Long-term finance has a fundamental role to play in generating higher growth and welfare. Without it, firms struggles to expand, households underinvest in their health and education, and economies miss out on critical infrastructure investments. The Global Financial Development Report 2015 | 2016 identifies the levers available to policy makers to promote greater access. It builds on the two previous Global Financial Development Reports to provide a nuanced, practical, and evidence-based approach to financial sector policy.