Exploring Financial Inclusion and Agent Networks: Key insights from ReFinD Webinar on improving last-mile access in India
Creator: Mohit Ahuja | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Creator: Mohit Ahuja | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Photo credit: APAnews.net
ReFinD is partnering with the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) on a scoping study to examine Ethiopia’s agent network and broader financial banking ecosystem. The study will explore key characteristics, market structures, stakeholders, challenges, and regulatory frameworks that define agent banking in the country. This in-depth analysis will lay the groundwork for future research and targeted interventions to enhance financial access for Ethiopia’s population.
Image Credit: Citibusinessnews.com
ReFinD is pleased to announce the release of its inaugural policy brief, addressing the crucial issues surrounding the impact of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) on digital financial services in Ghana. Titled "The Effect of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) on Retail Digital Financial Services in Ghana," this brief makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on this timely subject.
Simon Bawakyillenuo, Associate Professor at ISSER, is the Principal Investigator of the project. The team also includes Dr. Michael Kodom, Prof. Peter Quartey, and Prof. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako from ISSER and the University of Ghana Business School, respectively, as well as Dr. Andrew Agyei-Holmes from ISSER and Prof. Cynthia Akwei from Liverpool John Moores University.
Festus E. TURKSON, Peter QUARTEY, Agyapomaa GYEKE-DAKO, Priscilla Twumasi BAFFUOR, Emmanuel ADU-DANSO, Emmanuel ABBEY
Abstract
Prof. Peter Quartey, Executive Director of ReFinD and Director of ISSER, made a compelling case for harmonizing financial inclusion data at Ghana's first Financial Inclusion Conference. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Finance on June 26-27, 2024, focused on "Accelerating Financial Inclusion in a Digital Era."
Image: Mobile money agent with neighbor, Indonesia. Credit: Yunaidi Joepoet / Arete / World Bank
In the global push for financial inclusion, agent networks have emerged as a game-changer. Powered by Digital Financial Services (DFS), agency banking is overcoming the limitations of traditional “brick and mortar” banks to reach last-mile communities.