Regulatory Arbitrage Between Banks and Mobile Money Operators: A Comparative Analysis of Financial Inclusion and Stability in Emerging Economies

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1. Verfasser: Mavhunga, Goodwin Ngonidzashe
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Veröffentlicht: Zenodo 2026
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author Mavhunga, Goodwin Ngonidzashe
author_facet Mavhunga, Goodwin Ngonidzashe
contents <p><strong><span>Abstract: </span></strong><span>This article examines the phenomenon of regulatory arbitrage between traditional banks and mobile money operators in emerging economies, with a focus on its implications for financial inclusion and systemic stability. While mobile money has significantly expanded access to financial services in underserved regions, the regulatory frameworks governing these operators often differ substantially from those applied to banks, creating opportunities for regulatory arbitrage and posing challenges for integrated oversight. Employing a comparative policy analysis of regulatory frameworks in Kenya, Ghana, India, and Tanzania, this study identifies key areas of regulatory divergence and assesses how these differences influence market behavior, innovation, consumer protection, and financial stability risks. The findings reveal that lighter-touch regulation of mobile money operators has accelerated financial inclusion particularly among rural populations and women but has simultaneously introduced vulnerabilities related to consumer protection, data privacy, and systemic stability The study concludes that harmonizing regulatory standards through a proportionate, activity-based approach while preserving the innovative capacity of mobile money is critical for building sustainable and resilient financial ecosystems. Practical policy recommendations for integrated regulatory frameworks, enhanced supervisory coordination, and consumer empowerment are discussed.</span></p>
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spellingShingle Regulatory Arbitrage Between Banks and Mobile Money Operators: A Comparative Analysis of Financial Inclusion and Stability in Emerging Economies
Mavhunga, Goodwin Ngonidzashe
Regulatory Arbitrage, Mobile Money, Financial Inclusion, Financial Regulation, Emerging Economies, Digital Finance, Banking, Fintech, Consumer Protection, Financial Stability
<p><strong><span>Abstract: </span></strong><span>This article examines the phenomenon of regulatory arbitrage between traditional banks and mobile money operators in emerging economies, with a focus on its implications for financial inclusion and systemic stability. While mobile money has significantly expanded access to financial services in underserved regions, the regulatory frameworks governing these operators often differ substantially from those applied to banks, creating opportunities for regulatory arbitrage and posing challenges for integrated oversight. Employing a comparative policy analysis of regulatory frameworks in Kenya, Ghana, India, and Tanzania, this study identifies key areas of regulatory divergence and assesses how these differences influence market behavior, innovation, consumer protection, and financial stability risks. The findings reveal that lighter-touch regulation of mobile money operators has accelerated financial inclusion particularly among rural populations and women but has simultaneously introduced vulnerabilities related to consumer protection, data privacy, and systemic stability The study concludes that harmonizing regulatory standards through a proportionate, activity-based approach while preserving the innovative capacity of mobile money is critical for building sustainable and resilient financial ecosystems. Practical policy recommendations for integrated regulatory frameworks, enhanced supervisory coordination, and consumer empowerment are discussed.</span></p>
title Regulatory Arbitrage Between Banks and Mobile Money Operators: A Comparative Analysis of Financial Inclusion and Stability in Emerging Economies
topic Regulatory Arbitrage, Mobile Money, Financial Inclusion, Financial Regulation, Emerging Economies, Digital Finance, Banking, Fintech, Consumer Protection, Financial Stability
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18668413