Financial Intermediation and Economic Growth: Evidence from Nepal

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the role of financial intermediation in Nepalese economic growth using time-series data over the period from 1974 to 2019. In order to establish the relationship, GDP per capita is used as a proxy for economic growth, while private sector credit, commercial bank assets, and the broad money supply serve as proxy measures of financial intermediation. Design/Methodology/Approach - To obtain empirical results, the Johansen test of co-integration, the vector error correction model, and the Granger causality test are applied. Findings - The results support finance-led growth in Nepal, implying that financial intermediation is positively associated with economic growth in the long run. A positive association with total trade was observed in the short run, but a negative effect was found in the long run. Granger causality tests indicate that the broad money supply and commercial bank assets are bidirectionally related to Nepal’s economic growth, while private sector credit is unidirectional. Research Implications - The findings suggest that if central bank authorities prioritized monetary policy tools, it may foster economic growth in Nepal in both the short- and long terms. In addition, for the persistent growth of the Nepalese economy, the banking sector should be reformed by employing more liberal policies. The study also suggests that policymakers should take immediate action to correct the direction of Nepalese foreign trade.