In this study, structure of financial systems, optimal financial structures and their relationships with the real economy are examined in 23 emerging markets between 1980-2017, following the "new structuralism" view, in which optimal financial structures differ according to the economic development levels of the countries. Results of panel least squares and dynamic panel Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimators give evidence for the view that as economy of a country grows, financial system of that country becomes more market based. This study also documents that a deviation of a country's actual financial structure from the predicted optimal financial structure has a negative effect on the real economy. The financial structure that best suits an emerging market will differ from that of a developed market. Therefore, financial structure strategies that are tailor-made for individual emerging economies should be followed rather than mimicking the strategies of developed economies in order to achieve higher levels of economic development.