ABSTRACT
Technology has brought unprecedented changes in the financial realm, and its benefits were evident during the times of COVID-19. Nonetheless, digital divide has kept fintech out of the reach of many. Digital financial exclusion needs practical solutions to bring positive attitudes and confidence to use fintech among these segments. This is an original work that suggests reverse fintech socialisation as a tool to create such confidence within the digitally excluded. Employing a cross-sectional design, a sample of 349 middle-aged mothers was drawn from Kerala, India to examine the relationships between attitude, reverse socialisation, and confidence to deal in fintech. Findings supported the hypothesised relations between these variables and revealed that attitude predicts reverse fintech socialisation, which has a very high influence on confidence. Age, income, and income earner in the family too were found significant for confidence. Findings imply that policymakers can formulate interventions that make use of the youth to create confidence within the digital immigrants to use fintech.
ABSTRACT
In the United States, the threat of COVID-19 as a public health problem was impossible to separate from the financial threat. From the start, the virus's circulation through human bodies intermingled with all the ways human lives had been defined by neoliberalism's economizing rationality. To unpack the convergence of the pandemic with neoliberal rationality, this article examines the financial advisory discourse produced by credit and fintech companies at the start of the pandemic, focusing on Equifax, Experian, and Mint. This messaging was replete with expressions of care, along with promises of institutional assistance. However, reading further it became clear the companies offered mostly financial self-help advice. The immediate turn to this type of messaging suggested how much the financial system depended on a collective continuation of the individual's sense of moral responsibility for financial self-management and creditworthiness, and especially diligent debt-payment.Alternate :Aux États-Unis la menace de la COVID-19 comme problème de santé publique était indissociable de la menace financière. Dès le début de la pandémie, la circulation du virus dans les corps humains s'est interposée avec toutes les façons dont les vies humaines ont été définies par la rationalité économisante du néolibéralisme. Pour éclaircir la convergence de la pandémie avec la rationalité néolibérale, le présent article examine les messages d'avis financiers produits par les entreprises de crédit et de technologie financière pendant la pandémie, notamment Equifax, Experian et Mint. Ces messages étaient emplis d'expression de soutien, avec des promesses d'aide institutionnelle. Cependant, une lecture plus attentive permet de voir que ces entreprises ont surtout offert des conseils visant l'auto-assistance financière. Le recours immédiat à ce type de message indique le degré auquel le système financier dépend sur la continuation collective du sens de responsabilité morale des personnes pour gérer eux-mêmes leurs finances et leur capacité de crédit, et particulièrement pour continuer à payer leurs dettes.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 quarantine measures impacted incomes, labour and housing situations in different ways, particularly in the domestic sphere. In Argentina, "financial inclusion" polices" were linked, on one hand to the "bankarization" of new sectors to access relief funds, and on the other to the proliferation of fintech to mediate the receipt of funds. Debt, as a way of privatizing the crisis in the ability to eat, protect and heal oneself, solves emergencies in the here and now and exploits and conditions future time. Household debt, as a specific articulation of gender mandates, extracts value from reproductive tasks. Household debt is also an index of public debt, its cascading down the social hierarchy, and, as such, allows for a simultaneous analysis of the micro and macro planes. Even prior to the health emergency, the expansion of financial technologies targeting the most precarious sectors was becoming an accelerator for taking out non-banking debt.Alternate :Les mesures de confinement imposées par la pandémie de COVID-19 ont affecté les revenus, l'emploi et le logement de différentes manières, en particulier dans la sphère domestique. En Argentine, les « mesures de solidarité financière » ont été associées, d'une part, à la bancarisation de nouveaux secteurs dans le but de leur donner accès aux fonds de secours, et, d'autre part, à la prolifération des technologies financières qui permettent de recevoir ces fonds. L'endettement, en tant que moyen de privatiser une crise qui nuit à la capacité de se nourrir, de se protéger et de se soigner, résout les urgences immédiates ;il exploite l'avenir et l'assujettit à des conditions. La dette des ménages, comprise comme une branche particulière des obligations liées au genre, extrait une valeur des tâches reproductives. La dette des ménages est également indicatrice de la dette publique et de sa transmission vers le bas de la hiérarchie sociale et, en ce sens, elle permet l'analyse simultanée des niveaux micro et macro. Même avant la crise sanitaire, l'expansion des technologies financières ciblant les secteurs les plus précaires était en train d'accélérer l'endettement non bancaire.
