Empowering the Unbanked: The Crucial Role of NBFCs in Driving Financial Inclusion
Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have emerged as pivotal players in the financial landscapes of emerging economies, particularly in bridging the gap between traditional banking services and the vast segments of the population that remain unbanked or underbanked. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted role of NBFCs in promoting financial inclusion, examining their growth trajectory, the impact of regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, challenges, and future prospects. Overview of NBFCs: NBFCs, as defined by regulatory bodies, are financial institutions that provide banking services without meeting the legal definition of a bank. They operate in various forms, including microfinance institutions, leasing companies, housing finance companies, and asset finance companies. Unlike traditional banks, NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits but play a crucial role in providing credit and financial services to individuals and businesses, especially those underserved...