Link between Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion: A Case of Urban Areas of Karachi, Pakistan

This study explores the critical relationship between financial inclusion and financial literacy, highlighting their roles in fostering economic development and reducing inequality. Financial inclusion refers to the availability and accessibility of financial services to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. Financial literacy, on the other hand, is the knowledge and understanding of financial concepts that enable individuals to make informed and effective financial decisions. This paper investigates how financial literacy impacts financial inclusion, examining the barriers to inclusion that low financial literacy may create. By analyzing data from various demographic groups, the study reveals a positive correlation between financial literacy and financial inclusion, suggesting that improving financial literacy can significantly enhance financial inclusion. The findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives and policy interventions aimed at increasing financial literacy as a means to achieve broader financial inclusion. Financial inclusion and financial literacy are two interconnected pillars essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty. In an increasingly complex financial world, access to financial services and the ability to use them effectively are crucial for individual and societal well-being. Financial inclusion ensures that individuals have access to basic financial services such as savings, credit, insurance, and payment systems, which are fundamental to participating fully in the economy. However, access alone is not sufficient. Without a basic understanding of financial concepts—such as interest rates, inflation, and investment risks—individuals may struggle to make informed financial decisions. This gap in financial literacy can lead to suboptimal use of financial services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and economic exclusion. This paper seeks to explore the dynamic relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion, focusing on how enhancing financial literacy can lead to greater financial inclusion. The study also considers the role of policymakers, financial institutions, and educational bodies in fostering environments where both financial literacy and inclusion can thrive. Understanding the relationship between financial inclusion and financial literacy is critical for advancing economic development and reducing poverty. Financial inclusion plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to participate fully in the economy, while financial literacy equips them with the necessary skills to make informed decisions about their financial resources. Despite global efforts to enhance financial inclusion, millions of people, particularly in developing countries, remain excluded from the formal financial system. This exclusion is often exacerbated by low levels of financial literacy, which prevents individuals from effectively using available financial services. The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform policymakers, educators, and financial institutions about the importance of integrating financial literacy programs with financial inclusion strategies. By demonstrating the impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion, this study underscores the need for targeted interventions that address both access to financial services and the ability to use them wisely. Benefit 1: Accessibility (0-10), Benefit 2: Impact on Savings (0-10), Non-Benefit 1: Implementation Cost (USD thousands), Non-Benefit 2: Complexity (0-10). Mobile Banking, Financial Literacy Workshops, Microfinance Programs, School-based Financial Education, Government Subsidized Savings Accounts. The results indicate that Financial Literacy Workshops achieved the highest rank, while Microfinance Programs had the lowest rank being attained. The value of the dataset for Corporate financial inclusion and financial literacy according to the WASPAS Method, Integrated Pest Management achieves the highest ranking “.

Financial literacy and inclusion are essential to economic development, as they facilitate access to financial services and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their money. Despite India's impressive economic growth in recent years, a significant portion of the population, particularly low-income households, struggles with financial literacy and access to financial services. Financial technology (fintech) has emerged as a potential solution to address these challenges by providing innovative and accessible financial services to underserved communities. This paper examines the role of fintech in enhancing financial literacy and inclusion among low-income households in India. The study is based on a comprehensive review of existing literature and interviews with key stakeholders in the Indian fintech industry. The analysis reveals that fintech has the potential to significantly improve financial literacy and inclusion among low-income households in India. One key advantage of fintech is its ability to provide low-cost and convenient financial services, such as mobile banking and digital payments, which can help to reduce the financial barriers faced by low-income households. Additionally, fintech platforms can offer financial education and training programs to increase financial literacy and promote responsible financial behavior. Despite these benefits, however, several challenges are associated with using fintech to promote financial inclusion and literacy in India. One major obstacle is the need for digital infrastructure and internet connectivity in many rural areas, which limits access to fintech platforms. Additionally, there is a need for increased regulation and oversight of the fintech industry to ensure that consumers are protected from fraud and other risks. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends several policy measures that can support the development of fintech in India, including investment in digital infrastructure, the promotion of financial education and literacy programs, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer protection and prevent fraud. In conclusion, fintech has the potential to play a significant role in enhancing financial literacy and inclusion among low-income households in India. However, to fully realize these benefits, policymakers must address the challenges associated with fintech adoption and ensure that fintech platforms are developed responsibly and sustainably. By doing so, India can significantly promote inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality.

