world’s adult population in 2011 to 76 percent in 2021, but there is still significant variation across countries. So has the rapid growth of fintech delivered the promise of broadening financial services to the under-served populations? In this paper, I use a comprehensive dataset to investigate the relationship between fintech and financial inclusion in a panel of 84 countries over the period 2012–2020 and obtain interesting empirical insights. First, the magnitude and statistical significance of fintech on financial inclusion varies according to the type of instrument. While digital lending has a significant negative effect on financial inclusion, digital capital raising is statistically insignificant. Second, the overall impact of fintech is also statistically insignificant for the full sample, but becomes positive and statistically highly significant in developing countries. Policymakers need to develop an adequate regulatory framework that balances fostering innovation and ensuring equitable treatment of individuals and groups. This requires better financial education, strong regulatory institutions, and well-calibrated prudential regulations for a level playing field and effective supervision. |
| Keywords: | Fintech; financial innovation; financial inclusion |
| Date: | 2024–06–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/131&r= |
| By: | Ayinde, Opeyemi E.; Oloyede, Adeola O.; Miranda, Mario J.; Omotesho, Kemi; Ayinde, Kayode; Ayinde, Love J. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Finance, Financial Economics, Consumer/ Household Economics |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea22:343827&r= |
| By: | Han, Seoni (KOREA INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY (KIEP)) |
| Abstract: | Digital technology is gaining attention as a game changer to reshape the landscape of Africa’s financial industry. This widespread adoption of mobile money has significantly broadened financial accessibility and reduced the proportion of the financially excluded population. The transformation of the financial industry was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic with a surge in online payments and increased fintech activities. Digital finance has arisen as a solution to address the economic and non-economic constraints in the financial market, such as transaction costs, information asymmetry between financial institutions and customers, and uncertainty in outcomes of financial services. Digital finance strengthens economic resilience of individuals and households by offering a broader spectrum of strategies for risk mitigation and risk sharing. In Kenya, mobile money penetration has facilitated financial management for low-income groups, increased women’s labor market participation, and reduced poverty rates. The access to finance of small and medium-sized enterprises is especially crucial in developing countries. Limited access to financial services poses significant challenges for SMEs, obstructing their ability to operate seamlessly, increase sales, and boost exports. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only about one-fifth of SMEs can gain access to loans through traditional financial institutions. Han et al. (2023) conducts on an empirical analysis of Kenyan firms and finds that the firms’ use of mobile money is positively correlated with their financial accessibility, and their investment activities in both tangible assets (fixed assets) and intangible assets (R&D expenditure). Korea has the potential to strengthen its cooperation with Africa in digital finance and the financial sector by actively participating in international initiatives for financial inclusion, promoting more private investments into the financial sector or fintech industry in Africa, enhancing Africa's digital competitiveness in digital infrastructure and skilled workforce, and finally supporting digital transformation in the context of regional integration. |
| Keywords: | Africa; Digital technology; Digital Finance; Financial Inclusion |
| Date: | 2024–05–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:kiepwe:2024_015&r= |
| By: | Gazilas, Emmanouil Taxiarchis |
| Abstract: | Intentional homicide rates represent a critical societal issue, impacting public safety and social stability across Europe. Understanding the socio-economic factors underlying these crimes is paramount for effective policy intervention. This research aims to investigate the socio-economic determinants of intentional homicides in 15 European countries over the period 2010-2021, providing insights into the complex relationship between economic indicators and violent crime rates. The study hypothesizes that economic prosperity, government debt, and access to financial services significantly influence intentional homicide rates, with countries exhibiting higher levels of economic development and financial inclusion experiencing lower homicide rates. Utilizing robust statistical and econometric techniques, including regression analysis and correlation matrices, the research examines the relationships between various socio-economic indicators and intentional homicide rates. Data spanning from national tax authorities, statistical agencies, and international organizations are meticulously analyzed to uncover meaningful patterns and associations. The findings reveal compelling associations between economic indicators and intentional homicide rates. Higher GDP per capita and greater financial inclusion are correlated with lower homicide rates, while elevated levels of government debt exhibit a negative association with homicide rates. These results underscore the multifaceted nature of crime dynamics and highlight the importance of considering broader socio-economic factors in understanding violent crime patterns. The study contributes to both theoretical knowledge and practical policymaking by offering insights into the socio-economic determinants of intentional homicides. These findings can inform evidence-based policy interventions aimed at promoting social stability and enhancing public safety across Europe, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying economic factors in crime prevention strategies. |
| Keywords: | Intentional Homicides, Socio-Economic Factors, Public Safety, Economic Prosperity, Financial Inclusion, Policy Interventions |
| JEL: | D74 H56 I12 K14 O15 |
| Date: | 2024–03–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121304&r= |
| By: | Ofori, Pamela E.; Ofori, Isaac K.; Castelnovo, Paolo |
| Abstract: | The Sustainable Development Goal 5 emphasises the need to achieve gender parity in economic participation. Perusing the extant scholarship on female economic inclusion in Africa, we identify two pressing gaps. First, we find that previous studies have not explored how innovation affects female economic inclusion (FEI). Second, we note that prior studies have not examined the interactive effect of innovation and economic freedom on FEI. This study addresses these gaps by using macro data from 1995-2022 for a sample of 51 African countries. Findings from the two-step system GMM estimator reveal the following: (1) innovation reduces FEI, whereas economic freedom increases it, and (2) economic freedom moderates innovation to promote FEI. Further, we find that this positive total effect of innovation on FEI is remarkable at higher thresholds of economic freedom. We conclude that for innovation to promote FEI in Africa, investments in promoting economic freedom are critical. |
| Keywords: | Africa; Innovation; Economic freedom; Female economic inclusion, GMM. |
| JEL: | E24 J16 J21 O31 O55 |
| Date: | 2024–03–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121244&r= |