ABSTRACT
The technological advancements of the last couple of years combined with the unique situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic made the customer more open to the digitalization of several financial services and procedures in order to further reduce the need for face-to-face interaction. The financial technology companies found themselves in the position to leverage advancements in fields such as data analytics and artificial intelligence as well as the new financial paradigm brought by blockchain technology thus making technological innovation a top priority to meet these new customer needs. As the tendency of the financial sector as a whole to further embrace digitalization becomes more apparent, so does the protection of customer data become more complex as cyber-attack vectors increase in complexity aided by an ever-expanding attack surface. We argue that the rapid pace in which technological advancements are adopted in the financial services sector must be accompanied by responsible cyber security policies and regulations enforced from both the technological and human standpoints. We will provide an overview on the pace in which cybercrime in the financial sector grew in intensity as FinTech moved towards an end-to-end approach, the most common cyber threats which affect the financial sector as well as why cyber threat management should not be limited to a reactionary approach.
ABSTRACT
Nothing has ravaged the global community in recent times like the dreaded corona virus (COVID -19). The virus, though of Chinese origin was transported into Nigeria through an Italian ship. This paper therefore appraises COVID -19 pandemic and anti-cybercrimes crusade in Nigeria: changing the narratives for a better enforcement regime. The paper trenchantly posits that, COVID-19 pandemic is a blessing in disguise as it brought to fore the underlying ineffectiveness that surrounds Nigeria's administrative, institutional and legal architecture for combating cybercrimes. It is also the position of the paper that, during the lock-down (occasioned by the pandemic), there was an exponential increase in cases of cybercrimes in the country as a result of poor enforcement mechanisms, corruption, greed, poverty, lack of expertise, unemployment and the skewed undying quest for wealth. The paper makes a case for a total overhauling of the legal and institutional regime for cybercrimes combat so as to be at par with countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, China and the United Arab Emirate (UAE). The paper adopts the doctrinal research approach;primary and secondary materials were sourced and used. These materials include statutes, case laws, articles published in reputable journals, reports of renowned bodies, newspapers publication amongst others.
ABSTRACT
Pandemik COVID-19 secara tidak langsung telah mempercepatkan peralihan gaya hidup kepada masyarakat tanpa tunai dan penerapan transaksi pembayaran secara digital. Namun berbanding saluran pembayaran digital sedia ada, tahap penerimaan e-dompet dalam kalangan pengguna di Malaysia masih rendah. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti faktor yang mempengaruhi niat penggunaan e-dompet dalam kalangan pengguna di Malaysia pasca pandemik COVID-19. Kajian ini mengintegrasikan model Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) dan Mental Accounting Theory (MAT) dengan mengambil kira faktor tambahan persepsi faedah, persepsi keselamatan dan kepercayaan. Ia menggunakan teknik persampelan bertujuan dan mengumpulkan 303 respon melalui tinjauan soal-selidik. Berdasarkan analisis PLS-SEM, dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa persepsi faedah, persepsi keselamatan, kepercayaan dan pengaruh sosial memberi kesan positif ke atas niat penggunaan e-dompet. Manakala kesan jangkaan prestasi dan jangkaan usaha adalah tidak signifikan. Kajian ini dapat menyediakan maklumat kepada pihak industri untuk memahami tingkah laku pengguna pasca pandemik bagi membangunkan strategi perniagaan dan aplikasi pembayaran secara digital seperti menambah baik reka bentuk, kandungan, sistem dan fitur e-dompet.Alternate :The COVID-19 pandemic has indirectly accelerated the lifestyle transition to a cashless society and the application of digital payment transactions. However, compared to existing digital payment channels, the acceptance of e-wallets among consumers in Malaysia is still minimal. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors affecting the consumers ' intention to use e-wallets during the post-COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Mental Accounting Theory (MA T) models by considering additional factors ofperceived benefit, perceived security, and trust. It uses the purposive sampling technique and collected 303 responses through a survey. Based on the PLS-SEM analysis, the findings indicate that perceived benefits, perceived security, trust, and social influence positively impact the intention to use e-wallets. Meanwhile, the effects of performance expectation and effort expectation are not significant. This study provides knowledge to the industry to understand consumer behaviour during postpandemic to develop business strategies and digital payment applications such as by enhancing e-wallet design, content, system and features.
