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on Financial Literacy and Education |
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Issue of 2025–12–22
five papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | Ngunza Maniata, Kevin; Waminuku Manzambi, Tresor |
| Abstract: | The rapid rise of financial technologies (fintechs) in Africa has significantly expanded access to financial services, especially through mobile money. While this growth has improved financial inclusion and household resilience, its impact on structural transformation remains limited. This paper examines whether and how fintechs can serve as a driver of productive modernization, drawing on a literature review, case studies (Kenya, Nigeria, Francophone Africa), and a stylized analytical framework. Findings show that digital finance enhances transaction efficiency and access to basic services, but generates lasting macroeconomic effects only when integrated with industrial policy, productive financing, human-capital development, and stronger links between firms and modern value chains. |
| Keywords: | Fintech; Financial inclusion; Structural transformation; Africa; Economic development; Digital economy |
| JEL: | E26 G21 L26 O14 O16 O33 |
| Date: | 2025–12–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:127303 |
| By: | Lay Hoon Ang (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author-2-Name: Aixuan Chu Author-2-Workplace-Name: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author-3-Name: Hazlina Abdul Halim Author-3-Workplace-Name: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author-4-Name: Author-4-Workplace-Name: Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:) |
| Abstract: | " Objective - Financial Quotient (FQ) is increasingly recognized as an essential competency alongside IQ and EQ, particularly in early childhood education. Although financial concepts are gradually incorporated into children's literature, the thematic coverage remains limited and culturally varied, lacking systematic exploration. Methodology/Technique - This study aims to investigate the evolving themes of financial literacy education in contemporary children's literature and assess their cultural and pedagogical implications. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted to analyze children's literature published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on narrative themes related to financial quotient and cross-cultural differences. Findings - Four key themes emerged, highlighting a progression from basic money concepts to ethical considerations. Novelty - The study reveals differences between Eastern and Western financial narratives and identifies the need for broader thematic coverage and culturally adaptive content to serve children's financial education better. Type of Paper - Empirical" |
| Keywords: | Chinese children; children's literature; education; financial quotient; financial literacy. |
| JEL: | A2 G00 |
| Date: | 2025–12–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:afr244 |
| By: | Nicole Jonker; Bo Beeker; Hans Brits |
| Abstract: | This study investigates generational differences in the importance Dutch bank customers attach to their bank’s contributions to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and peace, security and justice. Survey results from over 4, 000 respondents reveal that individuals from the Silent and Baby Boom generations consistently value banks’ roles in climate action, nature preservation, and social accessibility higher than the other generations. While all generations prioritise core banking services such as secure savings and reliable payments, individuals from the Silent and Baby Boom generations place greater emphasis on the availability of physical branches, support for digitally vulnerable individuals, and banks’ involvement in cybersecurity, military defence, and anti-money laundering. These patterns remain robust after controlling for demographic characteristics, financial literacy, health and digital skills, suggesting that formative experiences and values are key drivers. The findings highlight among others the need for banks and regulators to balance digital innovation and ESG ambitions with continued attention to accessibility and trust across all generations. |
| Keywords: | banks; generations; social goals; digital inclusion; resilience, sustainability |
| JEL: | D12 G21 M14 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dnb:dnbwpp:849 |
| By: | Ressita Ramadhani (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) offer ASEAN countries an opportunity to modernise payments, enhance financial inclusion, and support economic integration. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore are actively piloting CBDC initiatives, exploring both wholesale and retail applications, and testing cross-border interoperability. Global pilot projects – including mBridge, Dunbar, and Cedar x Ubin+ – provide valuable insights for ASEAN, demonstrating benefits in efficiency, transparency, and risk management. At the same time, implementing CBDCs presents challenges: smaller economies face potential capital flight, regulatory gaps remain in KYC, AML, and CFT frameworks, and CRS adoption is uneven. To fully harness CBDCs’ potential, ASEAN must establish standardised cross-border payment mechanisms, strengthen regulatory and financial security frameworks, and enhance digital literacy for governments, businesses, and citizens. By addressing these risks and leveraging regional collaboration, ASEAN can position itself as a competitive and resilient player in the evolving global digital economy. Latest Articles |
| Date: | 2025–09–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2025-10 |
| By: | Carin van der Cruijsen; Dörthe Kunkel; Rick Nijkamp |
| Abstract: | This study highlights the multifaceted nature of household payment task division, revealing that a broad spectrum of factors contributes to who takes the lead in executing household payments. The allocation of specific payment tasks is related to partners’ differences in personality traits, enjoyment of payment tasks and available time. Disparities in income and assets also play a significant role, alongside differences in payment knowledge, digital payment experience, and money management skills. Furthermore, individuals tend to replicate the division of payment tasks observed in others. Traditional patterns whereby men manage housing-related payments and women handle grocery expenses, appear across all generations but are most prevalent among the oldest. Greater involvement in household payment tasks is associated with increased financial influence within the household. It also facilitates the ability to take over a partner’s payment responsibilities when needed and enhances early awareness of potential financial issues. In a substantial number of households, one partner is solely responsible for managing specific payments. Strong payment knowledge, digital payment experience, and staying informed about the partner’s payment activities support a smooth transition of responsibilities when necessary. |
| Keywords: | household payments; division of tasks; financial inclusion; gender gap; financial decisions; |
| JEL: | D12 D83 J16 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dnb:dnbwpp:851 |