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Determinants And Barriers To Financial Inclusion In Myanmar: What Determines Access To Financial Services And What Hinders It?

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  • KANITTHA TAMBUNLERTCHAI

    (Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand)

Abstract

This paper examines two aspects of financial inclusion in the context of Myanmar. First, it examines the factors that determine access to formal savings products. Second, it looks at what the barriers to saving are. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 5100 individuals, the paper applies econometric estimation and qualitative data analysis methods to provide answers to these questions. Findings show a low level of saving in Myanmar, and that formal savings increase with income, education, and keeping a budget, among other factors. Policy recommendations include the design of financial literacy programs that are suitable to the Myanmar context, and providing access to financial services.

Suggested Citation

  • Kanittha Tambunlertchai, 2018. "Determinants And Barriers To Financial Inclusion In Myanmar: What Determines Access To Financial Services And What Hinders It?," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 63(01), pages 9-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:serxxx:v:63:y:2018:i:01:n:s0217590818410011
    DOI: 10.1142/S0217590818410011
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    Cited by:

    1. Thereza Balliester Reis, 2021. "What is financial inclusion? A critical review," Working Papers 246, Department of Economics, SOAS University of London, UK.
    2. Lee, Chien-Chiang & Wang, Chih-Wei & Ho, Shan-Ju, 2022. "Financial aid and financial inclusion: Does risk uncertainty matter?," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    3. Ariel Herbert FAMBEU & Patricia Tchawa YOMI, 2022. "State fragility and the determinants of women’s financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 56, pages 61-76.

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