Access To Finance Research Articles

Economic Determinants of Financial Service Accessibility

This study investigates the influence of economic factors in ensuring access to financial services. Financial service accessibility is assessed using metrics such as the number of bank branches and ATMs per 100,000 people, as well as an index derived from these indicators. Drawing from existing literature, a set of economic variables - namely, employment, inflation, gross domestic savings, remittances, bank credit to deposits, and urbanization - are examined using data from 179 countries over eighteen years spanning from 2004 to 2021, with projections extending to 2023. The findings indicate that employment, remittances, bank credit to deposits, and urbanization exert statistically significant effects on access to financial services. These results are robust across alternative definitions of financial access, subsamples categorised by economic development, and exercises addressing endogeneity concerns.

Financial Access and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Credit Lotteries

Financial Access and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Credit Lotteries

Role of Stakeholders in the Development of Organic Rice Agribusiness in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract Organic agriculture is growing in importance to address environmental challenges and meet the rising consumer demand for healthy, eco-friendly agricultural products. However, the success and growth of organic rice agribusiness depend heavily on the active involvement and collaboration of stakeholders across the entire agricultural value chain. Therefore, the present research aims to analyze the pivotal role of stakeholders in the development of organic rice agribusiness in the Karanganyar Regency. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach was used to collect data through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and Focus Group Discussions with stakeholders such as farmers, business actors, local government, local communities, and consumers. The collected data were then analyzed using stakeholders’ analysis and thematic approaches to identify the roles, contributions, and challenges faced by each stakeholder. The results showed that stakeholders play a crucial role in the development of organic rice agribusiness. Farmers have a central role as primary producers and holders of local knowledge about organic farming practices. Additionally, business actors contribute by facilitating product marketing, processing, and distribution. Local governments are instrumental in providing policy and infrastructure support while also facilitating training and assistance for farmers. To ensure the success and growth of organic rice agribusiness, collaboration and synergy among stakeholders are vital as they establish networks, expand markets, access funding, and deliver education and training programs to farmers.

Can financial incentives improve access to care? Evidence from a French experiment on specialist physicians

In France, addressing balance billing is essential for equitable healthcare access and reducing physician income disparities. The National Health Insurance (NHI) introduced financial incentive programs, namely the “Contract for Access to Care” (CAS) in 2014 and the “Option for Controlled Pricing” (OPTAM) in 2017, to encourage physicians to reduce extra fees and adhere to regulated prices. This study analyzed the impact of these programs on self-employed physicians using a comprehensive administrative dataset covering specialist physicians from 2005 to 2017. The dataset comprised 9891 surgical specialists (30,972 observations) and 6926 medical specialists (21,650 observations) between 2005 and 2017.Applying a difference-in-differences design with a two-way fixed effect model and matching through the "Coarsened Exact Matching" method, the study examined CAS and/or OPTAM membership effects on physicians' activity and fees. The results indicate that both the CAS and OPTAM successfully enhance access to care. Physicians treat more patients, particularly those with lower incomes who might have previously avoided care because of the extra fees. However, an increased patient load translates to a higher workload for physicians. Despite a fee increase, it was observed to be smaller than the surge in activity.Furthermore, if all physicians are appropriately rewarded for their efforts, this improvement in access comes at a cost to NHI. This study's findings provide crucial insights into the nuanced effects of these financial incentive programs on physicians' behavior, highlighting the tradeoff between improved access and increased NHI costs. Ultimately, these findings underscore the complexity of balancing financial incentives, physician workload, and healthcare accessibility in pursuit of a more equitable healthcare system.

Surgical outcomes for non-small cell lung carcinoma by race and surgical facility types in the United States.

