Does financial innovation create welfare? the case of bKash in Bangladesh | |
| Author | Ahmad, Sohana Wadud |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.SM-23-02 |
| Subject(s) | Finance--Technological innovations--Bangladesh Households--Economic aspects--Bangladesh Welfare economics--Bangladesh Finance--Technological innovations--Bangladesh Households--Economic aspects--Bangladesh Welfare economics--Bangladesh |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study aims to investigate whether introduction of financial innovative products in the economy creates household welfare for low-income households. Research targets to capture the impact of using mobile financial services on the lives of people in the lower earning category, in terms of access and opportunity. The conceptual framework for this study is based on the freedom-based Capability Approach by Amartya Sen, considered superior in measuring household welfare compared to other development approaches. Combining the main sample and an established control group sample, a total of 398 respondents were surveyed using a pre-tested questionnaire through pilot survey. The empirical validation of the framework and analysis was done using statistical tools. The results suggest that financial innovation assists low-income households in savings and fund transfer creating household welfare however optimum utilization is yet to achieved. Furthermore, an unanticipated result of negative impact on women empowerment was discovered. This study assumes importance as it empirically examines whether a financial innovative product brings welfare in the lives of low-income population. From a socio-economic perspective this study will help MFS service providers, central bank and government policy makers, international bodies to create inclusive value of the immense potential of the digital platform. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Doctor of Philosophy in Management (Publication code = SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Winai Wongsurawat; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Vatcharapol Sukhotu;Vilas Nitivattananon; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |