Revisiting the financial development and economic growth nexus: empirical evidence from SAARC countries

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of economic growth and the moderating impact of inflation on financial development (FD) for six South Asian Association of Regional Countries (SAARC)es during the period of 1990–2020. Besides, the inflation threshold level and FD index are also estimated. Design/methodology/approach This study uses several cross-sectional dependency tests, pooled mean group and panel fully modified least squares method. This study also makes use of principle component analysis in index construction. Findings The results indicate that economic growth positively impacts regions’ FD. The mediating term has a negative impact on FD when the inflation rate rises. The finding indicates after the 3.5% threshold limit, inflation changes its positive effect on FD. The constructed index is a superior measurement of FD because it controls measurement sensitivity and offers significant results. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study in the context of SAARC to analyse the interaction effect of inflation on the growth–finance relationship. This study’s novelty is further ensured by estimating the threshold level of inflation and construction index.