ETIKONOMI
Vol. 25 No. 1 (2026)

Digital Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth: Nonlinear Evidence from Economies with High and Low Levels of Financial Development

Nguyen Quoc, Huy (Unknown)
Le Quoc, Dinh (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 May 2026

Abstract

Research Originality: This study contributes to the literature by showing that digital financial inclusion is not always a linear and uniform driver of economic growth. Its effect depends on the level of financial development and may generate diminishing returns after a certain threshold. Research Objectives: This study examines the nonlinear effect of digital financial inclusion on economic growth, identifies its optimal threshold, and compares its effects across low- and high-financial-development economies. Research Method: Using balanced panel data from 117 countries from 2007 to 2022, this study constructs a digital financial inclusion index through principal component analysis and applies Bayesian regression. Empirical Results: The results show clear heterogeneity. In low-income economies, digital financial inclusion has a strong, almost linear positive effect on growth, with a posterior probability close to 100%. In highly developed financial economies, the relationship follows an inverted U-shaped pattern. The estimated threshold is approximately 27.7, after which the marginal growth effect declines. Implications: Low-financial-development economies should expand digital financial services, while high-financial-development economies need stronger fintech regulation and consumer protection.  JEL Classification: O47; G21; O33

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Journal Info

Abbrev

etikonomi

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Etikonomi is a peer-reviewed journal on Economics, Business and Management by Faculty of Economic and Business State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. FOCUS This journal focused on economics, business, and management studies and present developments through the publication of ...