ABSTRACT
According to Oxford Dictionary, fintech is computer programs and other technology used to provide banking and financial services. [...]this behavior will lead to a high-risk decision. H4: Conscientiousness is negatively associated with high-risk debt management choices. 2.1.5 Neuroticism In contrast with conscientiousness, Caspi & Shiner (2006) defined neuroticism as the frequent experience of negative emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness. [...]it may increase the risk of an internalizing problem because highly neurotic individuals frequently experience the negative emotions that underlie such disorders as anxiety and depression. In this study, we divide financial literacy into three components: financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial behavior. [...]the finding leads to the following hypothesis:
ABSTRACT
Countries can be assisted through a separate 'Financial Investment, Regulatory, Social and Technology' (FIRST) agenda with emerging markets benefiting from a dedicated 'Sustainable Assistance Finance and Engagement' (SAFE) program with climate protection secured through a parallel 'Sustainable Assistance and Value Enterprise' (SAVE) agenda. The purpose would be to create a set of essential global minimum measures or key 'Global Objectives and Absolute Living Standards' (GOALS) based on a 'Core Objectives, Directions, Ethics' (CODE) statement or primary set of 'Conduct Objectives Regulations and Ethics' (CORE). Financial markets are core components within any modern economy and society with market risk and exposures and other internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) threats having to be built into any larger new systems examination and architecture.10 This also requires the adoption of a longer, and inter-generational11 or monumental approach,12 rather than short-term planning perspective to respond to emergent threats and continuing larger global problems. Financial markets and financial regulation have been developed to manage specific forms of identifiable risk as well as more peripheral exposures that may impact on market function and market stability.13 Financial institutions attempt to identify a full range of possible exposures, and to deal with these either directly through risk management systems and controls, including with capital, liquidity, and leverage constraints;or indirectly through the maintenance of appropriate continuity and support management systems.14 These include new Recovery and Resolution Programs (RRPs) and Special Resolution Regimes (SRRs).15 Financial regulation has traditionally been either micro, market and sector specific, or macro focused, which assesses the financial system as a whole.16 Other more subtle forms of exposure can be identified between these with new additional forms of prudential, or subprudential, regulation being developed.17 A number of recommendations can be made to construct new, more effective and efficient types of market regulation and control.
ABSTRACT
[...]the paper looks at cyber risk in the Fintech landscape as the latest and potentially greatest threat springing from these turbulent and uncertain times. [...]many people are concerned about privacy issues, the trustworthiness of the systems, cybersecurity and any potential exposure to cyberattacks. The Financial Stability Board (FSB, n.d.) defines Fintech as "technologically enabled innovation in financial services that could result in new business models, applications, processes or products with an associated material effect on financial markets and institutions and the provision of financial services". [...]despite the beneficial sides of Fintech and its contribution to financial inclusion, there are risks that go hand in hand with digital financial innovations and they require careful attention by regulators, providers and consumers.
ABSTRACT
Earlier literature has shown that the implementation of FinTech innovations is not only determined by banks, financial institutions, or government support, but also by the perception and experiences of FinTech users. FinTech research has shown encouraging findings from scholars in developed countries. However, little is known about the users’ acceptance and use of FinTech in Jordan. The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of users’ intentions and e-Loyalty toward FinTech adoption in Jordan post the COVID-19 era. A conceptual framework was developed by integrating the four original constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), namely performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC), with three additional factors: personal innovativeness (PI), financial literacy (FL), and uncertainty avoidance (UA). In addition, the proposed model considered the e-Loyalty of FinTech users as a consequence of having a good FinTech experience. A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional online questionnaire was applied to collect data from 423 FinTech users. Data were analyzed utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) based on AMOS 26.0 software package. The findings revealed that UA has a moderating effect on the relationship between FC and users’ intentions. Also, PI has a significant impact on PE and EE. While PE, SI, and FC are factors that enhance behavioral intentions. In return, it builds users’ e-Loyalty toward FinTech services and is deemed a new normal behavior. This study may help FinTech service providers and policymakers better understand the, currently relatively low, usage rate of FinTech, and how it contributes to the development of strategies that boost the acceptance and e-Loyalty of FinTech by Jordanian users after the COVID-19 era, where FinTech is still considered an innovation.
ABSTRACT
Purpose>This study explores the relationship between financial literacy and quality of life (QoL). The study further examines the mediating effect of fintech adoption and the moderating effect of leisure on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL.Design/methodology/approach>Using convenience sampling, 345 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey. To test the moderated mediation hypotheses, the PROCESS macro was used.Findings>The results reveal the mediating effect of fintech adoption on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL, highlighting the importance of digital literacy in an increasingly digitalized society. Moreover, leisure moderates the mediating relationship. Individuals with high leisure are more likely to perceive the uncertainties and risks associated with new technology optimistically – an observation supported by existing literature on the relationships among leisure, perceived freedom, and internal locus of control.Practical implications>Financial literacy must incorporate digital literacy in order to utilize innovative technology for more efficient financial management. Additionally, having a sense of control over life outcomes can lead to well-being.Originality/value>Previous research on fintech adoption is mostly related to financial inclusion for the unbanked population in underprivileged rural areas. Here, fintech usage by the general public is the focus. The study also reveals the significance of leisure, as those who have high financial literacy are more likely to adopt fintech when they have more freedom in their lives, which leads to higher QoL.Peer review>The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0633.
