Given the increasing youth population in developing countries, the high levels of youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities for youth, governments are increasingly looking for proactive approaches to help youth realize their full economic potential. Increased access to financial services and increased financial capability to use those services effectively to invest in their education, enterprises, and futures may provide that beacon. Yet youth face many barriers in accessing financial services, including restrictions in the legal and regulatory environment, inappropriate and inaccessible products and services and low financial capability.

The public policy opportunity—and imperative—is evident. Overcoming these barriers and achieving successful youth financial inclusion requires a multi-stakeholder approach that engages government (including policy makers, regulators, and line ministries), Financial Service Providers (FSPs), Youth Service Organizations (YSOs), other youth stakeholders, as well as youth themselves. The following are recommendations that policy makers and regulators should consider for each of the three barriers to advance financial inclusion for youth: