With extensive country and firm-level data sets, this paper first documents that the financial sectors of most Sub-Saharan African countries remain significantly underdeveloped by the standards of other developing countries. The paper also finds that population density appears to be considerably...

Using household surveys and bank penetration data at the district-level in 2006 and 2009, this paper examines the impact of Equity Bank -- a leading private commercial bank focusing on microfinance -- on access to banking in Kenya. Unlike other commercial banks in Kenya, Equity Bank pursues...

This study explores the relationship between demographic factors and saving rates using a panel dataset covering 110 countries between 1963 and 2012. In line with predictions from theory, this paper finds that lower dependency rates and greater longevity increase domestic saving rates. However,...

We explore the relationship between bank branch expansion, financial inclusion and profitability for Equity Bank. Unlike traditional banks, including foreign and government owned banks in Kenya, Equity Bank targets less developed territories and less privileged households. Its presence increased...

This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy, informal debt, and psychological well-being in a large sample of small business entrepreneurs. The paper finds a strong latent demand for financial education, which is particularly high among female, younger, and less educated...

Using household surveys and bank penetration data at the district-level in 2006 and 2009, we explore the impact of Equity Bank — a leading private commercial bank focusing on microfinance on the access to banking in Kenya. Equity Bank pursues distinct branching and business strategies that...