Drawing on original data from 724 couples in Nairobi, Kenya, this policy brief examines how individuals value financial privacy and transparency within their relationships. The study finds considerable variation in preferences, with some individuals willing to give up income to keep financial information private, and others willing to do so in order to make it visible to their spouse instead. The brief explores the motivations behind these choices, including maintaining financial autonomy, managing household spending more effectively, planning ahead for emergencies, supporting extended family members, building trust between partners, and facilitating smoother joint decision-making. It also offers practical recommendations for digital financial service providers, policymakers, and researchers on designing financial products, services, and policies that can better accommodate differing individual preferences for privacy and transparency in intimate relationships.
Type: Policy Brief
Publisher: BIGD
Year: 2026
