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2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion: Dataset

By IDB Lab (IDB Lab)

The 2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion Report is a comprehensive benchmarking index that evaluates the enabling environment for financial access across 55 countries.
This updated edition highlights the evolving landscape of financial inclusion and its growing importance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Unlike previous editions, the 2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion Report adopts a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing digital financial services and the policies that support their development.
By assessing regulatory frameworks, market infrastructure, and consumer protection measures, the report provides valuable insights into how countries are expanding inclusive access to finance in a rapidly changing digital economy.

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Metadata & use

Identifier https://doi.org/10.60966/w927-yp12
License Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivs 3.0 IGO
Related Knowledge Product
Citation

Economist Intelligence Unit, et al. (2018). 2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion: Dataset. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/w927-yp12
Published date 2018-10-30
Modified date 2026-08-26
Tags/Keywords Access To Finance · Financial Inclusion · Microcredit
Language
  1. English
Temporal coverage 2018-2018
Country
Argentina
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Brazil
Cambodia
Cameroon
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Congo - Kinshasa
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Jamaica
Jordan
Kenya
Lebanon
Madagascar
Mexico
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Russia
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Thailand
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Uganda
Uruguay
Venezuela
Vietnam
Region Latin America and the Caribbean
Publisher
Inter-American Development Bank
Author
Economist Intelligence Unit
Inter-American Development Bank
Data collection type Observational Data
Data structure Semistructured Data
Data notes

What is this dataset about?

The 2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion Report dataset provides country-level data used to benchmark the enabling environment for financial inclusion across 55 economies.
It evaluates policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks that promote access to financial services, particularly in the context of digital transformation and inclusive growth.

What does the Global Microscope measure?

The Microscope assesses five key dimensions of financial inclusion:

  1. Government and policy support for inclusive finance.
  2. Stability and integrity of financial systems.
  3. Products and services that support access and usage.
  4. Infrastructure enabling digital financial services.
  5. Consumer protection and financial literacy frameworks.

Each dimension is scored to create a composite index that reflects a country's overall financial inclusion environment.

What makes the 2018 Global Microscope different from previous editions?

The 2018 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion Report introduced a comprehensive redesign of its framework.
It shifted to a forward-looking focus on digital financial services, recognizing their growing role in expanding access.
It also aligned its indicators with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing financial inclusion as a driver of equitable economic growth.

How can this dataset be used?

Researchers, policymakers, and financial institutions can use this dataset to:

  • Compare financial inclusion policies across 55 countries.
  • Track progress in digital financial services adoption.
  • Identify regulatory best practices that enable inclusion.
  • Support evidence-based strategies for inclusive economic development.

Which regions are covered?

The dataset includes countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
This broad coverage allows cross-regional comparisons of how different economies design and implement inclusive finance policies.

What are the main indicators in the dataset?

The data cover more than 60 indicators, including measures of:

  • Regulatory openness to digital finance.
  • Mobile money adoption and interoperability.
  • Financial literacy and consumer protection.
  • Institutional coordination and governance frameworks.
  • Gender and inclusion policies in the financial sector.

Who developed the Global Microscope?

The Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion Report is produced through a collaboration between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and partners in the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI).
The dataset complements the published report by providing quantitative scores and rankings for each country.

How is the Global Microscope scored?

Scores are based on standardized indicator weighting and a composite index methodology developed by the EIU.
Each country’s score reflects both policy intent and implementation effectiveness in advancing financial inclusion.

What are the limitations of this dataset?

While the dataset offers valuable comparative insight, users should note:

  • Scores are based on policies and frameworks, not on actual usage or outcomes of financial services.
  • The index reflects conditions as of 2018, and policy environments may have evolved since.
  • Data for some indicators are based on expert assessments rather than administrative records.

What is the Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion report?

The dataset indicates that the Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion is an analytical framework that evaluates the enabling environment for financial inclusion across countries, focusing on regulatory quality, institutional frameworks, and financial sector policies.

What are the key indicators used in the Global Microscope financial inclusion index?

The dataset includes indicators related to regulatory frameworks, financial sector stability, consumer protection, and access to financial services.

What is the impact of digital financial services on Global Microscope scores?

The dataset includes variables related to digital financial services, suggesting they are part of the enabling environment, but it does not quantify their direct impact on scores.

How do policymakers use the Global Microscope report for financial reform?

Policymakers can use the dataset to assess regulatory gaps, improve financial sector policies, and design reforms to expand access to financial services.

What is the Global Microscope report on consumer protection frameworks?

The dataset includes indicators related to consumer protection, such as transparency, dispute resolution, and regulatory oversight.

What are the Global Microscope insights for impact investors in emerging markets?

The dataset provides information on regulatory and institutional environments, which can help investors assess market readiness and risks.

How can microfinance institutions use Global Microscope data?

Microfinance institutions can use the dataset to understand regulatory environments and identify countries with supportive policies for financial inclusion.

What are the core pillars of the EIU Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion methodology?

The dataset suggests pillars such as regulatory framework, financial stability, consumer protection, and institutional support for financial services.

What are the actionable insights for central bank governors in emerging markets based on Global Microscope data?

The dataset can inform regulatory improvements, strengthen consumer protection frameworks, and support policies that expand access to financial services.

What specific consumer protection regulations are prioritized in the Global Microscope scoring?

The dataset highlights areas such as transparency requirements, complaint resolution mechanisms, and regulatory oversight.

Can the dataset be used as a guide to the Global Microscope to identify markets with favorable regulations?

Fintech founders can use the dataset to identify countries with stronger regulatory frameworks and supportive environments for financial innovation.

What are the common regulatory barriers for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) identified in the report?

The dataset suggests barriers related to weak regulatory frameworks and limited institutional support, but does not list specific barriers.

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