The Impact of the Financial System Size on Sustainable Development

Authors

Keywords:

banking sector, financial depth, financial integration, financial system, sustainable development

Abstract

The present article delves into the relationship between the size of national financial systems and the level of countries’ sustainable development. The research’s relevance and importance are justified by the need to meet sustainability standards in society development and the crucial role of financial systems in the generative processes of sustainable development. The authors’ objectives were to establish the relationship between financial system size, measured through financial depth, and the sustainability level of national economies; measure the correlation between financial system depth and macroeconomic and financial parameters; and develop practical solutions to counter the negative impact of the financial system in the Republic of Moldova, which is characterized by insufficient financial depth, on national economy sustainability. The research process involved the application of system research methods and models, as well as analysis and synthesis, correlation analysis, factor analysis, dynamic analysis, and expert analysis. The article underscores the importance of financial integration at the regional level, the increase of foreign ownership of financial intermediaries, and the adaptation of regulations to the specifics of small financial systems, all of which have significant practical implications.

Author Biography

Angela Secrieru, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova

Professor, PhD., Faculty of Finance, Department of Investment and Banking

References

Almanaseer, S. R. (2023). The relationship between financial integration and financial stability: an application of panel smooth transition model. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(5), 1-22.

Arcand, J.-L., Berkes, E., & Panizza, U. (2012). Too much finance? Working Paper No. 12/161. IMF. Retrieved from https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2012/wp12161.pdf.

Cecchetti, S., & Kharroubi, E. (2012). Reassessing the impact of finance on growth. Working Paper No. 381. Monetary and Economic Department, Bank for International Settlements. https://www.bis.org/publ/work381.pdf.

European Commission. (2023). Commission Staff Working Document: Republic of Moldova 2023 Report. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Retrieved from https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-11/SWD_2023_698%20Moldova%20report.pdf.

Fang, X., & Yu, J. (2014). The promoting effect of financial development on economic growth: evidence from China. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 50(1), 34-50. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276003644_The_Promoting_Effect_of_Financial_Development_on_Economic_Growth_Evidence_from_China.

Goldsmith, R. W. (1969). Financial Structure and Development. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/financialstructu0000gold/page/570/mode/thumb.

Hassan, K., Sanchez, B., & Yu, J.-S. (2011). Financial development and economic growth: new evidence from panel data. The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, 51, 88-104. Retrieved from https://www.sesric.org/imgs/news/image/585-paper-4.pdf.

Kaya, H. D. (2020). The Depth of the Financial System: A Comparison of Developed and Less Developed Countries. Financial Markets, Institutions and Risks, 4(4). 109-118. Retrieved from https://armgpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/9-1.pdf.

King, R. G. & Levine, R. (1993). Finance and growth: Schumpeter might be right. Quarterly Journal of Economics. 108(3), 717-737. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24091420_Finance_and_Growth_Schumpeter_Might_Be_Right.

Levine, R., & Zervos, S. (1998). Stock Markets, Banks, and Economic Growth. The American Economic Review, 88(3), 537-558. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4901422_Stock_Markets_Banks_and_Economic_Growth.

Lucas, R. E. (1988). On the mechanics of economic development. Journal of Monetary Economics. 22(1), 3-42. Retrieved from https://www.parisschoolofeconomics.eu/docs/darcillon-thibault/lucasmechanicseconomicgrowth.pdf.

McKinnon, R. I. (1973). Money and Capital in Economic Development. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution.

National Bank of Moldova. (2023). Planul Strategic al Băncii Naționale a Moldovei „BNM 2025”/Strategic Plan of the National Bank of Moldova “NBM 2025”. Retrieved from https://www.bnm.md/ro/printpdf/content/planul-strategic-al-bancii-nationale-moldovei-bnm-2025.

National Bank of Moldova. (2025, February). Interactive Database of the National Bank of Moldova. Retrieved from https://www.bnm.md/bdi/pages/reports/drsb/DRSB1.xhtml?id=0&lang=ro.

National Bank of Romania. (2024). Raport asupra stabilității financiare: iunie 2024/Financial Stability Report: June 2024. Retrieved from https://www.bnr.ro/Publicatii-periodice-204.aspx#ctl00_ctl00_CPH1_CPH1_19966_lnkTitle.

Shaw, E. S. (1973). Financial Deeping in Economic Development. New York: Oxford University Press.

Sheridan, N., Schipke, A., George, S. M., & Beddies, C. H. (2004). Capital Markets and Financial Intermediation in The Baltics. International Monetary Fund.

Take Profit. (n.d.). Take-profit statistics. Retrieved from https://take-profit.org/en/statistics/money-supply-m1/.

US Department of State. (2023). Investment Climate Statements: Moldova. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/moldova/.

World Bank Group. (2016). Key Terms Explained. The World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/gfdr/gfdr-2016/background/financial-development.

World Bank Group. (n.d.). DataBank. The World Bank. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FM.LBL.BMNY.GD.ZS?view=chart.

Downloads

Published

2025-04-04

How to Cite

Kenig, E., & Secrieru, A. (2025). The Impact of the Financial System Size on Sustainable Development. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, 21(2), 37–51. Retrieved from https://dj.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/AUDOE/article/view/3140

Issue

Section

Articles