Post COVID-19 and the Acceptance of Financial Inclusion as a New Normal in Financial Transactions: Implications for Nigerian Accountants and Other Financial Service Providers

Abstract

This study examined the preparedness of financial service providers to launch into the post COVID-19 era, using financial inclusion as a new normal in their clients’ financial needs. The study adopted the survey research design, using a judgmental sampling technique. The questionnaire was used as the method of collecting data from 102 respondents, drawn from accounting firms, insurance companies, financial houses and pension fund administrators in Nigeria. With the aid of descriptive and inferential statistics, the hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the socio-economic development structure in Nigeria and the acceptance of financial inclusion as a new normal in financial transactions. It was recommended that the public and private financial institutions be ready to provide the enabling environment for financial technology to thrive as a driver for financial inclusion in the Nigerian developing economy. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, financial technology, financial inclusion, new normal, financial service providers