The concept of financial inclusion The definition of financial inclusion is considered crucial from the point of view of developing a conceptual framework and identifying the underlying factors leading to a low level of access to the financial system. A review of the literature suggests that there is no universally accepted definition of financial inclusion. Because measuring inclusion is perceived as difficult, financial inclusion is generally defined in terms of exclusion from the financial system. The first discussions on financial exclusion were preceded by social exclusion and focused predominantly on the issue of geographical access to financial services, particularly banking outlets (Leyshon and Thrift, 1993). However, financial exclusion is not just about physical access caused by the changing topography of financial services. Therefore, the debate has now broadened to include all types of people who make little or no use of financial services and the processes of financial exclusion (Ford and Rowlingson, 1996; Kempson and Whyley, 1998). Definitive aspects of financial inclusion/exclusionInstit...