Family economic challenges play a crucial role in financial education and literacy, significantly impacting efforts to eradicate financial ignorance. This study aims to analyze and interpret the antecedent variables of lifestyle, financial inclusion, financial literacy, and financial quotient, with Islamic family financial governance and financial technology as moderating variables among Muhammadiyah members in East Java. Using a population of 39,017 individuals, the sample size was determined through the Slovin formula and proportionate stratified random sampling. The results show that family income significantly affects lifestyle, financial literacy, and financial quotient, while social status significantly influences lifestyle, financial inclusion, and financial quotient. However, family income does not significantly impact financial inclusion, and social status does not significantly influence financial literacy. Lifestyle significantly affects financial inclusion but does not impact financial quotient, whereas financial inclusion does not significantly influence financial quotient, while financial literacy does. In terms of moderating effects, Islamic financial governance does not moderate the influence of family income on lifestyle, financial inclusion, or financial literacy. Meanwhile, financial technology successfully moderates the effect of lifestyle on financial quotient but fails to moderate the influence of financial inclusion and financial literacy on financial quotient. These findings highlight the complex interplay between financial determinants and emphasize the role of financial technology in shaping financial behavior, offering valuable insights for policymakers and financial education programs within the Islamic financial governance framework.

Background: In 2019, financial literacy level in Indonesia was only 38,03%, while the financial inclusion rate was 76,19%. Financial literacy and inclusion levels related to saving that are identical to the banking sector have the highest values, with 36,12% and 73,88%, while investment in capital market has the second lowest values, at 4,92% and 1,55%. However, the ratio of gross savings to gross domestic product in Indonesia was reported only at 31,01%, while several other Asian countries reached more than 40%. Objective: This study aims to measure the level of financial literacy and inclusion of millennial generations in DKI Jakarta. It analyses the influence of financial literacy and inclusion on saving and investment behaviour, the influence of financial literacy on financial inclusion, and the influence of saving behaviour on investment behaviour. Method: The data analysis used descriptive and SEM-PLS analyses. Results: The results show that the financial literacy rates and the average of inclusion rates of millennial generation in DKI Jakarta are 50% and 60% respectively. Financial literacy and inclusion have an influence on saving and investment behaviour. Also, financial literacy affects financial inclusion, while the saving behaviour does not influence investment behaviour. Conclusion: Financial literacy and inclusion have a positive and significant effect on saving behaviour and investment behaviour. Financial literacy also has a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion. However, saving behaviour does not have a significant effect on investment behaviour. Keywords: financial inclusion; financial literacy; investment behaviour; millennial generation; saving behaviour

