Leora Klapper is a Lead Economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank. She is a founder of the Global Findex database, co-editor of the World Bank Economic Review, and was Director of the 2022 World Development Report, Finance for an Equitable Recovery. She has published widely in refereed journals on corporate and household finance, fintech, banking, and entrepreneurship. Her current research studies the impact of digital financial services and connectivity on firms and households. Previously, she worked at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Salomon Smith Barney. She holds a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from New York University Stern School of Business.
Recent work by Leora Klapper
-
Understanding mobile phone and internet use across the world
The World Bank’s Digital Connectivity Tracker reveals that while mobile phone and internet access are expanding rapidly across developing economies, significant inequalities persist – especially for women, low-income, and rural populations – making smartphone ownership a key determinant of digital inclusion.
Published 07.11.25
-
Learning to navigate a new financial technology: Evidence from Bangladesh
How do consumers learn to navigate a new financial technology? An experiment with workers from Bangladesh suggests that experience makes a difference
Published 02.04.21
-
Learning-by-doing: Navigating financial technologies among Bangladeshi factory workers
How automatic payments can help individuals save more and better protect themselves against consumer risks
Published 02.02.21