Financial Exclusion in Developing Countries

Abstract

This chapter examines issues relating to financial exclusion in developing countries. There are many parallels between initiatives being made in the developed and developing world to encourage parts of society to make greater use of financial services. Obviously, many developing countries have substantially underdeveloped financial institutions and systems with a much greater part of the population having no financial services. The chapter focuses on the main features of financial exclusion in developing countries and examines various mechanisms that have been suggested to promote financial inclusion covering the role of informal financial networks and various microfinance initiatives. Reference throughout the chapter is made to the broader finance and development literature that also emphasises the promotion of thefinancial services industry as an important driver of economic growth.