Challenges of achieving financial inclusion for individuals with visual impairments

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This research paper evaluates the success of the Financial Inclusion Strategy announced by the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) (2018–2025) in achieving financial inclusion for the visually impaired in Palestine as a poor and marginalized group within the strategy's purview. Although the promotion of financial inclusion is widely acknowledged as a crucial means to achieve economic development objectives, there remains a gap in national research concerning the willingness of banks in Palestine to develop their services to cover individuals with visual disabilities. This research aims to explain the reasons behind the financial exclusion of this group and highlight the areas where support is needed to overcome these reasons. A free discussion was conducted with representatives of all banks operating in Palestine to conclude their satisfaction regarding the financial inclusion of visually impaired individuals and to gain insight into their perspectives on the challenges they face for this inclusion. The collected data were systematically tabulated. Similar responses were consolidated under each question, and discrepancies between the symbols were emphasized. The commonalities and variances in respondents' answers were scrutinized, categorized, and juxtaposed with findings from analogous research conducted in other jurisdictions. The research revealed that insufficient financial knowledge, a lack of adaptive technologies, communication barriers, and elevated rates of poverty and unemployment account for the hesitancy of commercial banks to extend financial services to individuals with disabilities. The research concluded that commercial banks are not interested in attracting this group, so the Monetary Authority is recommended to legislate a checklist of specific obligations that consider these challenges for banks operating in Palestine to ensure financial inclusion for this group.