The Impact of Financial Inclusion on Economic Growth, Poverty, and Income Inequality in selected ASEAN countries: The role of Financial Innovation

Abstract

The lack of access to finance hinders socio-economic development. Studying selected countries in ASEAN, it was found that financial inclusion reduces poverty by assisting in human capital accumulation and investments in microenterprises. Financial innovation strengthens the growth-enhancing impact of financial inclusion through more efficient allocation of funds. Finally, financial innovation combined with financial inclusion increases the growth rate of income inequality due to the unequal benefits of digital financial innovations to the higher-income segments.