scholarly journals Issues and Challenges of Financial Inclusion Among Low-Income Earners In Rural Areas of Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 277-299
Author(s):  
Salihah Sharizan ◽  
Nur Harena Redzuan ◽  
Romzie Rosman
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Finance Industry

Financial inclusion (FI) appears to be one of the main global agendas as it is an essential way of reducing poverty and increasing the economic growth of a country. FI is the provision of financial services to all segments of society in a more convenient, quality, and affordable way. In this study, the authors analyzed the issues and challenges faced from the two perspectives of the Financial Institutions (FIs) and the rural B40 group concerning the way of pursuing the exclusive of FI. Primary data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with four expert bankers from the Financial Institutions (FIs) in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, and two representatives from the B40 customers in the rural areas of Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia. Based on the findings, barriers faced by the supply sides of the FIs include 1) high risk of cost and security, 2) barriers in communication and lack of financial education, and 3) lack of proof documents. The other challenges are 1) competition with the conventional institutions, 2) default risk due to non-payment, and 3) internet connection problem. On the demand side, the issues and challenges found include 1) lack of confidence, 2) lack of proof documents, 3) misuse of capital, and 4) lack of financial literacy. Henceforth, the findings have significant implications for the Islamic banking and finance industry in exploring the current barriers faced in delivering financial inclusion to the lower segment of the society in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy in Low Income Group in Emerging Economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1008
Author(s):  
Hina Affandi ◽  
Qaisar Ali Malik
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Street Vendors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Financial institutions engage in performing imperative part in the economic development of an economy through circulation of funds that resulting in employment and fair distribution of limited resources. Financial literacy results in usage of financial product and services provided by financial institutions that lead to pervasive growth of an economy. Financial inclusion takes into loop the excluded segment of a developing country to attain the desired financial and economic outcomes. Recognizing the importance of financial inclusion, this study is executed to investigate the impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion in street vendors. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Snowball and purposive sampling technique has been used in this study. Primary data has been collected from street vendors through semi structure interviews and questionnaire. Participatory action research design is used in this study. Deductive approach has been used for qualitative data analysis. Findings: The results of this study found that street vendors only name financial institutions. They don’t have knowledge about financial products and services provided by those financial institutions. Because of inadequate knowledge, majority of the street vendors do not use financial products and services which are available to them. A very small number of street vendors are using financial products and services. The expected outcomes of this study set a direction for policy makers of financial institutions about how to increase financial inclusion by considering the observed relations in this study. Practical implications: The results will help policy makers in formulating effective strategies to bring into the net that excluded segment, which if included will not only improve their quality of life but also augment to the sustainability and growth of economy through financial inclusion. Originality/value: As suggested by the recent relevant literature, the study is an attempt to identify those antecedents of financial inclusion, which has not been explored earlier in context of Pakistan, to extend the earlier findings through qualitative research method and to establish how financial inclusion can be made a success in achieving its desired outcomes in a developing economy.

scholarly journals Proposed Theoretical Measurement Model for Financial Inclusion with Perspective of Refuge Inhabitants

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
S. Sheik Abdullah ◽  
A. Krishna Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Complex Processes

Financial inclusion takes into account the participation of vulnerable groups such as weaker sections of the society and low income groups, based on the extent of their access to financial services such as savings and payment account, credit insurance, pensions etc. Also the objective of financial inclusion exercise is easy availability of financial services which allows maximum investment in business opportunities, education, save for retirement, insurance against risks by the rural individuals and firms. The penetration of financial services in the rural areas of India is still very low. The factors responsible for this condition can be looked at from both supply side and demand side and the major reason for low penetration of financial services is, probably, lack of supply. The reasons for low demand for financial services could be low income level, lack of financial literacy, other bank accounts in the family, etc. On the other hand, the supply side factors include no bank branch in the vicinity, lack of suitable products meeting the needs of the poor people, complex processes and language barriers. There is no studies conducted earlier especially financial inclusion initiatives with refugee inhabitants. Therefore this study was undertaken to propose the model of refugee inhabitants towards financial inclusion initiatives by the banks. The exhibited model consisting four essential factors, which are very useful for measuring financial inclusion practices.

scholarly journals A Legal Analysis of the Use of Innovative Technology in the Promotion of Financial Inclusion for Low-Income Earners in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Howard Chitimira ◽  
Phemelo Magau
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
The Government

The promotion of financial inclusion is important for the combating of financial exclusion in many countries, including South Africa. Nonetheless, most low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements are still struggling to gain access to basic financial products and financial services in South Africa. This status quo has been caused by a number of factors such as the absence of an adequate financial inclusion policy, the geographical remoteness of financial institutions to most low-income earners, rigid identity documentary requirements, a lack of access to reliable and affordable Internet connection by low-income earners living in informal settlements and rural areas, a lack of financial illiteracy, the high costs of financial services, unemployment and poverty, over-indebtedness, and cultural and psychological hindrances to low-income earners in South Africa. Consequently, these factors have somewhat limited the access to financial services offered by financial institutions to low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements. In many countries, including South Africa, the financial sector is relying on innovative technology, especially in banking institutions, to aid in the offering of financial services to their customers. It is against this background that this article discusses selected legal and related challenges affecting the regulation and use of innovative technology to promote financial inclusion for low-income earners in South Africa. The article further discusses possible measures that could be adopted by the government, financial institutions and other relevant regulatory bodies to promote the use of innovative technology to combat the financial exclusion of low-income earners in South Africa.

