Josephine Ofosu-Mensah Ababio, Eric B. Yiadom, Emmanuel Sarpong-Kumankoma and Isaac Boadi
This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and financial system development in emerging and frontier markets.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and financial system development in emerging and frontier markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data across 35 countries over 19 years (2004–2022), the improved GMM estimation technique reveals that financial inclusion significantly contributes to the development of financial systems.
Findings
The study uses a segmented approach, dividing financial development indices into subindices: financial depth, financial access and financial efficiency. Indicators of bank financial inclusion show a positive and highly significant relationship with bank depth and access but a negative relationship with bank efficiency. Similarly, indicators of the debt market and stock market financial inclusion demonstrate positive relationships with market depth and access but negative relationships with debt and stock market efficiency. The study further examines composite indexes of financial inclusion for bank, debt and stock market segments, finding strong and highly significant relationships with market development. These results underscore the importance of promoting financial inclusion across all segments of the financial sector to achieve an inclusive financial system.
Practical implications
The implications of this research highlight the need for policymakers and practitioners to implement policies and regulations that enhance financial inclusion and foster the development of robust financial systems. By extending access to mainstream financial instruments and services, financial institutions can stimulate financial intermediation and support, thereby accelerating the development of the banking, debt and stock markets.
Originality/value
The study is robust to the use of several indicators of financial inclusion and financial development, and it forms part of the early studies that examine the close relationship between the two variables.
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Josephine Ofosu-Mensah Ababio, Eric Boachie Yiadom, Daniel Ofori-Sasu and Emmanuel Sarpong–Kumankoma
This study aims to explore how institutional quality links digital financial inclusion to inclusive development in lower-middle-income countries, considering heterogeneities.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how institutional quality links digital financial inclusion to inclusive development in lower-middle-income countries, considering heterogeneities.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses dynamic generalized method of moments to analyze a balanced panel data set of 48 lower-middle- income countries (LMICs) from 2004 to 2022, sourced from various databases. It assesses four variables and conducts checks for study robustness.
Findings
The study reveals a positive link between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs, confirming theoretical predictions. Empirically, nations with quality institutions exhibit greater financial and developmental inclusion than those with weak institutions, emphasizing the substantial positive impact of institutional quality on the connection between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs. For instance, the interaction effect reveals a substantial increase of 0.123 in inclusive development for every unit increase in digital financial inclusion in the presence of strong institutions. The findings provide robust empirical evidence that the presence of quality institutions is a key catalyst for the benefits of digital finance in inclusive development.
Originality/value
This study offers significant insights into digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs. It confirms a positive relationship between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development, highlighting the pivotal role of institutional quality in amplifying these benefits. Strong institutions benefit deprived individuals, families, communities and businesses, enabling full access to digital financial inclusion benefits. This facilitates engagement in development processes, aiding LMICs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
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Josephine Ofosu-Mensah Ababio, Eric B. Yiadom, John K.M. Mawutor, Joseph K. Tuffour and Edward Attah‐Botchwey
This study aims to use 67 developing countries to examine the role of financial inclusion as an “empowering tool” for renewable energy uptake and to improve environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use 67 developing countries to examine the role of financial inclusion as an “empowering tool” for renewable energy uptake and to improve environmental sustainability in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a battery of econometric models, including the generalized method of moment-panel vector autoregression (GMM-PVAR), impulse response function, Granger causality, fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares, the study proposed and tested three hypotheses.
Findings
The results from various estimations indicate that financial inclusion has a positive effect on renewable energy consumption and environmental sustainability improvement in developing countries. The findings suggest that financial inclusion can improve environmental sustainability by increasing access to financing to fund renewable energy projects, support sustainable businesses and promote sustainable practices.
Originality/value
This study suggests that policymakers prioritize financial inclusion to promote renewable energy consumption and environmental sustainability. Policies should enhance access to financial services, offer financial incentives and subsidies, provide affordable loans through microfinance institutions and fintech companies and promote sustainable businesses and green technologies.