The government’s objective to increase financial literacy and inclusion should be supported by the stakeholders. The increasing of financial inclusion and literacy play important role to generate community livelihood. Currently, the level of financial inclusion and literacy in Indonesia are diverse. It depends on many factors such as where they are living, in urban area or country site. In urban areas, the financial literacy index reaches 41.41 percent and the level of financial inclusion reaches 83.60 percent. On the other hand, in rural areas the financial literacy index only 34.53 percent and the level of financial inclusion only reaches 68.49 percent. These statistics information show the lack of financial inclusion and literacy among rural community who most of them work as farmers and fishermans. Therefore this research is conducted through desk research methods to examine factors which cause the lack of financial inclusion and literacy within agrarian society. The research offers the strategic plan to improve financial inclusion and literacy index within three years period, which are devided into three phases. The first one is called as the phase of educating coomunity, the second phase is the penetration of financial institution and the last phase is expanding the access of financial services to the agrarian society. This road map is one of the alternative strategy that could be adopt to improve the financial inclusion and literacy and to support government development program. Keywords: Financial Literacy, Financial Inclusion, Agrarian Society.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the magnitude of the influence of financial management, financial literacy and financial inclusion on the financial performance of MSMEs in Jepara Regency. Methodology: This research uses a quantitative approach with a sampling technique, namely purposive sampling. The sample in the study was 113 MSME respondents in Jepara Regency. Technical data analysis using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 program. Results: The analysis revealed that financial management had no significant effect on financial performance (β = 0.104, p = 0.378). In contrast, financial literacy (β = 0.354, p = 0.002) and financial inclusion (β = 0.277, p = 0.012) had a significant positive effect. The overall model explained 20.7% of the variance in financial performance (Adjusted R² = 0.207, F = 10.763, p 0.05). Findings: Ease of access to financial services and good financial understanding can improve the financial performance of MSMEs. Novelty and Originality: While prior studies have explored the effects of financial literacy and inclusion in various regions, limited research focuses specifically on Central Java, particularly Jepara Regency. This study addresses that gap by providing empirical evidence that highlights the importance of financial literacy and inclusion in improving MSME competitiveness. Conclusion: Improving financial literacy and inclusive access to financial services is a key strategy for enhancing MSME financial performance. This study also recommends that local governments and financial institutions design practical financial education programs and simplify service access to better support MSMEs’ financial growth and resilience. Type of Paper: Research paper.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion among poor households in Uganda with a specific focus on Mokono district. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), which adopted Analysis of Moment Structures to test for mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion. Findings The results revealed that financial literacy had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion. Furthermore, the results indicated that while institutional framing has a direct effect on financial inclusion, it also exerts an indirect effect through financial literacy. This supports the argument that institutional framing that structure the way how poor households interpret, evaluate, comprehend and make sound financial decisions and choices, is enhanced by knowledge and skills acquired through financial literacy by poor households. Research limitations/implications This study has been limited by adopting only cross-sectional design and quantitative research approach, therefore ignoring longitudinal design and qualitative research approach. Besides, the study uses SEM bootstrap approach and ignores MedGraph method, which is also recommended for testing mediation. Practical implications Since the results suggest that institutional framing of poor households are partially enhanced by financial literacy to increase financial inclusion, policy makers, practitioners and managers of financial institutions should ensure extending financial literacy programs closer to the poor in order to expand the scope of financial inclusion beyond the current sphere. Indeed, financial literacy programs will boost cognitive abilities of poor households resulting into better financial decisions and choices and, hence increase in demand and consumption of financial services. Originality/value The study significantly generates empirical evidence by testing the mediating role of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion using SEM bootstrap approach. The study portrays the influential partial effect of financial literacy in enhancing institutional frames of poor households in order to cause improvement in financial inclusion. Indeed, financial literacy programs that entail acquisition of financial knowledge and skills boost cognitive abilities of poor households to easily interpret, evaluate, comprehend meanings, and take correct decisions and actions on financial matters. The mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion seems to be lacking in literature and theory. Thus, the paper is the first to relate the influential partial effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion among poor households, especially in a developing country context.

Purpose While prior research reveals that women generally have lower levels of financial literacy compared to men, there is still a lack of research examining the factors that influence financial literacy among women in comparison to men. This study aims to investigate the key factors influencing financial literacy and its impact on financial inclusion among women in Morocco, a majority-Muslim emerging economy. The research proposes and tests a comprehensive model to explore the mechanisms that contribute to women’s financial literacy and its role in promoting financial inclusion during a period characterized by high inflation and economic slowdown. In addition, the study examines how age and education moderate these effects using multi-group analysis. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with survey data collected from a sample of 409 Moroccan women. Findings This study finds that financial literacy significantly contributes to increasing women’s financial inclusion. Financial literacy is significantly influenced by financial socialization, financial knowledge and parental norms. However, financial attitude and financial socialization were found to have no significant impact on women’s financial literacy. In addition, the moderation effects of age and education were confirmed, with more educated women demonstrating a stronger ability to translate financial behaviors into higher financial literacy, while age moderates the relationship between financial attitude and behavior. Practical implications The findings suggest that financial literacy is a key driver in promoting financial inclusion for women. Policymakers in Morocco, and in similar developing countries, could leverage these results to design targeted financial literacy programs aimed at increasing women’s financial inclusion. Specifically, financial literacy programs should be tailored to different ages and educational groups to maximize their effectiveness. Furthermore, education policymakers are encouraged to incorporate financial literacy into school curricula to foster financial knowledge from an early age. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by offering empirical insights into financial literacy among women in Muslim-majority and emerging market contexts. It emphasizes the importance of tailored financial education programs that consider the unique demographic characteristics of women, particularly age and education. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to explore the impact of financial literacy on women in the MENA region, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical instability.

