2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Research on the Factors Driving Financial Over-Indebtedness and the Impacts of the Interest Rate Ceiling on the Microfinance Sector: The Cambodian Case and International Comparison Analysis
| Project/Area Number |
18K01604
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| Research Institution | Saitama University |
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Principal Investigator |
サムレト ソワンルン 埼玉大学, 人文社会科学研究科, 准教授 (90614371)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | Interest rate ceiling / Financial inclusion / Microfinance |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This study explores the impact of implementing an interest rate ceiling in Cambodia’s microfinance sector. We deepened our understanding of these effects by continuing to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature in FY2022, covering both developed and developing countries.
The implementation of a legal interest rate ceiling can significantly influence various aspects of the financial sector. Numerous studies have pointed towards potential negative consequences for financial inclusion, particularly for borrowers who require smaller loans. However, the role of this legal ceiling in protecting borrowers is also widely acknowledged. In relation to Cambodia, some prior studies suggested that the average effective interest rate might not decrease, as lower rates imposed by the legal ceiling could be offset by increased loan assessment and processing fees. Nevertheless, our sophisticated analysis of data from a household survey indicated a decrease in the average effective interest rate of microfinance loans following the introduction of the ceiling.
To disseminate our findings and engage in intellectual exchange with other researchers, we presented our research at an international academic conference in Singapore on August 2, 2022. The presentation was conducted face-to-face.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
For FY2022, the research activities included a comprehensive literature review and an investigation of case studies from other countries for a comparative analysis. This investigation was to be conducted through interviews and discussions with researchers and experts in the relevant countries. We managed to accomplish these objectives to a considerable extent. However, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout FY2022 did pose some challenges, particularly impacting our research trips abroad and causing delays in our planned activities.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In FY2023, international travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted. Our plan involves examining case studies from other countries, which will necessitate traveling to those locations to engage in interviews and discussions with researchers and experts in relevant fields. Additionally, we plan to participate in academic workshops or conferences to disseminate our research findings. Another aspect of our plan involves a research collaboration with researchers at institutions in Cambodia.
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| Causes of Carryover |
During FY2022, despite the improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic situation, international travel restrictions were not entirely lifted. This hindered our field research trips to relevant countries for interviews and discussions with local researchers and experts. However, in FY2023, these restrictions have been almost entirely lifted. The amount incurred from FY2022 will be used for these activities.
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