11167 Background: Successful outcomes of surgical treatment of cancer requires expertise and high-quality supportive services for surgical care. Previous studies have shown that case volume and availability of other in-house supportive services affect surgical outcomes. Latest studies have shown that this gap has now significantly reduced. Issues related to access, availability of funding for latest technologies and continuous medical education still exist and likely still impact the surgical outcomes. The objective of the study is to understand the impact of surgical center related factors on survival outcomes for cancer patients based on race and other demographic features. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Stage I-III Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2004 to 2020 using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients were divided into 4 cohorts of NCDB assigned facility type (Community Cancer Program, Comprehensive Community Cancer Program, Academic/Research Program, Integrated Network Cancer Program). Racial and other demographic data was analyzed for each of the facility types. Differences in categorical variables were evaluated using a Chi-square test. Results: 298,393 adenocarcinoma and 129,144 squamous cell carcinoma patients underwent surgery for NSCLC between 2004-2020. 326,798 patients with clinical stages I-III were selected for the analysis. Most surgeries were performed at the academic/research programs and comprehensive community programs. Utilization of each facility type was uniform across all races. The 30-day mortality rate was lowest for the academic/research programs (Community Cancer Program 3.1%, Comprehensive Community Cancer Program 2.6%, Academic/Research Program 1.8%, Integrated Network Cancer Program 2.3%; p=0.000). 30-day mortality rate was higher for American Indian, Aleutian, or Eskimo racial subgroups amongst all age-groups at all the surgical facility types especially for Stage IIIB NSCLC (White: 6%, Black: 3.4%, American Indian, Aleutian, or Eskimo: 14.3%, p=0.006). For each race, the 30-day mortality rate was better at the academic/research programs. Females had lower 30-day mortality for all racial subgroups. Having private insurance was associated with the lowest 30-day mortality rate. This was noted for all races across all the facility types. Lower income status was associated with higher mortality rates across all facility types. This difference was statistically significant for white patients. Majority of patients had less than 10 days of length of stay at all the surgical facility types. Conclusions: Outcomes of NSCLC surgery are significantly better at academic/research programs where a higher number of procedures are performed and access to latest surgical technologies is available. Short-term mortality rates are higher for American Indian, Aleutian, or Eskimo racial subgroup.

СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОЕ ЦЕЛЕПОЛАГАНИЕ ПРОДОВОЛЬСТВЕННОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ СТРАНЫ

The substantive provisions of the consistency (complexity) of the general strategic goal of achieving food security are developed. Attention is focused on the need to transfer the tasks of improving the quality of food to a new level. It is emphasized that the solution of the complex problem of providing highquality food to the population requires the allocation of the main performers of the set targets by the levels of government. The problem of the need for calculations of regional balances of food production and consumption is actualized. It is argued that the regional aspect of food security should get its place on the upper tier of doctrinal food security in the country. The necessity of generalization at the upper level of the tier of goals within the framework of both economic and financial accessibility of food is justified. The necessity of including in the upper tier of the tree the goals of the processes of digital transformation of the organization and management system of ensuring food security of the country is highlighted.

Digitalisation and its Impact on Social Protection Programmes Effectiveness: A Case from South Africa

The benefit of digitalisation, including the use of information management systems and electronic databases, in improving the effectiveness of social protection programmes is acknowledged by researchers and practitioners. However, concerns about digital- and financial exclusion stemming from increased reliance on digital technologies have also surfaced in recent studies. This study uses official data from South Africa's General Household Survey and the Global Findex database to explore these concerns. The potential gains of expanding social protection programmes through digitalisation are tested with simulations and distinct levels of income shocks. Additionally, two logistic regressions are employed to analyse relevant demographic variables for digital and financial inclusion. In combination with the quantitative approach, qualitative interviews were conducted with social protection experts from the South African Social Security Agency to gain insights into the impact of the digitalisation of social protection programmes. The results suggest that digitalising identification and delivery mechanisms in social protection improves equality through increased income levels. Digital access is associated with education, income, gender, population group, family size, and participation in the formal or informal sector. Financial access is linked to education level and gender. The study also identified perceived opportunities, including enhanced verification and streamlined application processes, which can improve programme effectiveness. However, integration, coordination, limited digital infrastructure, and digital illiteracy challenges may increase both digital- and financial exclusion.

Challenges in Technical Education in Bolivia During COVID-19 Pandemic

This research delves into the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on technical and technological education within Bolivia’s Higher Education sub-sector, particularly focusing on Technical and Technological Training Institutes. The interruption of practical teaching, inherent in the curriculum of these institutes, due to stringent containment measures imposed by the Bolivian State since 2020, has presented significant challenges for both educators and students. Through a comprehensive examination employing interviews, surveys, and focus groups, the study identifies key concerns such as limited internet access, insufficient ICT proficiency, and pedagogical hurdles specific to technical subjects. The transition to virtual learning has widened the pedagogical gap in technical education, exacerbated by disparities in technological resources, particularly impacting rural educators and those teaching practical courses. Economic vulnerability among technical professionals, especially in the informal sector, underscores the necessity for financial literacy and access to credit. As Bolivia moves towards resuming in-person classes, the study advocates for sustained teacher training in ICTs, development of virtual labs for practical subjects, and targeted social programs to support vulnerable technical professionals.

