Asymmetric linkages among fintech, oil prices, governance, and growth in Southeast Asian economies

Abstract

Fintech's disruptive potential in Southeast Asia can revolutionize financial inclusion and accelerate economic growth, warranting a comprehensive analysis of its interplay with oil prices, governance, and overall economic development. Against this backdrop, this study analyze the quantile-dependent (asymmetric) influence of oil prices, cumulative financial technology index, and institutional quality on economic growth for selected Southeast Asian countries from 1996 to 2021. Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) is used to analyse the asymmetric relationship, while the Dumitrescu-Hurlin Panel Causality test applies to the intrinsic casualty. The study's outcomes exposed the positive (negative) influence of Fintech and governance (oil prices); however, there marginal impact substantially varies at lower a higher growth quantiles. Labor headcount and capital stocks are among the main contributor of economic growth, specifically at higher growth quantiles (countries). Bi-directional causality has been confirmed through Dumitrescu-Hurlin Panel Causality test between Fintech, oil prices and governance with economic growth. Therefore, Generalized Method of Moment and Augmented Mean Group is further applied for robustness. After controlling reverse causality and endogeneity issues, the prior outcomes are validated. These findings offer valuable outcomes.