The report aims to explore and analyze the major gaps in financial inclusion and access to finance in Romania, as identified in the Technical Note on Financial Intermediation prepared in the context of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) (2018). The FSAP technical note analyzed the...

Financial sector authorities increasingly prioritize financial inclusion and financial consumer protection, alongside existing priorities of stability and integrity. An enabling environment that facilitates competition, promotes innovation and the use of technology, addresses risks in a...

This report is intended to support digital financial services (DFS) policymakers in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) and regulators endeavors, by providing a structured approach for the analysis of DFS and financial inclusion. It provides examples of how countries are...

The report discusses key policy issues that enable and constrain digital savings market development and offers policy considerations within the context of the G20's High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion. Based on current market observations, three policy considerations seem most...

The Thailand Economic Monitor (TEM) consists of two parts. Part 1 of the TEM reviews recent economic developments, examines the country's macroeconomic outlook, and analyzes the impact of key policy changes. Part 2 focuses on a specific subject with critical implications for Thailand's long-term...

In this note authors explore the many ways that adults in the Maldives are using digital payment services through mobile phones, the internet, and bank accounts. The authors also explore savings habits and outline opportunities to use digital technology to bring financial services to adults who...

Islamic finance is a fast-booming segment of global finance. Serving a core population of 1.8 billion Muslims world-wide and a wider global ethical finance audience, its role is growing in global significance especially as it relates to global social financing needs. The global fintech...

This note documents the experience of several countries that leveraged these tools under the Financial Inclusion Support Framework (FISF) program. FISF is a World Bank Group initiative that aims to accelerate and increase the effectiveness of reforms and other country-led actions to achieve...

Ghana's real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded in 2018, albeit at a slower rate than in 2017; the expansion was spurred by the mineral component of the industry sector. The government sustained its fiscal consolidation efforts in 2018 despite challenges. The current account deficit narrowed...

This report provides a baseline analysis of the status of access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a particular focus on women entrepreneur' ability and constraints in accessing finance in order to develop and grow their businesses. It is based on a...