Campus Food Initiatives: Mitigating Student Food Insecurity

With an increasing cost of living in Canada, more people are considered food insecure, and this can have a detrimental impact on Canadian University students (Dahal et al., 2023). Food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. University students face greater food insecurity than the general population due to financial constraints and accessibility (Sing, 2022). This study sought to explore student’s knowledge, need, and use of food initiatives on campus (aimed at mitigating food insecurity) through the use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire determined that 61% of students are not always able to access affordable and nutritious food. Regarding food insecurity, students said that they never (39%), seldom (21%), sometimes (30%), often (9%), and always (1%) experience it. The University of Lethbridge has three food initiatives in place to combat food insecurity: the food bank, the food pantries, and the fresh food box. 27% of students in this study use the three mentioned food initiatives, breaking down into 9% using the food bank, 14% using the food pantry, and 4% using the fresh food box. This research could be used to help inform the University of Lethbridge’s levels of food insecurity in the student population as well as which food initiatives to implement based on students’ self-identified needs.

An Insight into Indian Payment and Settlement Systems

This review article explores the evolution, current state, and future prospects of India's payment and settlement systems. Over the past few decades, these systems have undergone significant transformations driven by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and the burgeoning demand for efficient financial transactions. The article examines the diverse instruments and platforms that constitute India's payment infrastructure, highlighting the pivotal role of regulatory bodies in shaping its development. Furthermore, it discusses the profound impact of digital innovation on enhancing financial inclusion and accessibility. This review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how India's payment and settlement systems have evolved to support a robust financial ecosystem.

A Comparative Analysis of Otolaryngology Journal Characteristics and Metrics Across World Bank Income Groups.

There are marked barriers to research and publishing for low- and middle- income country (LMIC) ENT researchers. This could be reflected in LMIC journal characteristics and research, which has never been investigated. We aim to characterize differences in the number, geographic distribution, publishing costs, reach, number of articles, citations, and impact factors of high-income country (HIC) journals compared to LMIC journals. We included journals listed under the category "Otorhinolaryngology' in three major journal databases. From journal websites, we collected data related to financial model, waiver policy, access, and distribution. Additionally, from the Clarivate Journal Citation Reports 2022, we collected the following journal metrics: total articles, total citations, journal citation indicator, journal impact factor (JIF), 5-year JIF, and JIF without self cites. 79.7% HIC journals offered English editing services, compared with 25.0% of LMIC journals. Additionally, 40.0% of HIC journals are solely open access compared with 92.0% in LMICs. Lower journal metrics were seen in LMIC journals, including 2022 mean total articles (107 HICs vs. 60 LMICs), total citations (4296 vs. 751), journal citation indicator (0.88 vs. 0.35), and journal impact factor (12.68 vs. 0.82). We have identified substantial differences in the distribution, English editing services, and journal metrics of HIC journals compared to LMIC journals. These may point to potential barriers to publishing and research access for those in LMICs. To support LMIC research, future work should evaluate opportunities to increase the number of ENT journals in LMICs, expand open access publishing, improve access to language services, and increase LMIC research impact.

Finansial Inklusi dan Akses Kredit untuk UMKM: Sebuah Analisis Bibliometrik

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the research landscape of financial inclusion, analyzing thematic clusters, research trends, author collaboration networks, and identifying potential areas for future research. Utilizing VOSviewer for network visualizations, we examine data from key publications spanning several decades to determine how research foci have evolved. Our findings reveal that research on financial inclusion encompasses a diverse range of themes, including core financial services, digital finance, microfinance, and the socioeconomic impacts of financial accessibility. Trends indicate a progressive shift towards integrating digital solutions and sustainability into financial practices. Author collaboration analysis highlights a robust network of scholars, with significant contributions from leading figures in the field. The study also identifies under-researched areas such as gender-specific financial inclusion and sustainable finance, presenting opportunities for future explorations. These insights contribute to understanding the dynamic and multidimensional nature of financial inclusion research, highlighting its role in fostering economic development and addressing global challenges.

