The foundations of financial inclusion: Understanding ownership and use of formal accounts

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• 作者：Franklin Allen^a ; ^b ; ^{allenf@wharton.upenn.edu" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; Asli Demirguc-Kunt^c ; ^{Ademirguckunt@worldbank.org" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; Leora Klapper^c ; ^{lklapper@worldbank.org" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; Maria Soledad Martinez Peria^c ; ^{Mmartinezperia@worldbank.org" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author}
• 关键词：Household finance ; Financial institutions ; Government policy and regulation
• 刊名：Journal of Financial Intermediation
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：July 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：27
• 期：Complete
• 页码：1-30
• 全文大小：659 K

文摘

Financial inclusion—defined as the use of formal accounts—can bring many benefits to individuals. Yet, we know very little about the factors underpinning it. This paper explores the individual and country characteristics associated with financial inclusion and the policies that are effective among those most likely to be excluded: poor, rural, female or young individuals. Overall, we find that greater financial inclusion is associated with lower account costs, greater proximity to financial intermediaries, stronger legal rights, and more politically stable environments. However, the effectiveness of policies to promote inclusion varies depending on the characteristics of the individuals considered.