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Measuring the financial literacy of the adult population: the experience of Banca d�Italia

Author

Listed:
  • Antonietta di Salvatore

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Francesco Franceschi

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Andrea Neri

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Francesca Zanichelli

    (Bank of Italy)

Abstract

At the beginning of 2017, Banca d�Italia conducted a survey to investigate financial literacy and inclusion among Italian adults. The survey is part of an OECD project to create an internationally comparable dataset on this important topic. The questionnaire was developed by the OECD International Network on Financial Education (INFE). The Italian sample consists of about 2,500 persons interviewed using two different methods: 40 per cent of them had a face-to-face interview while the others used a tablet to record their responses. Our findings show the existence of a substantial financial literacy gap between Italy and the other G20 countries, which is most evident among less educated respondents, among the elderly and among women. Compared with other countries, Italians are more aware of their limits or at least more cautious when assessing their level of financial knowledge. We also discuss some critical aspects of the OECD�s methodology that should be addressed in order to improve the measurement of financial literacy and to increase cross-country comparability.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonietta di Salvatore & Francesco Franceschi & Andrea Neri & Francesca Zanichelli, 2018. "Measuring the financial literacy of the adult population: the experience of Banca d�Italia," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 435, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_435_18
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanne W. Hsu, 2016. "Aging and Strategic Learning: The Impact of Spousal Incentives on Financial Literacy," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 51(4), pages 1036-1067.
    2. Fornero, Elsa & Monticone, Chiara, 2011. "Financial literacy and pension plan participation in Italy," Journal of Pension Economics and Finance, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(4), pages 547-564, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessio D'Ignazio & Paolo Finaldi Russo & Massimiliano Stacchini, 2022. "Micro-entrepreneurs’ financial and digital competences during the pandemic in Italy," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 724, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    2. Lanciano, Edoardo & Previati, Daniele & Ricci, Ornella & Stentella Lopes, F. Saverio, 2024. "Gender differences and measurement error in financial literacy," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    3. Carolina Guerini & Donato Masciandaro, 2023. "Financial Education between Market and State: Private Commitment, Conflicts of Interest and Public Certification," BAFFI CAREFIN Working Papers 23213, BAFFI CAREFIN, Centre for Applied Research on International Markets Banking Finance and Regulation, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    4. Giovanni Gallo & Alessia sconti, 2023. "Could financial education be a universal social policy? A simulation of potential influences on inequality levels," Center for the Analysis of Public Policies (CAPP) 0182, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Economia "Marco Biagi".
    5. Gallo, Giovanni & Sconti, Alessia, 2023. "How much financial literacy matters? A simulation of potential influences on inequality levels," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1266, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    6. Antonietta di Salvatore & Francesco Franceschi & Andrea Neri & Francesca Zanichelli, 2018. "Measuring the financial literacy of the adult population: the experience of the Bank of Italy," IFC Bulletins chapters, in: Bank for International Settlements (ed.), The role of data in supporting financial inclusion policy, volume 47, Bank for International Settlements.
    7. Sconti, Alessia, 2022. "Digital vs. in-person financial education: What works best for Generation Z?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 300-318.
    8. Bucciol, Alessandro & Quercia, Simone & Sconti, Alessia, 2021. "Promoting financial literacy among the elderly: Consequences on confidence," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    9. Aristei, David & Gallo, Manuela, 2022. "Assessing gender gaps in financial knowledge and self-confidence: Evidence from international data," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 46(PA).
    10. David Aristei & Manuela Gallo, 2021. "Financial Knowledge, Confidence, and Sustainable Financial Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-21, September.
    11. Carolina Guerini & Donato Masciandaro & Alessia Papini, 2024. "Literacy and Financial Education: Private Providers, Public Certification and Political Preferences," BAFFI CAREFIN Working Papers 24223, BAFFI CAREFIN, Centre for Applied Research on International Markets Banking Finance and Regulation, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    12. Kenneth De Beckker & Kristof De Witte & Geert Van Campenhout, 2020. "The role of national culture in financial literacy: Cross‐country evidence," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(3), pages 912-930, September.
    13. Alessia Sconti, 2020. "Financial Literacy in Italy: What works among millennials most?," Working Papers 01/2020, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    14. AHMAD Idris & ALNI Rahmawati & ARNI Surwanti & MAMDUH M. Hanafi, 2023. "Financial Literacy To Improve Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 18(3), pages 24-43, December.
    15. Susanna Levantesi & Giulia Zacchia, 2021. "Machine Learning and Financial Literacy: An Exploration of Factors Influencing Financial Knowledge in Italy," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    financial literacy; financial inclusion; mode effect;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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