Member Series: Bhutan – The Kingdom of Bhutan’s Financial Inclusion Journey

Financial inclusion in Bhutan is perceived as a means of achieving equitable and sustainable socio-economic development – a key pillar to the gross national happiness (GNH).

GNH is a development philosophy guided by measurement of the collective happiness in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The concept of GNH has largely enabled the promoting of focus on self-sufficiency, self-reliance, reduction of the gap between the rich and the poor, good governance and key empowerment of the citizens of Bhutan.

This report highlights Bhutan’s financial inclusion journey in terms of supportive regulations promoting financial inclusion, infrastructural access points, access to basic financial products and services, digital channels, alternative sources of financing, financial literacy, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan-AFI engagements and lessons learned.