Does the Financial Inclusion Enhance the Firm's Performance? Findings from a Mixed-method Analysis

Despite the evidence highlighting the social and economic significance of financial inclusion, the link between financial inclusion and firm performance remains ambiguous. The present research shed light on the relationship between financial inclusion and firm performance. The present study has employed the six indicators of financial inclusion and six dimensions of firm performance. Secondary data was gathered from the financial statements of 22 Pakistani banking firms from 2010 to 2021 for financial inclusion. The questionnaire collects operational firm performance data from the branch manager. The present study employed a regression technique for mixed methods of data analysis. Results depict that bank branch network, outstanding deposits, and outstanding credit positively impact firm performance. Automated teller machines (ATMs) generate insignificant effects on firm performance. Meanwhile, additional analysis is conducted to examine the association between six financial inclusion indicators and six firm performance dimensions, making this study a pioneering effort in the field. The study recommends that Pakistani banking firms enhance their digital infrastructure, develop financial services, and increase innovative access to these services. These steps aim to improve Pakistan's relatively low level of digital banking services.