This paper explores the correspondence between financial literacy, financial education, and financial inclusion, as well as the impact these interdependent concepts have on economic and social development. The research was structured into three main stages: a theoretical analysis of the concepts, quantitative research for testing the formulated hypotheses, and qualitative research to deepen the understanding of perceptions regarding the studied phenomenon. The results highlight that financial literacy provides the necessary foundations for individuals to understand basic financial concepts and make informed financial decisions. Financial education extends this understanding by developing advanced financial skills that enable individuals to apply financial concepts in complex contexts. Similarly, financial inclusion relies on financial literacy and financial education to ensure equitable access to financial services and to support the full integration of all individuals into the financial system. Thus, financial literacy, financial education, and financial inclusion are three fundamental, closely interconnected concepts that play an essential role in improving the economic well-being of individuals and society. While financial literacy forms the basis of the essential knowledge required for financial management, financial education builds upon this knowledge and develops advanced financial skills. Financial inclusion is a direct outcome of these processes, ensuring fair access to financial services and promoting a more balanced and sustainable economic system. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating these dimensions into public policies and sustainable development strategies.

This study investigates the financial literacy and inclusion of Ghanaian migrants in the UK, focusing on demographic impacts on financial behaviors. Analyzing data from 400 structured survey respondents through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and logistic regression, the research finds that most Ghanaian migrants in the UK are younger, unmarried males with less than a university education. Educational attainment emerges as a significant predictor of financial asset ownership, with higher education levels correlating with ownership of savings accounts, investments, and pensions. Marital status also influences financial behaviors, with married individuals exhibiting different financial patterns than singles. Correlation analysis reveals a positive relationship between the length of stay in the UK, age, financial inclusion, and literacy, indicating that longer residency is linked to better financial integration and literacy. Older migrants tend to have larger households and higher financial engagement and literacy. The study provides empirical data on the financial behaviors of Ghanaian migrants in the UK, underscoring the need for financial literacy and inclusion for socio-economic integration. Recommendations include targeted educational programs for younger, unmarried Ghanaian males, and support services for new migrants to navigate the UK’s financial system, aiming to promote economic empowerment and integration within the migrant community.

This research will examine the determinants of financial literacy and inclusion using sociodemographic variables of women MSMEs in Tangerang. The sociodemographic variables used are education, age, length of business, turnover, source of financing, type of savings, type of credit, credit ceiling, financial literacy score (OJK) and financial inclusion score (OJK). In Indonesia, there has been a lot of research on socio-demographic factors as determinants of financial literacy with mixed and unsatisfactory results, making it less reliable as a research reference. Some of the errors in previous research were that the respondents were not precise enough, for example only students or MSMEs at random. These two things result in the results of entering sociodemographic data being less reliable and ineffective when tested with categorical equation models from the simplest, namely logit, probit and tobit as well as binary logistic to the most complex models such as multinomial logit. Logit, probit and tobit and binary logistics models generally only use two categories of dependent variables, namely 0 if there is no decision or certain condition and 1 if there is a certain decision or condition. Preliminary research data before the Covid 19 pandemic, namely 150 women MSMEs who had unique characteristics in terms of socio-demographic factors as well as levels of literacy and financial inclusion, can be tried to prove empirically that these three variables will play an important role in each other through the multinomial logit categorical equation model according to Bayar et research procedures. al. (2020). The important result to be achieved is that the researcher wants to prove the business potential of women MSME actors in Tangerang, which so far has not been exposed enough to BI UMKM as one of the common market places for all MSME actors in Indonesia. There is a stigma that the low literacy and financial inclusion (OJK) scores of MSME players are a negative effect of less exposure to the business potential of MSME players in the local area. The results of this research succeeded in describing the socio-demographic profile of female MSMEs in Tangerang with several distinctive characteristics, namely the predominance of those with a productive age of 40 - 55 years, the majority having a tertiary education; have a turnover of more than 10-25 million per month and most of them use access to bank and non-bank financial institutions, usually pawnshops, for storage purposes and credit applications. Furthermore, this research succeeded in proposing a categorical equation model with multinomial logistic regression using STATA 13.0 software referring to the research model from Bayar et.al. (2020) and managed to find that socio-demographic variables of financial institutions are always a determining factor in financial inclusion and literacy. The implication is that individual women MSME actors in Tangerang can make financial decisions more quickly considering that they are so close to access to existing financial institutions.

