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.