Legal accountability and ethical considerations of AI in financial services

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the financial services industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and personalized services. However, along with its benefits, AI in financial services raises significant legal and ethical concerns. This paper explores the legal accountability and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in financial services, aiming to provide insights into how these challenges can be addressed. The legal accountability of AI in financial services revolves around the allocation of responsibility for AI-related decisions and actions. As AI systems become more autonomous, questions arise about who should be held liable for AI errors, misconduct, or regulatory violations. This paper examines the existing legal frameworks, such as data protection laws, consumer protection regulations, and liability laws, and assesses their adequacy in addressing AI-related issues. Ethical considerations in AI implementation in financial services are paramount, as AI systems can impact individuals' financial well-being and access to services. Issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency, and fairness are critical in ensuring ethical AI practices. This paper discusses the importance of ethical guidelines and frameworks for AI development and deployment in financial services, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness. The paper also examines the role of regulatory bodies and industry standards in addressing legal and ethical challenges associated with AI in financial services. It proposes recommendations for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to promote responsible AI practices, including the development of clear guidelines, enhanced transparency measures, and mechanisms for accountability. Overall, this paper highlights the complex interplay between AI, legal accountability, and ethical considerations in the financial services industry. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders can harness the full potential of AI while ensuring that it is deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

Literature Review: Analysis Of Incompleteness of Filling in Medical Records Data in Hospitals

Background: Analysis of incomplete filling of medical record information is needed to identify incomplete filling of patient cards in hospitals. Health information can be considered complete if the physician has filled in complete patient information within 1 x 24 hours after providing inpatient or outpatient services. Purposes: This study aims to determine incompleteness in filling hospital medical records and determine the factors that influence incomplete patient information in hospitals. Methods: Literature review with a comprehensive strategy via the internet using PRISMA. Literature was searched via Google Scholar with a publication year range of 2018-2023. Results: Several hospitals in Indonesia still have incomplete patient records. The incompleteness of hospital medical records in the study was shown in percentages of 59.48%, 17.40%, 42.4%, 7.66% and 15.7%. Factors of incomplete medical records in terms of 5M (Man, Machine, Method, Material, Money) Conclusions: Incompleteness of medical records is caused by a lack of knowledge, motivation and awareness of medical record managers. Discussion forums are not held in the form of meetings to discuss evaluation and follow-up as well as sanctions for officials who do not provide complete patient information. Lack of social skills when filling out medical records, unsystematic arrangement of medical record forms, and limited availability of funds.

Assessing Weekly Wellness Sessions: Cordillera Administrative Region's Social Welfare Impact

This literature review examines the efficacy of workplace wellness initiatives, focusing on the Weekly Wellness Sessions (WWS) conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region. The study evaluates staff participation rates, the effectiveness of wellness programs, and challenges encountered in availing the WWS. Primary and secondary sources materials were used in the analysis of this literature review. Casual observations were also integrated. Findings reveal coffee sessions as the most popular activity, while limited facilities and costs hindered participation in other activities. The WWS were perceived as highly effective across multiple dimensions of well-being, with minimal variation based on gender or age. However, differences in effectiveness were noted among different positions and offices/divisions. Common challenges included time constraints, financial limitations, and personal barriers. Recommendations include enhancing financial accessibility, tailoring interventions, offering flexible scheduling, promoting awareness, and cultivating a culture of health and wellness. Addressing these recommendations can optimize the impact of the WWS and contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce within DSWD FO CAR.

Indicators of banks and economic indicators on non-cash payments in ASEAN-7 countries

This research explores the intricate relationship between digitalization, economic development, and non-cash payments in the ASEAN-7 countries over a ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. Focusing on factors such as commercial bank branches, broad money, and inflation, the study employs panel data regression analysis to investigate their impact on automated teller machine (ATM) usage. The findings reveal that commercial bank branches significantly influence ATM usage, emphasizing the role of accessibility, services, and technological preferences. Broad money also shows a significant impact on ATM transactions, reflecting the interplay between fund availability and non-cash transactions. However, inflation does not exhibit a direct influence on ATM usage. The research underscores the importance of maintaining service quality and security in the banking sector to enhance digital financial inclusion. Future research opportunities include exploring diverse non-cash payment methods and extending studies to countries with significant global economic impacts. This research contributes valuable insights to policymakers aiming to enhance digital financial inclusion policies, ultimately fostering economic growth through the digital economy in the ASEAN-7 region.

