The Foundations of Financial Inclusion (working paper)
The World Bank
Download Document| Date Published | 2012 |
| Version | Working Paper |
| Primary Author | Franklin Allen |
| Other Authors | Asli Demirguc-Kunt, Leora Klapper, Soledad Martinez Peria |
| Theme | Financial Inclusion |
| Country |
Abstract
Financial inclusion—defined here as the use of formal accounts—can bring many welfare benefits to individuals. Yet we know very little about the factors underpinning financial inclusion across individuals and countries. Using data for 123 countries and over 124,000 individuals, this paper tries to understand the individual and country characteristics associated with the use of formal accounts and what policies are effective among those most likely to be excluded: the poor and rural residents.