The effects of financial literacy, digital financial product usage and internet usage on financial inclusion in China

Abstract

This research study use partial least squares (PLS) to estimate a formative model which analyze effect of financial literacy, digital financial product usage, Internet usage on financial inclusion in mainland China. The study utilize a cross-sectional research design with a sample of 218 individuals from different areas of China participated. The results revealed that financial literacy and digital financial product usage have significant positive relationship with financial inclusion. Digital financial product usage is a mediator of the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion. Thus, digital financial product usage unites the Internet usage plays a multiple mediation role between financial literacy and financial inclusion. In short, the digital financial product usage had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the Internet usage and financial inclusion. The findings indicate that improving the financial literacy of residents and popularizing the Internet usage can promote the use of digital financial products and achieve the goal of advancing financial inclusion.