The data not only shows that people have become more financially literate and aware of technological advancements and access to mobile phones, but higher personal savings will also fuel national financing systems, making more funds available for investment, innovation, and economic growth.
Vecteezy
The World Bank's latest Global Findex 2025 report has revealed that more adults than ever in low- and middle-income countries now have bank or other financial accounts, which has led to a rise in formal savings. A key factor behind the surge in savings, according to the report, is mobile phone technology.
With 10 percent of adults in developing economies using a mobile-money account to save, the data shows that there is a 5 percentage point increase from 2021. The data shows that in 2024, 40 percent of adults in developing economies saved in a financial account, which is a 16 percentage point increase since 2021 and the fastest rise in more than a decade.
The data not only shows that people have become more financially literate and aware of technological advancements and access to mobile phones, but higher personal savings will also fuel national financing systems, making more funds available for investment, innovation, and economic growth.
More people than ever have the financial tools to invest in their futures and build economic resilience, including women and others previously left behind. This is real progress. The case for investing in inclusive financial systems, digital public infrastructure, and connectivity is clear—it’s a proven path to unlocking opportunity for everyone.
The data that was showcased by the 2025 Global Findex highlights a major milestone in financial inclusion. According to the data, nearly 80 percent of adults worldwide now have a financial account, which is an increase of 50 percent from 2011.
Although this is major progress compared to 2011, the data also shows that there is a long way to go in financial accessibility, as 1.3 billion adults worldwide still lack access to financial services. The World Bank highlights mobile phones as a resource that could help close this gap, as investments in systems that enable money transfer have clearly shown progress in closing the gap.
In addition to helping more people worldwide get financial access, the Findex data also shows that digital financial services have helped narrow the gender gap in account ownership.
77 percent of women have accounts compared with 81 percent of men. In low- and middle-income countries, women’s account ownership nearly doubled—from 37 percent in 2011 to 73 percent in 2024.
The impact of personal mobile phones on financial access and freedom has started playing such a big role in people's lives over the years, making this the first time that the Findex data reports included data on personal mobile phone ownership and internet use.
While the data highlights the positive impacts of personal mobile phones and financial accessibility, it also highlights a growing concern when it comes to personal data and money in the digital age - the lack of security. According to the data, out of the 4 billion adults in low-and middle-income economies who own a mobile phone, only half use a password to protect their phone.
While this is not the only concern, as hackers continue to become more creative with their phishing links, digital connectivity across the globe, as highlighted by the Findex data, shows impressive progress across the world.
Regional Highlights:
East Asia and Pacific: The region leads the world in digital connectivity and use of financial services: 86 percent of adults have a smartphone, and 83 percent of adults have a financial account.
Europe and Central Asia: The region has the highest internet usage and social media engagement rates among developing economies. Mobile phone ownership rates top 94 percent.
Latin America and the Caribbean: About 70 percent of adults have an account, and over half use their account digitally, using a card or phone.
Middle East and North Africa: Account ownership rose to 53 percent from 45 percent in 2021. In 2024, 17 percent of adults save formally, up from 11 percent in 2021.
South Asia: Nearly 80 percent of adults own an account, although the high rate is driven by India, where 90 percent of both men and women have an account, and 65 percent own a mobile phone.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Account ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa grew to 58 percent of adults, up from 49 percent in 2021. Use of mobile money accounts is at the highest levels in the world.
