Trust and financial inclusion: A cross country study
Abstract This study examines the role of social trust in financial inclusion around the world, using financial inclusion measures from Global Findex database and measure of trust from the World Values Survey. After controlling for individual characteristics, and country level differences in institutions and financial markets, social trust remains a significant and positive determinant for various aspects of financial inclusion. Trust is further found to supplement weak formal institutions and low educational levels. The role of limited trust is also examined in the study.