Improving Financial Inclusion in Asia and the Pacific—Constraints, Applicability, and Lessons from Digital Financial Services

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the constraints, applicability, and lessons from using digital financial services (DFS) for improving financial inclusion. It focuses on the challenge of understanding new consumer risks which arise when using DFS and how financial consumer protection frameworks can be strengthened to address these risks. It also includes case studies of countries’ approaches to financial consumer protection and DFS in Asia and the Pacific. The countries reviewed include the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. These case studies highlight a common trend across countries—financial consumer protection frameworks are being viewed as one component of broader national financial inclusion strategies. Frameworks are being strengthened as part of a heightened focus on financial education and by incorporating the latest research on financial inclusion and on how best to reach the unbanked.