DIGITAL BANKING POLICY AND BUSINESS FINANCING IN NIGERIA

This study empirically examined the relationship between digital banking and business financing in Nigeria. The objective was to examine the relationship between various digital banking policies and the effect on business financing. Time series data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin from 1992-2024. Multiple regression models were specifically estimated with the aid of econometrics view. The study modeled business financing as the function of Automated teller machine, Point of Sales and Electronic fund transfer. Ordinary least square methods of cointegration, unit root test and Vector error correction model was used. The study found that 40.1 percent movement in small business financing can be traced to variation in digital banking policy. The study found that point of sales have negative effect while electronic fund transfer and automated teller machine have positive effect on business financing in Nigeria. From the findings, the study concludes that digital banking does not significantly explained variation in small business financing in Nigeria. The study recommends that Central Bank of Nigeria should induce the variations of the bank liquidity policy. That the monetary authorities should ensure adequate quantity of money supply that positively affect private sector funding in Nigeria and the need to decentralize the operation of the banks in the urban cities. Policies should be formulated to extend the operation of the banks to the rural communities, this will enable the institutions to mobilize much deposit and increase credit to business organizations