Effect of Formal Financial Sector on Financial Deepening in Nigeria

This study examined the effect of the formal financial sector on financial deepening in Nigeria for the period 2012Q1 to 2022Q3. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of deposit money bank development on financial deepening in Nigeria; to assess the effect of the insurance industry development on financial deepening in Nigeria; to determine the effect of stock market development on financial deepening in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design from the quarterly time series data generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin on deposit money bank development, insurance industry development, stock market development, and financial deepening. The data were analysed using the Johansen co-integration test and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares estimation. The findings showed that both deposit money bank development and insurance industry development have significant effects on financial deepening in Nigeria, but stock market development has an insignificant effect on financial deepening in Nigeria. It was recommended that Nigerian deposit money banks should employ strategies that will develop the industry, especially investing in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), such that most of its banking products and activities will be carried out seamlessly in the comfort of the customers. Furthermore, National Insurance Commission should create a regulatory framework that encourages the establishment of new insurance companies, promote transparency and accountability in the industry, and ensure that insurers have adequate capitalization. Finally, the Nigerian Exchange Group need to do more in getting companies listed.