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Microfinance institutions and the provision of mobile financial services: First empirical evidence

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  • Dorfleitner, Gregor
  • Nguyen, Quynh Anh
  • Röhe, Michaela

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the factors driving the provision of mobile financial services (MFS) by microfinance institutions (MFIs). Using a worldwide data set on 999 MFIs and employing a probit regression, we find a positive relationship between the financial expenses of an institution and MFS adoption. Our results also show that the share of deposits is positively related to the probability of offering MFS. Moreover, larger institutions and MFIs of the bank type are more likely to adopt mobile technology in providing financial services. Furthermore, the depth of outreach is weakly positively related to the provision of MFS, suggesting that the social mission of MFIs is not impaired by the provision of MFS.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorfleitner, Gregor & Nguyen, Quynh Anh & Röhe, Michaela, 2019. "Microfinance institutions and the provision of mobile financial services: First empirical evidence," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 31(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:31:y:2019:i:c:s1544612318302368
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2018.12.002
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    8. Dorfleitner, Gregor & Röhe, Michaela & Renier, Noémie, 2017. "The access of microfinance institutions to debt capital: An empirical investigation of microfinance investment vehicles," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 1-15.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Hoque, Md Mahfuzul & Kummer, Tyge-F. & Yigitbasioglu, Ogan, 2024. "How can blockchain-based lending platforms support microcredit activities in developing countries? An empirical validation of its opportunities and challenges," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    3. Ana Paula Matias Gama & Ricardo Emanuel Correia & Mário Augusto & Fábio Duarte, 2023. "Third-party signals in crowdfunded microfinance: which microfinance institutions boost crowdfunding among refugee entrepreneurs?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 559-586, August.
    4. Gregor Dorfleitner & Davide Forcella & Quynh Anh Nguyen, 2021. "Why microfinance institutions go digital: An empirical analysis," Working Papers CEB 21-003, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    5. Ying Chu & Shujun Ye & Hongchang Li & Jack Strauss & Chen Zhao, 2023. "Can Digitalization Foster Sustainable Financial Inclusion? Opportunities for Both Banks and Vulnerable Groups," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    6. Md Tariqul Islam, 2022. "Application of Information and Communications Technology in MFIs: Evidence from Bangladesh," International Journal of Management Science and Business Administration, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 8(4), pages 37-43, May.
    7. Oyebola Etudaiye-Muhtar, Fatima & Johan, Sofia & Lawal, Rodiat & Sakariyahu, Rilwan, 2024. "Fintech, human development and energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Microfinance institutions; Mobile financial services; Outreach; Operational efficiency; Digitization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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