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For EPPS Students

Econ Seminar

“Building bridges or raising walls: The impact of BigTech and Fintech Credit on Income Inequality” by Dr. Makram El-Shagi (Southern Methodist University-Economics)

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of digital credit—specifically BigTech credit and fintech credit—on income inequality across 42 countries from 2013 to 2019. We investigate both the direct impact of digital credit on inequality and the mediating role of financial inclusion. We propose a multi-equation model based on isometric log-ratio transformations of income shares, to estimate the shift in the entire Lorenz curve, while properly accounting for the often-ignored constraints inherent to the analysis of compositional data in the literature on inequality. The findings suggest that alternative digital credit generally reduces inequality by benefiting the poor and middle-income groups while reducing the top income share. Interaction results indicate that the inequality-reducing effect of BigTech and digital credit strengthens with stronger institutional quality, more financial openness, and economic development. In contrast, fintech credit intensifies inequality across institutional, openness, and development dimensions.

October 31, 2025 | 11:30 am | GR 2.326

Flyer for a Graduate Readiness Orientation & Workshop titled “Securing an Academic Career in the AI Era.” The event is on November 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in room GR 3.420. Featured speakers are Dr. Jonathan Pinckney, Director of Graduate Studies in Political Science, and Dr. Jonas Hedlund, Director of Graduate Studies in Economics. The session will discuss how AI is transforming academia and provide strategies for graduate students and early-career scholars. RSVP link: https://utd.link/GROW257
, with an option to scan a QR code. The event is part of the GROW 25.7 series hosted by EPPS.
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GROW 25.7

Securing an Academic Career in the AI Era

November 7, 2025 | 2 pm to 3 pm | GR 3.420

Please RSVP Here.

Open to All Students

View all UT Dallas events at the Comet Calendar.