Resource curse in OPEC with varied levels of financial regulations and constraints: The role of oil price shocks and digital finance

Abstract

Economic growth and development are crucial for global economies, and a nation's physical, human, and natural resources significantly impact its trajectory. Natural resource-rich nations can benefit or face the resource curse. Henceforth, this study examines the economic growth of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), considering digital finance, financial regulations, and oil price shocks. Understanding the intricate relationship between oil price fluctuations and digital finance within diverse financial regulatory frameworks is essential for a comprehensive grasp of the resource curse in OPEC. The research employed a bias-corrected dynamic panel and MMQR model to analyze datasets from 2004 to 2022. The study reveals that Oil price shocks have led to higher economic growth when there are moderate financial constraints. However, they have a detrimental effect when the financial system is either very constrained or highly unconstrained. Digital finance has been shown to enhance Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across various levels of financial regulations. The GDP of OPEC experiences a significant adverse effect when digital finance and oil price shocks are coupled, particularly in the presence of stringent financial rules. This outcome is mainly attributed to the adverse influence of oil prices. The findings above underscore the need for moderate levels of financial regulations that support the favorable influence of oil prices and digital finance on GDP. The study additionally suggests a prospective strategy for enhancing GDP growth in OPEC nations: facilitating digital finance.