FINANCIAL INCLUSION, MOBILE BANKING: POST-PANDEMIC EVIDENCE FROM CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

The econometric model employed in this article uses four financial inclusion indicators as the response variables, while individual characteristics and socioeconomic statuses of adult respondents from Central Asian countries are used as explanatory variables. According to the findings, there is significant gender gap in only one of the financial inclusion indicators: the odds of having an account at a financial institution are approximately 25% lower for women compared to men. Moreover education, employment status, and income levels are significant factors in determining the financial inclusivity of an individual. Owning a mobile phone and having access to the Internet have significant positive relationships with financial inclusivity. The age factor is also found to be significant and has nonlinear relationship with financial inclusion.