In this paper we critically re-examined the different theories and empirical evidences on thernrelationship between financial development, economic growth and poverty reduction with arnview to identifying some outstanding issues.rnThe findings from this review imply that financial sector development is import ant for growthrnand poverty reduction, and that without it development may be held back, even if otherrnconditions are met, suggesting that greater emphasis should be placed on promoting financialrnsector development, improving substantially the efficiency of the financial sector, andrnimproving access to financial services for the poor