The Activities of Commercial Banks in the Field of Economic Education as a Method of Combating Financial Exclusion

Abstract

This article attempts to show the issues of economic education (with particular emphasis on actions taken by commercial enterprises from the banking sector) as one of the initiatives which are used to the fight against financial exclusion. Therefore, it discusses the network issues of interrelationships that exist between the solutions implemented in financial institutions and the financial exclusion phenomenon that takes place, not only in countries with lower levels of socio-economic development (including Poland), but also in highly-developed countries. Solutions referred to are contained within the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the activities of economic education, and through it helping to improve the economic awareness of citizens. It is also identifies the main reasons why commercial banks actively participate in the process of reducing the financial exclusion of society. In addition, an analysis of the solutions used by selected commercial banks in Poland for improving knowledge of the rapidly changing financial markets and their mechanisms and products offered on them was conducted. These bank activities, according to assumptions, should lead to positive habits and helping households make appropriate (rational) financial decisions. As a necessary supplement, changes in the activity of banks in the field of economic education which would be possible and desirable from the point of view of society and economy were presented.