The Impact of Financial Technology Innovation on Banking Service Transformation: A Case Study in the FinTech Industry

The rapid advancement of financial technology (FinTech) has brought about transformative changes in the banking sector, redefining the way financial services are delivered and experienced. This article explores the profound impact of FinTech innovation on banking service transformation through an in-depth case study within the FinTech industry. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of key technological advancements and their influence on traditional banking services. It investigates how FinTech innovations, such as blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and mobile banking applications, have reshaped the landscape of financial services, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience. Through a detailed examination of a leading FinTech company, the case study delves into specific strategies and implementations that have driven banking service transformation. It evaluates the adoption of digital platforms, the development of personalized financial products, and the integration of data analytics for risk management and customer engagement. Furthermore, the article explores the challenges and opportunities posed by FinTech innovation for traditional banking institutions. It discusses regulatory considerations, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for strategic collaboration to navigate the evolving financial ecosystem. The findings highlight the positive outcomes of FinTech-driven transformations, including increased financial inclusion, streamlined operations, and improved customer satisfaction. However, it also emphasizes the necessity for adaptive strategies among traditional banks to stay competitive in the dynamic FinTech landscape. In conclusion, this article contributes valuable insights into the intricate relationship between financial technology innovation and banking service transformation. The case study serves as a practical illustration of how FinTech has become a catalyst for change within the financial industry, offering lessons and implications for stakeholders seeking to navigate and thrive in this rapidly evolving environment.

Financing green industrial transitions: A Swedish case study

Achieving global climate targets requires massive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive industrial sectors. We investigate whether financing is an important obstacle for radical emission reduction in industry. We study Sweden as a case of a country that is comparatively advanced in its planning for transitions to low-carbon industrial production. We find that the size of capital investments or the availability of financing for these investments is not perceived as a significant obstacle. There are a number of factors explaining this, such as the fact that the companies involved in this study are well-established, large corporates, and hence well placed to finance their transition plans through conventional corporate finance channels, that conditions for market demand are good in the EU, and that many of the firms are in early stages of developing new technologies, when capital need is smaller compared to later stages. We also find that many financial actors express a strong appetite for sustainable investments. Finally, we observe that despite financing not being perceived as an obstacle, there is still a large and important role to play for public actors for reducing the risk of investments and accelerating the pace of change going forward.

The right literacy on the right performance: Does Islamic financial literacy affect business performance through Islamic financial inclusion?

This study examines how Islamic financial literacy and Islamic financial access contribute to the performance of Halal MSMEs using knowledge-based theory. Micro, small, and medium-sized halal businesses (MSMEs) have an important role in the economy and the rapid growth of the world halal industry. The success of halal MSMEs depends on a number of factors, including the availability of Islamic funding and the financial literacy of Islamic finance. This study adopted a hierarchical regression model to examine quantitative data from a sample of 209 halal MSMEs' owners and managers in Malang Raya, Indonesia. The findings demonstrate that a high level of Islamic financial literacy can encourage Islamic financial inclusion, while inclusive Islamic financial institutions have a significant impact on MSMEs’ performance. In promoting inclusive Islamic finance, this study contributes by describing how Islamic financial inclusion affects the performance of Halal MSMEs and the level of society's knowledge on Islamic finance. Implications: Once MSMEs have a strong understanding of the Islamic finance principles, they are more likely to use these resources to increase access to Islamic finance; thereby leading to business growth and expansion. For this study, the halal industry within the food and beverage sector is a noteworthy production sector.

Predisposing, Enabling, and Need Factors Driving Palliative Care Use in Head and Neck Cancer.

Characterizing factors associated with palliative care (PC) use in patients with stage III and VI head and neck cancer using Anderson's behavioral model of health service use. A retrospective study of the 2004 to 2020 National Cancer Database.gg METHODS: We used multivariate logistic regression to assess the association of predisposing, enabling, and need factors with PC use. We also investigated the association of these factors with interventional PC type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and refusal of curative treatment in the last 6 months of life. Five percent of patients received PC. "Predisposing factors" associated with less PC use include Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 086; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.97) and white and black race (vs white: aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.22). "Enabling factors" associated with lower PC include private insurance (vs uninsured: aOR, 064; 95% CI, 0.53-0.77) and high-income (aOR, 078; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85). "Need factors" associated with higher PC use include stage IV (vs stage III cancer: aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.11-2.40) and higher comorbidity index (vs Index 1: aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.42-1.75). High-income (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85) and private insurance (aOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.53, 0.77) were associated with higher interventional PC use and lower curative treatment refusal (insurance: aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55, 0.67; income aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.44, 0.52). Low PC uptake is attributed to patients' race/culture, financial capabilities, and disease severity. Culturally informed counseling, clear guidelines on PC indication, and increasing financial accessibility of PC may increase timely and appropriate use of this service.