The Asymmetric Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on Economic Growth: A Quantile Regression Analysis Across Developing Economies

Abstract

This study investigates the asymmetric impact of digital financial inclusion (DFI) on economic growth across a panel of developing economies. Utilizing quantile regression, we analyze the heterogeneous effects of DFI across different quantiles of the economic growth distribution, offering a more nuanced understanding than traditional mean-based regression techniques.  Our findings reveal that the impact of DFI is significantly more pronounced in countries experiencing lower economic growth, suggesting its potential as a catalyst for accelerating development in less prosperous regions. We also explore the role of specific DFI indicators, such as mobile banking penetration and FinTech adoption, in driving these asymmetric effects. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the nexus between financial inclusion and economic development, providing valuable insights for policymakers seeking to leverage digital technologies to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of tailored policies to address the specific needs and challenges of different developing economies in maximizing the benefits of DFI.