The concept of Financial Literacy can be presented as a combination of financial awareness, knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour necessary to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve individual financial well-being. The study is made to put light on financial literacy, its need and importance in the current economic situation in India. It will certainly help in understanding the basic need for being financially literate or educated to sustain, survive and compete in this changing dynamic socio-economic environment. It may prove useful for financial institutions involved in providing financial services, investors, Government at center and states, academicians, general people and most importantly to the research scholars undergoing their research on Financial Education, Literacy and Inclusion related areas. The primary objective of the study is to explore the need and importance of financial literacy and to put light on different types of financial services available at present time from different financial institutions with special reference to banks and insurance companies in India. It is purely a descriptive study. Data are collected from secondary sources especially from Internet Sources, Research Papers, Journals, Periodicals; Conference Proceedings and from different books. Concepts are presented in a lucid manner to satisfy the primary objective of the study. Financial literacy can be considered as the need of the hour. Financial Inclusion can be fruitful in true sense if people can understand the benefits of financial services provided by Government and Financial Institutions from time to time. It’s not enough to only be literate, one is to be “Financially Literate”.

The main aim of this study is to examine the nature of the term financial literacy and link it to opportunities for financial inclusion. The author uses experience of some Hungarian programmes. Financial literacy is the focus of some of them, while in other cases it is just a part of a more complex initiative. After the literature review, the study offers answers for the following research questions: • What are the main characteristics of existing financial literacy programmes in Hungary? • How financial exclusion and the lack of financial literacy are connected in practice? • What are the strengths (achievements) and weaknesses (pitfalls and disadvantages) of existing financial literacy programmes related to the financial inclusion of poor and marginalized social groups? Data from semi-structured in-depth expert interviews, documents and former research papers were collected for identifying Hungarian financial literacy programmes and their existing, missing and potential connections to financial inclusion. Originality of the Research In the literature, there are few articles that connect financial literacy and financial inclusion. Similarly, in practice, financial literacy programmes rarely target the poor. In turn, financial awareness is a very strong prerequisite of financial inclusion, e.g. successful debt settlement for financially vulnerable groups. The findings from the study will enlighten policy-makers, managers of financial institutions and financial inclusion advocates on the importance of special context and complexity of financial literacy programmes provided for the poor.

PurposeRecently, financial inclusion promoters have observed that financial literacy is a vital tool for financial inclusion growth, especially among the poor who are considered financially illiterate. The purpose of this paper is to look at the role of Islamic financial literacy (IFL) and inclusion in improving the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses questionnaire data collected as many as 197 MSMEs. This study was analyzed using structural equation modeling approach to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results show that IFL is an important variable to increase Islamic financial inclusion. The results also show that both have a significant influence in developing the MSME sector business.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is not without limitations. This study only adopted a sample in one Province in Indonesia with focus on creative economy sector and some others sectors located in the province of Riau, therefore ignoring suburban and urban areas in Indonesia. Therefore, future studies using a cross-sectional research design are feasible. In addition, this study only uses quantitative data, so that qualitative research with key informant interviews can be considered for further research.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study enlighten policymakers, managers of financial institutions and advocates of financial literacy and inclusion about the importance of improving the performance of MSMEs. As a policy recommendation, this study suggests that Islamic policy makers and financial institutions should play a proactive role in increasing service outreach and providing the regulatory environment needed for MSMEs given the important role MSMEs play in the Indonesian economy.Originality/valueThis study combines functional components (behaviors and attitudes) and nonfunctional measures (knowledge and skills) of financial literacy and financial inclusion in explaining the performance of MSMEs. Thus, this research is an initial effort to explain financial literacy and inclusion on the performance of MSMEs.

Purpose: The study sought to examine the impact of financial literacy and financial inclusion on small businesses’ overall performance with special reference to Southwest Nigeria. 
 Methods: Descriptive survey research sketch was adopted for this study, while the purposive sampling method was employed to choose forty small scale businesses registered with SMEDAN from each state capital of South Western of Nigeria that engaged in petty trading, bakeries, block-making, soup-making, tailoring, and agro-allied, totaling 240 participants as a sample size for the study. Data were collected by using a closed-ended questionnaire designed for the study, while simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used to analyze the data. 
 Results: The findings disclose that financial literacy and financial inclusion jointly and independently affect small businesses’ performance. It revealed a positive and significant relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion. However, the study depicts that majority of business operators did not have financial knowledge such as working capital management, accounting records system, financial reporting, cashbook maintenance, income statement, daily cash reconciliation, internal control on cash, and cash budget. Also, the study confirmed that the majority of small business entrepreneurs are financially excluded from micro-financing, emergency loans, employ purchase financing, business bank loans, and micro-insurance plan Services. 
 Implications: The implication of this study is that if the Central Bank of Nigeria partnership with other professional organizations to promote financial literacy and inclusion programs to all business entrepreneurs across the nation, it will motivate more business entrepreneurs in Nigeria to have access to finance.