Since 2011, the World Bank’s Global Findex Database has been the definitive source of data on global access to financial services from payments to savings and borrowing. The Findex data and its insights have driven numerous applications in both research and policy fronts across the world. Opportunities for analyses and explorations abound with the release of the newest Findex report and 2021 country-level data. The 2021 Findex dataset, based on nationally representative surveys in 123 economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, contains updated indicators on access to and use of formal and informal financial services and digital payments and offers insights into the behaviors that enable financial resilience.

Co-hosted with the World Bank, in partnership with J-PAL, BIGD, CEGA, the University of Ghana ISSER, FITSPA, and AFR, this webinar brought together leaders on financial inclusion to formally launch the 2021 Findex micro-dataset, motivated the use of the dataset through practical applications and research, and update on the latest thinking on financial inclusion. Moderated by Rebecca Rouse (IPA), the webinar included Leora Klapper (World Bank) providing a high-level overview of the Global Findex and notes on how to use the microdata. Francis Annan (University of California, Berkeley) and Jonathan Morduch (New York University) explored opportunities for complementary research and analysis and provide insights on their recent work. Paul Oluikpe (Central Bank of Nigeria), Maha Bahou (Jordan Payments and Clearing Company), and Jean Onyait (Akellobanker) discussed how Findex and its results have helped advance their own financial inclusion initiatives in the lightning talks session. Dean Karlan (USAID, Northwestern University, IPA Founder) closed the seminar. 

Speakers & Schedule:

1. Introduction
Rebecca Rouse
Director, Financial Inclusion Program
Innovations for Poverty Action

2. Introduction of Global Findex 2021 Microdata
Leora Klapper - Presentation
Lead Economist, Development Research Group
World Bank

3. Opportunities for Complementary Research and Analysis
Francis Annan - Presentation
Assistant Professor of Economics
University of California, Berkeley

4. Lightning Talks: Applications of Findex from the Public and Private Sectors
Paul Oluikpe - Presentation
Head of the Financial Inclusion Delivery Unit
Central Bank of Nigeria

Maha Bahou
Chief Executive Officer
Jordan Payments and Clearing Company

Jean Onyait - Presentation
Chief Executive Officer
Akellobanker, Uganda

5. Opportunities for Complementary Research and Analysis
Jonathan Morduch - Presentation
Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University

6. Q&A

7. Closing Remarks