The diffusion of fintech, financial inclusion and income per capita

Main author: Kanga, Désiré
Other authors: Oughton, Christine
Harris, Laurence
Murinde, Victor
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-35205
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) have provided a platform for the introduction and diffusion of a range of financial technologies that have transformed the financial sector. This study analyses the diffusion of financial technology (fintech) and its interaction with financial inclusion and living standards (GDP per capita). We consider the determinants and effects of technology diffusion in financial services and identify two possible transmission mechanisms from the financial sector to GDP per capita – a fintech diffusion channel and a financial inclusion channel. We specify the interactions between these two channels and their relationship with income per capita. Our empirical analysis focuses on the diffusion of two enabling fintech innovations: ATMs and associated digital networks; and mobile phones and payments systems. The relationships between fintech diffusion, financial inclusion and GDP per capita are estimated using a panel data set for up to 137 countries over the period 1991–2015 using both cross section and panel techniques, including an error correction model that distinguishes short- and long-run effects. A key finding is that fintech diffusion and financial inclusion have long-run effects on GDP per capita over and above their short-run impact and the effects of investment in fixed and human capital.
format Journal Article
author Kanga, Désiré
author_facet Kanga, Désiré
Oughton, Christine
Harris, Laurence
Murinde, Victor
authorStr Kanga, Désiré
author_letter Kanga, Désiré
author2 Oughton, Christine
Harris, Laurence
Murinde, Victor
author2Str Oughton, Christine
Harris, Laurence
Murinde, Victor
title The diffusion of fintech, financial inclusion and income per capita
publisher Taylor and Francis
publishDate 2022
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/35205/