To exist financially is to exist socially. What are the potential investment opportunities?
- 14 January 2022 (5 min read)
Financial inclusion: Significant developments in emerging countries
Access to basic financial services - such as a current account, credit, insurance or a savings product - is a key global issue for economic and social development. Financial inclusion is an essential foundation for being part of a community. However, there were an estimated 1.7 billion adults worldwide without a basic bank account in 2018, according to the World Bank1 . But the range of basic financial and banking services on offer in developing countries is increasing, for example through microfinance or digital access via a mobile phone.
Financial exclusion also affects people in developed countries, often those in precarious and low-income jobs. In our view, financial inclusion represents a huge need and an obvious catalyst for social progress, but it also has attractive potential for investors seeking returns while aiming to incorporate an impact dimension into their portfolios.
Some of the companies we have invested in to address this double financial and non-financial objective include Indonesian bank PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia. In Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country2 , the financial inclusion needs are colossal. Bank Rakyat is the main domestic micro-loan body, and has provided micro loans to nearly 12 million people3 in Indonesia.
We also hold HDFC Bank, an Indian financial services company that focuses on rural areas and small and micro businesses, helping to increase access to banking services in the country – therefore potentially contributing to India’s economic development.
Technology as a facilitator of digital inclusion
Digital inclusion means making technology accessible to everyone, as well as teaching digital skills, enabling people to use these tools to improve their social and economic integration. Digital technology has been transformative, particularly in the past few decades, with new innovations significantly changing our lives. In developing countries, growth in digital services is allowing new players to innovate and offer low-cost solutions, helping expand access to underserved populations.
For example, PagSeguro Digital is a Brazilian company offering digital payment services to micro-entrepreneurs. Initially launched as an online payment platform, the group has grown to offer new services, such as PagBank, a digital bank that operates via a smartphone app, targeting people with little access to banking services.
The development of these digital services would not be possible without a solid infrastructure. Thus, we have invested in companies in this area including Helios Towers, which builds and operates telecommunications towers in several African countries. These towers help meet the needs of large telecommunication companies that provide voice and data services to consumers and businesses, in areas with little or no fixed line infrastructure. In this way, the services it provides are vital for communities – including giving them access to digital banking.
Social improvement and greater inclusion
Access to banking services represents progress, and is a lever for social improvement that also allows individuals to be part of a more sustainable community. Meanwhile technology facilitates and improves access to banking services in both developed and emerging countries, fostering greater inclusion. We see continued potential investment opportunities in both the financial services providers and the technology companies that allow them to reach customers in these underserved markets.
The companies are named as an illustration only and do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation from AXA IM.
- c291cmNlOiBXb3JsZCBCYW5rIFVuaXZlcnNhbCBGaW5hbmNpYWwgQWNjZXNzIHJlcG9ydCwgT2N0b2JlciAyMDE4
- U291cmNlOiBJbmRvbmVzaWEgT3ZlcnZpZXc6IERldmVsb3BtZW50IG5ld3MsIHJlc2VhcmNoLCBkYXRhIHwgV29ybGQgQmFuaw==
- U291cmNlOiBCYW5rIFJha3lhdCBJbmRvbmVzaWEsIEZ1bGwteWVhciBmaW5hbmNpYWwgcHJlc2VudGF0aW9uLCAyMDIwLg==
Disclaimer
This website is published by AXA Investment Managers Asia (Singapore) Ltd (ARBN 115203622) (“AXA IM Asia”). AXA IM Asia is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services License and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singaporean laws, which differ from Australian laws. AXA IM Asia offers financial services in Australia only to residents who are “wholesale clients" within the meaning of Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments, nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.
Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
All investment involves risk , including the loss of capital. The value of investments and the income from them can fluctuate and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Disclaimer
This website is published by AXA Investment Managers Australia Ltd (ABN 47 107 346 841 AFSL 273320) (“AXA IM Australia”) and is intended only for professional investors, sophisticated investors and wholesale clients as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments, nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.
Market commentary on the website has been prepared for general informational purposes by the authors, who are part of AXA Investment Managers. This market commentary reflects the views of the authors, and statements in it may differ from the views of others in AXA Investment Managers.
Due to its simplification, this publication is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this publication is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this publication. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
All investment involves risk , including the loss of capital. The value of investments and the income from them can fluctuate and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.