Experiments and quasi-experiments in Islamic microfinance: New evidence on outreach, use and savings

Recently, Islamic microfinance has gained considerable attention. Yet, it lacks formal analyses probably because there is no comprehensive database. Consequently, little is known about the use of Islamic microfinance by individuals. This thesis considers the challenge of constructing a novel dataset in a global context as well as investigates the behaviors of Muslim clients at an individual level. For this purpose, the thesis employs experimental approaches for in-depth formal analysis and provides valuable insights to inform researchers as well as decision-makers in the context of economic development.
The first half of the dissertation gathers information about Islamic microfinance by using an online survey experiment and identifies the presence of Islamic microfinance institutions (MFIs). Findings reveal that Islamic MFIs are expanding beyond the Muslim countries and non-Islamic MFIs have started to offer Islamic financial products. The second half of the dissertation investigates the financial decision making of individuals by using field experiments. Results show that religious and cultural factors play an important role in the financial decision making of individuals.