Finance

Blockchain technology could help improve low rates of financial inclusion

Blockchain technology is increasingly being seen as a potential solution for low rates of financial inclusion, especially in developing or undeveloped countries.

A low rate of financial inclusion means a small number of people that have their own bank accounts. The World Bank estimates that approximately 1.7 billion adults are “unbanked,” they do not have access to their own private bank account. Both China and India are each home to over 200 million unbanked individuals, and Pakistan has over 100 million adults without bank accounts.

The problem is even more pronounced in a number of central African and Sahel states – Niger, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan have rates of financial inclusion that are lower than 20%.

No access to a bank account is an extreme feature of deprivation. Without one, individuals cannot have any access to the world credit system nor can they receive international money transfers. The problem in many cases is that in an underdeveloped economy, many people simply do not have enough money to open a standard bank account.

How can blockchain help the “unbanked”?

This is where blockchain technology can be extremely useful. This was identified by Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio, who announced to the UN General Assembly on September 27th that his country had made it its goal to create a national, blockchain-based credit bureau, which he argues would radically change rates of financial inclusion in the country.

In a modern context, the introduction of traditional banking into newly developing countries may actually be shortsighted – new, decentralized methods may be significantly more cost-effective and long-term.

Those that aren’t used to dealing with such financial institutions have a fear of banks as an unreliable and even a dangerous way to store money. Storing wealth in cryptocurrency, no central authority controls the money, removes a lot of the fear that makes some hesitant to entrust their money in a financial institution.

A responsibly constructed, blockchain-based way for people in developing countries to store their money, receive international transfers, and have access to the global credit system, could serve to be very popular and effective regarding improving financial inclusion rates and remedying the issues created by large unbanked populations.

Related article:

South Korea’s Chief Policy Maker Supports Legalization of ICOs

Mark Townsend

Mark Townsend was born in Canada where he studied literature and history. He is a passionate crypto currency trader avidly following the development of blockchain technology in different fields. He is also interested in international relations and local politics. His primary aims are to travel and write.

Related Articles

82 Comments

  1. Good V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  2. Thanks for sharing your ideas in this article. The other element is that each time a problem appears with a personal computer motherboard, persons should not have some risk connected with repairing that themselves because if it is not done correctly it can lead to irreparable damage to all the laptop. It will always be safe just to approach any dealer of any laptop for any repair of its motherboard. They have technicians who may have an competence in dealing with pc motherboard issues and can carry out the right diagnosis and conduct repairs.

  3. I beloved as much as you will receive carried out proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be turning in the following. unwell indubitably come more until now once more since precisely the similar just about very continuously inside of case you protect this hike.

  4. What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and ithas helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other userslike its aided me. Good job.

Close