The Focus Note “Emerging Perspectives on Youth Savings”examines the role of finance in the lives of low-income youth in developing countries. As the first CGAP publication on the topic of youth savings, the paper presents the latest perspectives on the importance of savings for the youth market segment.

The paper focuses on the opportunities and challenges of offering savings services to youth from the perspectives of policy makers and financial service providers. The premise behind the policy case for offering savings accounts to youth is straightforward: youth savings can promote asset-building, instill good financial habits and improve a country’s overall gross savings rate. The business case for financial service providers is gaining loyal, long-term customers who will use a range of products over their lifecycle.