Key financial instruments for financial inclusion in Latin America

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze financial inclusion in seven Latin American countries. Specifically, it seeks to detect the most used financial instruments and the main determinants that affect their use. For this purpose, it uses micro data from the 2017 Global Findex, applying multivariate econometric models. The results confirm that the instrument most used by individuals are financial accounts in formal institutions, especially in Brazil and Chile, followed by credit cards in Uruguay and Venezuela. Among the socio-economic characteristics of individuals, the findings show that older, male individuals, with tertiary education and higher income levels are more likely to be financially included.