Does financial development accelerate economic growth?

Purpose - This study aims to empirically explore whether there is causality and in which direction, i.e. whether financial development generates economic growth or whether financial development merely follows economic growth in transition European countries, including Russian Federation and Turkey, during 1998-2015. Design/methodology/approach - The study uses different techniques such as pooled OLS, fixed and random effects and the Hausman–Taylor model with instrumental variables. Findings - The regression results show a positive relationship between financial development indicators and real GDP per capita growth, thus supporting the hypothesis that finance leads economic growth. The result also shows that financial crisis has a negative effect on real GDP per capita growth. Furthermore, these findings show that government spending and inflation have a negative impact on real GDP per capita growth. The study also shows that financial development plays growth-supporting role in real GDP per capita growth in 20 European countries in transition, including Russian Federation and Turkey. Practical implications - As financial development generates real GDP per capita growth, on the basis of the results of the study, a course of action that involves institutional improvement and incentivizing competition in the financial sector is recommended to the Central Banks’ policymakers in transition economies. These will in turn lead to higher real GDP per capita growth. Originality/value - The study is original in nature and makes effort to promote financial development in transition European countries, including Russian Federation and Turkey. The findings of this study will be of value to Central Banks and other policymakers.