ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL3.SEP/2025/3
Country: Arab region, Global
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: Shared Economic Prosperity
Focus Area: Financing for development, Inclusive development, Technology & innovation
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Digital Development , Integrated national financing frameworks
SDGs: Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Africa south of sahara, Arab countries, Central asia, Digital technology, East asia, Europe, Financial inclusion, Financial services, Latin america and the caribbean, Middle east, North africa, North america, Recommendations, South asia, Sustainable development
Financial Inclusiveness Report
January 2026
The Financial Inclusiveness Index 2025 provides an integrated, data-driven assessment of financial inclusion across 139 countries by measuring three linked pillars: access, usage and barriers, through both traditional and digital channels. Built on transparent selection and treatment rules, the Financial Inclusiveness Index enables consistent cross-country benchmarking and highlights where financial ecosystems are succeeding in expanding infrastructure but failing to translate this into meaningful participation.
Within the Arab region, progress in access and digital infrastructure is increasingly visible, while usage continues to lag. This is the case even in high-income countries, suggesting that constraints are related to adoption incentives, literacy, trust and regulatory/cybersecurity readiness. Comparison with 2023 shows infrastructure gains alongside a deterioration in ease of access, and a rise in traditional barriers driven by growing distrust in some contexts. The report translates these findings into actionable priorities, emphasizing payment digitization, simplified onboarding, targeted capability-building, and enabling frameworks for financial technology and mobile money to accelerate inclusive and resilient financial participation.
Related content
Financing for development, Inclusive development, Technology & innovation
The Financial Inclusiveness Index 2025 provides an integrated, data-driven assessment of financial inclusion across 139 countries by measuring three linked pillars: access, usage and barriers, through both traditional and digital channels. Built on transparent selection and treatment rules, the Financial Inclusiveness Index enables consistent cross-country benchmarking and highlights where financial ecosystems are succeeding in expanding infrastructure but failing to translate this into meaningful participation.
Within the Arab region, progress in access and digital infrastructure is increasingly visible, while usage continues to lag. This is the case even in high-income countries, suggesting that constraints are related to adoption incentives, literacy, trust and regulatory/cybersecurity readiness. Comparison with 2023 shows infrastructure gains alongside a deterioration in ease of access, and a rise in traditional barriers driven by growing distrust in some contexts. The report translates these findings into actionable priorities, emphasizing payment digitization, simplified onboarding, targeted capability-building, and enabling frameworks for financial technology and mobile money to accelerate inclusive and resilient financial participation.
