Abstract
This paper investigates the relative importance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) at both the macro (financial development, economic growth, income inequality, and poverty) and micro levels (efficiency of traditional commercial banks). We observe a significant impact on most of the fronts. MFIs’ participation increases overall savings (total bank deposits) and credit allocation (loans to private sector) in the economy. Their involvement enhances economic welfare by reducing income inequality and poverty. Additionally, their active presence helps to discipline the traditional commercial banks by subjecting them to more competition triggering higher efficiency.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Enschede |
| Publisher | University of Twente |
| Number of pages | 52 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2020 |
Keywords
- Microfinance institutions
- Commercial banks
- Financial development
- Income inequality
- Poverty
- Efficiency