Effect of Financial Technology Loans on Financial Inclusion Among the Unbanked Low-Income Earners in Makueni County

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Samson Mutuku Mule ◽  
Fredrick Wafula ◽  
Nickson Agusioma
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Financial Technology

Financial inclusion is crucial in fostering individual prosperity, poverty eradication and stimulating economic growth. It is therefore a major policy concern for majority of governments across the world. Despite the rampant growth of financial technology in Kenya, the number of adults who are financially excluded is still high among the rural area residents. Lack of financial services access in rural areas has resulted to rural economic growth retardation and inequality. Further, financial exclusion has led to increased poverty levels because those excluded have been forced to depend on their limited savings to pursue their entrepreneurial interests. Small businesses have had no choice but to rely on their inadequate earnings to pursue viable business opportunities. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of financial technology loans on financial inclusion among the unbanked low-income earners in Makueni County. Descriptive research design was used, with the target population being the unbanked low-income earners over the age of 18 in Makueni County. A sample size of 384 respondents was chosen using the convenience sampling technique. Personal interviews were conducted using an interview guide to collect primary data. The study found that fintech loans have a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion among the unbanked low-income earners in Makueni County. According to the findings of the study, since the unbanked people in Makueni County associate the use of financial technology loans to meeting personal financial needs and especially coping up with day-to-day expenses and emergencies, this study recommends that such people embrace the use of the fintech loans more as it will aid them in improving their financial lives to a greater extent. This is because for instance, by using the fintech loans, they can create employment for themselves and generate sufficient income by financing micro businesses using this credit.

scholarly journals The Nexus between Mobile Money Regulation, Innovative Technology and the Promotion of Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Howard Chitimira ◽  
Elfas Torerai
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
The Poor

The advent of mobile money innovations has given people in rural areas, informal settlements and other poor communities an opportunity to participate in Zimbabwe's mainstream financial economy. However, the technology-driven money services have presented some challenges to the traditional banking sector in general and the regulation of financial services in particular. Firstly, most mobile money services are products of telecommunication corporations, which are not banks. Telecommunication companies use their network reach to provide mobile money services via mobile devices at a cheaper cost than banks across the country in Zimbabwe. As such, banks face unprecedented competition from telecommunications companies that are venturing into financial services. It also appears that prudential regulation of banks cannot keep up with the fast pace at which technological innovations are developing and this has created a disjuncture between the regulation and the use of technological innovations to promote financial inclusion in Zimbabwe. The Banking Act [Chapter 24:20] 9 of 1999, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 22:15] 5 of 1999 and the National Payment Systems Act [Chapter 24:23] 21 of 2001 have a limited scope in terms of the regulation of mobile money services in Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development launched the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2016-2020 to provide impetus to the financial inclusion of the poor, unbanked and low-income earners in Zimbabwe. However, the NFIS appears to push more for bank-led financial inclusion than it does for innovation-driven initiatives such as mobile money services. This article highlights the positive influence of mobile money services in improving financial inclusion for the poor, unbanked and low-income earners in Zimbabwe. The article also seeks to point out gaps and flaws in the financial services regulatory framework that may limit the potential of mobile money services to reach more people so that they actively participate in the Zimbabwean economy. It is submitted that the Zimbabwean mobile money services regulations and the financial regulatory framework should be carefully amended in line with the recent innovations in mobile money to adequately regulate the use of mobile money services and innovative technology to address the financial exclusion of the poor, unbanked and low-income earners in Zimbabwe.

scholarly journals Customers‟ Perception of India Post Towards Financial Inclusion Services with Reference to Ariyalur District

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1119-1128
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Post Office ◽  
Customer Perception ◽  
Aged Person ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
One Way Anova

Financial Inclusion can be influenced by the customer perception such as availability of all financial inclusion services in all branch, reliable and prompt services, Affordable price, Post office staffs interact With friendly ( Accessible ) Safety and security transaction, affordable financial services, Simplicity procedure, Responsible to query, conveniently service under convenience sampling method were adopted. The primary data were collected with 50 Respondents of post office customers with the help of well structure close ended and 5 point likert scale questionnaire which consists of parameters to measure the perception variables. The collected data were analyses with the help of the mean rank and one way ANOVA analysis for validating the assumptions made by researchers. The study therefore done found that customers perception variable of post towards financial Inclusion processes were confirmed that the customers perception India variables had some effect on satisfaction of India post towards financial inclusion services. But, aged person, illiterate people, women , low occupation person and low income person have to attention and be conducted awareness camp. This may increase the financial inclusion in post office

scholarly journals FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN ZIMBABWE

