Structural Domestic Conditions, Regional and International Financial Integrations: Evidence from the MENA

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of international (IFI) and regional financial integrations (RFI) on structural domestic conditions represented by financial development and governance in Middle East and North Africa economies (MENA) during the 1992–2020 period. The generalized method of moments estimation results suggest that too much IFI deters while higher levels of RFI, measured based on bilateral financial flows, promote financial development. High levels of IFI and RFI both tend to be positively associated with institutional quality and governance. The empirical findings in this paper propose that MENA economies should engage in structural reforms, encompassing liberalization of capital accounts, eliminating barriers to regional financial integration, enhancing the institutional environment and financial development. In this vein, policymakers may be suggested to formulate strategies with the goal of maximizing the beneficial effects of both international and regional financial integrations.