Financial inclusion
Financial literacy of Italians below G20 average – Bank of Italy
Less than half of survey respondents are able to calculate a simple interest rate
KYC regulation impinging on financial inclusion – Sarb
Fintech firms could help under-served customers through a “digital identity”, which will allow banks to identify customers without them having to visit branches in person
Small depositors do not pose greater run risk – BIS paper
Authors say their findings imply financial inclusion need not create instability
Financial literacy is ‘essential’, says Fed’s Bostic
Atlanta Fed president says financial literacy is key component to achieving employment mandate
Mobile money taking off in Rwanda – report
Central bank documents an increase in both users and volume of transactions across mobile financial services
Thailand set to approve banking agents amid inclusion push
Financial inclusion effort means people can take deposits, transfer money and pay bills at banking agents, such as small merchants and post offices
Banking ‘deserts’ do not explain financial exclusion – NY Fed economists
Data shows absence of nearby banks fails to explain “unbanked” share of the population
Change in fees could lead to ATM ‘deserts’ – MP Nicky Morgan
Chair of UK Treasury committee concerned that changes to ATM networks could threaten financial inclusion as cash continues to be important to 2.7 million people
Mauritius governor opens new currency museum named after first governor
Museum ‘Aunauth Beejadhur’ will exhibit Mauritian currency throughout the ages, with plans to expand scope to include financial literacy at a later date
Schoolgirl takes over management of Paraguay’s central bank
Alejandra Belén attended a board meeting and gave official address during her day in office; central bank takeover forms part of wider campaign
Cambodia launches first phase of payment inclusion network
New network will allow customers greater access to financial services through ATMs and POS to make interbank transactions
Kenya’s digital transformation
The use of innovative digital financial services has transformed financial inclusion in Kenya, writes the chairman of the Central Bank of Kenya
IMF explores Balkan female employment conundrum
Fund shows policies are needed to secure both supply and inclusion of women; quality of institutions should be improved
Time to ‘reignite’ SME development, says Zim governor
Mangudya notes importance of SMEs in supporting nation’s economy but acknowledges access to banking sector is currently poor; financial inclusion strategy aims to help
Filipinos lack knowledge to make “informed” saving decisions – Tetangco
Survey results highlight the need for improved financial education programme; Philippines central bank to “enhance” outreach initiatives
Sarb calls for comment on framework for deposit insurance scheme
Facility will provide cover of up to 100,000 rand in the event of a bank failure, with emergency liquidity from Sarb if necessary
BoJ’s Kuroda cites three channels to promote financial inclusion
Bank of Japan governor urges policymakers to enhance financial inclusion in Asia
Weidmann urges central banks to promote economic and financial literacy
Financial literacy is crucial in underpinning trust in central banks, German governor stresses; advancements in technology will help to boost financial inclusion
ECB paper compares financial inclusion in US and eurozone
Encouraging transfer payment recipients to open accounts has positive effect, study finds
Cambodia to increase number of financially educated, says director general
Around 29% of Cambodia’s adult population remain financially excluded from services; central bank to coordinate financial inclusion approach with various government ministries
Tajik central bank launches consumer protection push
Plan could create stability and growth if it is successful, but resource constraints are a challenge, National Bank of Tajikistan says
Global crises raise need for digital financial inclusion – BIS’s Caruana
Refugee crisis, climate change, banking challenges and cyber crime all point to the need for better inclusion through the use of technology, says BIS chief
Japanese survey throws light on financial education problem
First large-scale study of financial literacy shows many people have poor understanding, contributing to higher loss aversion, herding behaviour and other problems
Central Bank of Solomon Islands commits to promoting private sector credit growth
Levels of liquidity “more than adequate”, latest monetary policy review says; central bank to maintain levels of liquidity by continuing to issue bills