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Can Digital Inclusive Finance Help Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Deleverage in China?

Author

Listed:
  • Debao Dai

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Mingzhu Fu

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Liang Ye

    (Office of Admissions and Career Services, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Wei Shao

    (Scientific Research Management Department, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

Abstract

Digital technology has energized the development of inclusive finance in China and is beneficial in lowering the threshold and transaction costs of financial services and expanding financial coverage. However, it is a key issue whether digital inclusive finance can help SMEs overcome financing difficulties, obtain liquidity, reduce corporate leverage, and thus achieve sustainable development. By using the data from China’s small- and medium-sized listed companies and an aggregate development index of digital inclusive finance at the county level in China from 2015–2019, this empirical analysis finds that the development of digital inclusive finance can significantly reduce the leverage ratio of SMEs; specifically, the development of digital inclusive finance can cut down the leverage ratio of enterprises through easing financing constraints and reducing finance costs. Heterogeneity analysis shows that digital inclusive finance is more effective in reducing leverage for those low- and medium-leverage and non-private enterprises. Accordingly, it is suggested that the government continue to promote the development of digital inclusive finance, deepen the financial supply-side structural reform, and improve the efficiency of financial recycling. SMEs should speed up digital transformation to enable digital finance to provide precise financing services and achieve high-quality sustainable development. Digital financial institutions should improve the digital inclusive financial system as soon as possible, realize scientific supervision and risk prevention, and promote the sustainable development of digital finance.

Suggested Citation

  • Debao Dai & Mingzhu Fu & Liang Ye & Wei Shao, 2023. "Can Digital Inclusive Finance Help Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Deleverage in China?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6625-:d:1123034
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuxin Ning & Yihan Zhang, 2023. "Does Digital Finance Improve Corporate ESG Performance? An Intermediary Role Based on Financing Constraints," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Pham Quang Huy & Vu Kien Phuc, 2025. "Changing times: does the critical success factors boosting green transition of SMEs remain unchanged?," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-32, December.
    3. Aimin Zhang & Moses Nanyun Nankpan & Bo Zhou & Joseph Ato Forson & Edmund Nana Kwame Nkrumah & Samuel Evergreen Adjavon, 2024. "A COP28 Perspective: Does Chinese Investment and Fintech Help to Achieve the SDGs of African Economies?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-14, April.
    4. Xiao Guanjun & Chen Zhenming & Huang Liqing, 2024. "Mechanism Analysis and Response of Digital Financial Inclusion to Labor Economy based on ANN and Contribution Analysis," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 18(1), pages 1-17.
    5. Xia Minglu, 2024. "Research on Measurement of Manufacturing Industry Chain Resilience Based on Index Contribution Model Driven by Digital Economy," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 18(1), pages 1-17.
    6. Wei, Yaqiong, 2025. "Research on the spatio-temporal dynamic evolution and driving forces of digital inclusive finance in developing countries: A case study of China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    7. Wei Yu & Huiqin Huang & Keying Zhu, 2023. "Enhancing Construction Enterprise Financial Performance through Digital Inclusive Finance: An Insight into Supply Chain Finance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, June.

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