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-182
Author(s):  
David Mhlanga ◽  
◽  
Steven Henry Dunga ◽  
Tankiso Moloi ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

The study sought to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on poverty reduction in Zimbabwe among the smallholder farmers. It is alleged that financial inclusion can help in achieving seven of the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs), which include poverty eradication in all its forms everywhere, ending hunger, achieving food security, ensuring improved nutrition as well as promoting sustainable agriculture and many others. Using the simple regression method, the study discovered that financial inclusion has a strong impact on poverty reduction among smallholder farmers. The study went on to discover that, for the government to tackle poverty especially among the smallholder farmers, it is important to ensure that farmers do participate in the financial sector through saving, borrowing and taking out insurance among other services. So, it is important for the government of Zimbabwe to fully implement policies that encourage financial inclusion such as making sure that farmers find it easy to access financial institutions and encouraging financial institutions to review transaction costs like bank account opening charges periodically, implementing financial education programs among the farmers because these variables are important in influencing farmers to participate or preventing them from using financial services.

Building blocks of financial inclusion through customer experience value at financial touchpoints in Southern Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkosinathi Sithole ◽  
Gillian Sullivan Mort ◽  
Clare D'Souza
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
The Body ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Income Consumers

PurposeThis paper aims to examine customer experience value orchestrated by non-banks' financial touchpoints to understand how they enhance the financial inclusion of low-income consumers.Design/methodology/approachTwo independent but related studies were conducted using qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) research design with semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast customer experience value at two rural locations in Southern Africa. The interview transcripts were analysed using ATLAS.ti, which is a powerful operating system for analysing qualitative data.FindingsThe results indicate that non-banks in the two countries design financial services that include functional, economic, humanic, social and mechanic customer experience value dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this study was collected from financial services customers of retailers and mobile phone network operators in only one research setting in each country. Further research could extend the comparative context for qualitative studies across similar markets. Other limitations are discussed in the paper.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the salient and germane dimensions and components found to be important in understanding financial inclusion using customer experience value. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that incorporates customer experience value dimensions in understanding the financial inclusion of low-income consumers at the base of the social and economic pyramid in emerging markets.

How Customer Analytics and Digital Technologies Drive Banks to Understand Consumer Awareness Towards Financial Inclusion

2018 ◽  
pp. 66-85
Author(s):  
Yuvraj Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Customer Analytics ◽  
Clear Communication ◽  
Increasing Demand

In today's switching economy, customers' needs are changing and they are demanding more transparency, higher involvement, and clear communication in day-to-day banking processes. The rationale behind carrying out the present research is to identify the role of customer analytics in the new digital customer journey in terms of enhancing their engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction. The present research emphasizes opportunities that would accrue to financial institutions after demonetization and collecting large amount of demographics, customer transaction, and account-related data. Primary data was collected from 300 customers through a structured questionnaire to know their perceptions about the role of customer analytics and digital technologies to build their confidence and capability to use financial services. This study brings out the customer analytics trends and identifies the reasons due to which banks are struggling to keep pace with the increasing demand of both digital savvy and traditional consumers.

scholarly journals ПІДВИЩЕННЯ РІВНЯ ФІНАНСОВОЇ ГРАМОТНОСТІ ТА ФІНАНСОВОЇ ОСВІТИ — ВИКЛИК СУЧАСНОСТІ

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 429-438
Author(s):  
Т. А. Латковська
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
General Information ◽  
Financial Knowledge ◽  
System Protection

У статті розглядаються питання фінансової грамотності та фінансової освіти, які на сьогоднішній день є актуальними та необхідними. Доводиться, що недостатнє володіння основами фінансових знань і загальною інформацією громадян про свої права та обов'яз­ки викликає недовіру до фінансових установ, небажання використовувати їх як інстру­мент забезпечення збереження заощаджень та підвищення рівня добробуту. Робиться висновок про потребу системного захисту фінансових прав та законних інтересів широ­ких верств населення, створення умов для підвищення фінансової грамотності та фінан­сової освіти, створення механізмів досудового вирішення конфліктів між споживачами фінансових послуг та фінансовими інститутами.   The questions of financial literacy and financial education, being to date actual and necessary, are examined in the article. Proved, that the insufficient possessing bases of financial knowledge and general information of citizens about the rights and duties is caused mistrust to financial institutions, unwillingness to use them as an instrument of providing of maintenance of economies and increase of level of welfare. Drawn conclusion about the necessity of system protection of financial rights and legal interests of wide layers of population, in conditioning for the increase of financial literacy and financial education, in creation of mechanisms of pre-trial decision of conflicts between the consumers of financial services and financial institutes.

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