Financial Inclusion In Asia Pacific

Financial inclusion is a multidimensional concept and countries have chosen diverse methods of enhancing financial inclusion with varying degrees of results. The heterogeneity of financial inclusion is particularly striking in the Asia-Pacific region as member countries range from those that are at the cutting edge of financial technology to others that are aiming to provide access to basic financial services. The wide disparity is not only inter-country but also intra-country. The focus of this paper is to take stock of the current state of financial inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region by highlighting twelve stylized facts about the state of financial inclusion in these countries. The paper finds that the state of financial inclusion depends on several factors, but a holistic approach calibrated to specific country conditions may lead to greater financial inclusion.

Asia has made significant progress in financial inclusion, but both its across-country and intra-country disparities are among the highest in the world. The gaps between the rich and the poor, rural and urban populations, and men and women remain deep. Income is the main determinant of the level of financial inclusion; but other factors, such as geography, financial sector structure, and policies, also play important roles. While some countries in the Asia-Pacific region are leaders in fintech, on average the region lags behind others in several important areas such as online (internet) purchases, electronic payments, mobile money, and mobile government transfers. This Departmental Paper aims to take stock of the development and current state of financial inclusion and shed light on policies to advance financial inclusion in the region. The research focuses on the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth, poverty reduction, and inequality, linkages between financial inclusion and macroeconomic policies, as well as structural policies that are important for improving financial inclusion. Given the increasing importance of financial technologies (fintech), the paper also provides a snapshot of the fintech landscape in the Asia-Pacific.

This report tracks the progress of financial innovation in Asia and the Pacific, and discusses its implications for financial inclusion and stability as well as its challenges. Asia and the Pacific continues to embrace financial technology advances that are reshaping the traditional banking and financial services industry. This is being done through the digitalization, decentralization, and disintermediation of economic transactions. This report tracks the progress of financial innovation in the region, and discusses its implications for financial inclusion and stability as well as its challenges. It also identifies key policy issues for central banks, financial regulators, and international financial institutions.

Asia and the Pacific continues to experience rapid development of innovative technology solutions driven by increased government support to help address the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease pandemic. This publication identifies the role that central bank digital currencies could play in overcoming some of the challenges of achieving financial inclusion. It proposes recommendations to aid policy makers and regulators. The publication shares insights from the Asia–Pacific Financial Inclusion Forum, a policy initiative of the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Process.

The challenging geography and poor infrastructure of many Pacific nations mean digital financial services (DFS) are a particularly effective means of enhancing financial inclusion in the region. However, a number of major challenges confront DFS in the Pacific, including the establishment of reliable agent networks and the building of sufficient consumer trust in DFS for it to become a viable payments channel. This report examines the current use of DFS in the Pacific, analyzes the issues that need to be addressed, and provides recommendations for increasing financial inclusion in the region. This publication was produced by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, a regional technical assistance facility cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Australia and the New Zealand government.

Rapid economic growth in Asia has gone hand in hand with increased savings. Yet, many people remain unbanked and savings are often invested abroad. If Asia is to continue to grow, governments must explore ways to better mobilize domestic finance and increase financial access. One way is through postal savings. This book (i) explains the benefits of postal savings, (ii) presents strategies ranging from a simple model of postal savings to full-fledged banking services, (iii) assesses national regulations, (iv) studies the challenges and opportunities arising from new technologies such as fintech, and (v) recommends ways to promote postal savings in developing Asia. technologies such as fintech, and (v) recommends ways to promote postal savings in developing Asia.