Title: The Impact of ICT on Financial Inclusion: Evidence from Global Sample

Author (s):: Jain S.; Sahu J.P.

Journal: International Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2023: "Rising like a Phoenix: Emerging from the Pandemic and Reshaping Human Endeavors with Digital Technologies"

Month and Year: November 2023

Abstract: This study explores the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on financial inclusion across 74 countries from 2011 to 2021. An ICT index derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with indicators including internet penetration, fixed broadband subscriptions, and mobile cellular subscriptions, serves as the basis for analysis. Panel regression methods, including fixed effects and Panel Instrumental Variable (IV) regression, are employed. We measure financial inclusion through bank account ownership and access to borrowings from the Global Findex Database. The study reveals a statistically significant and positive influence of the ICT index on financial inclusion. Additionally, when categorizing nations into high-income and middle-income groups, ICT's role in enhancing financial inclusion, particularly in middle-income countries, becomes evident. This underscores the critical importance of robust ICT infrastructure, urging policymakers, especially in middle-income countries, to prioritize internet accessibility for fostering greater financial inclusion. © 2023 International Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2023: "Rising like a Phoenix: Emerging from the Pandemic and Reshaping Hu. All Rights Reserved.

Document Type: Conference paper

DOI: https://doi.org/