Financial Knowledge,Capability to Guard Against Risks,and Rural Households’Selection of Financial Assets:An Empirical Study Based on Rural Households in China

Based on rural household data collected in two rounds of the China Household Finance Survey(CHFS)in 2015 and 2017,respectively,this paper presents the likely impact of financial literacy and capability against risks on the breadth and depth of participation by rural households in risky financial markets.After instrumental variables are used to solve endogenous problems,we find that a good command of financial knowledge and a higher risk management level could significantly increase the probability and proportion of rural households investing in risky financial assets.A mechanism analysis further reveals that financial knowledge motivates rural households to engage in financial investments by helping them evaluate their capability to guard against risks.After multiple dimensions of indicators are employed to measure financial knowledge,the estimated results remain stable.In view of this,we have put forward some policy suggestions to increase the property income of rural households and promote the rural financial market.

How does financial literacy impact on inclusive finance?

Inclusive finance is a core concept of finance that makes various financial products and services accessible and affordable to all individuals and businesses,especially those excluded from the formal financial system.One of the leading forces affecting people’s ability to access financial services in rural areas is financial literacy.This study investigated the impacts of financial knowledge on financial access through banking,microfinance,and fintech access using the Bangladesh rural population data.We employed three econometrics models:logistic regression,probit regression,and complementary log–log regression to examine whether financial literacy significantly affects removing the barriers that prevent people from participating and using financial services to improve their lives.The empirical findings showed that knowledge regarding various financial services factors had significant impacts on getting financial access.Some variables such as profession,income level,knowledge regarding depositing and withdrawing money,and knowledge regarding interest rate highly affected the overall access to finance.The study’s results provide valuable recommendations for the policymaker to improve financial inclusion in the developing country context.A comprehensive and long-term education program should be delivered broadly to the rural population to make a big stride in financial inclusion,a key driver of poverty reduction and prosperity boosting.