ABSTRACT
FinTech has not only become a buzzword but also brought several business opportunities in the financial world, with the potential to increase financial inclusion, enhance people's daily lives, and spur growth. The issue of online buyers' knowledge about FinTech adoption has emerged from the rapid trend of digital technology in Kathmandu Valley. It also suggests that demographic variables (age and gender) and digital activity (internet experience and level of awareness) mitigate the major correlations. This paper aims to understand online grocery buyers' prior knowledge imprint in FinTech adoption during COVID-19 lockdowns. An exploratory research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of structural equation modeling. We find that the most respondents are aged twenty-one to forty, showing that most youth are attracted to technological innovation in FinTech (e-commerce and e-banking). We find that two-thirds of online buyers in Kathmandu Valley are facing the challenge of FinTech adoption due to slow internet and lack of awareness about its applications. The structural equation modeling shows that six out of eight constructs are fit and validated with the model. Attitude has a significant effect on actual purchases, whereas trust does not play a partial mediating role between dependent and independent variables. The internet as a digital marketplace has become an important part of marketing strategy and customer-relationship management. Thus, internet issues should be solved immediately with stable connections by internet service providers.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The Egyptian banking sector adopts an expansion strategy in the field of digital transformation to face the competition resulting from the entry of ICT companies, the repercussions of the Corona virus and the spread of financial technology companies in the banking services market. This trend offers multiple benefits to banks and customers, including ease of conducting transactions, reducing operating expenses, and meeting the needs of customers who prefer banking transactions via the Internet and smart phones, On the other hand, it introduces wide changes to the size and quality of banking jobs in the future, and threatens the disappearance of some of them ,therefore this study analyses empirical evidence of the impact of the digital transformation on staffing strategy in the Egyptian banking sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study depends on the analysis of secondary data obtained from the reports of the Central Bank of Egypt on the indicators of digital transformation and the number and quality of banking staffs during the period from 20162021, using the analysis of correlation and regression coefficients. Findings: The results of the study indicate that there is no negative impact of digital transformation on new staffing operations in the short term, because the rate of bank penetration into the banking services market is still low and therefore Egyptian banks are expanding their traditional branch network alongside digital banking services channels. This transformation has also created a new type of job that keeps pace with banking digitalization, while in the long term digital transformation threatens the disappearance of some jobs to be replaced by artificial intelligence, internet banking, mobile banking and electronic wallets. Originality/Value: The novelty of this study is to examine the relationship between digital transformation indictors and the size and quality of staffing in the Egyptian banking sector. Practical Implications: The importance of this study is to provide recommendations to the HR management in Egyptian banks to deal proactively to deal with the potential impacts of digital transformation in the banking sector. Limitations/implications: There are limitations to the results of this study represented in the insufficiency of the study period, and there are many factors affecting the size and quality of employees in the banking sector other than digital transformation. In addition, the study relied on the method of quantitative analysis of the study variables. Hence further studies can be carried out with different methodologies such as surveys, case studies and qualitative analysis methods
ABSTRACT
Although NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and cryptocurrencies are active on the same market, their prices are not so closely related over time. The objective of this paper is to identify the relationship between the two types of assets (NFTs and the cryptocurrencies Ethereum, Crypto Coin, and Bitcoin), using data for the period between September 2020 until February 2022. The conclusions of the study are useful for cryptocurrency and NFT issuers, but also for investors on the financial market who are reconfiguring their portfolios with increasing frequency, and use these new assets for speculative or hedging purposes based on blockchain technology. The results highlighted relationships between NFTs and Ethereum, between Ethereum and Crypto Coin, and between Bitcoin and Ethereum, Ethereum being a bridge between all four. Therefore, NFTs present a relationship with Ethereum, the NFTs price had a causal effect on the price of Ethereum.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect of experience quality on loyalty to digital wallet users. The financial sector plays a role as a driving force for growth in the real sector, which can be done through capital accumulation and technological innovation. The novelty in this research is the addition of brand image and satisfaction variables as a mediation that has not been studied before. There are still inconsistencies in the results of previous studies regarding the direct effect of experience quality on loyalty. This study uses explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The sample size is 120 respondents to digital wallet users in Malang City. The purposive sampling method is the sampling technique in this study. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least square (SEM-PLS). The results of this study indicate that experience quality can directly improve brand image and satisfaction. Interestingly, this study found that experience quality directly did not have a significant effect on loyalty. The need to pay attention to service is the main key to customer satisfaction and brand image so that they can be loyal to digital wallet products.
ABSTRACT
Reqemsal bankçılıq pandemiyanın yayıldığı ve mehz banklara ehtiyac duyulduğu bir dövrde hem ölkeye, hemde ölke vetendaşlarına elverişli mühit yaradır. Mehz bu sebebden reqemsal bankçılığın inkişaf etdirilmesi ve bu sahede olan problemlerin helli dövrümüzün en aktual meselelerinden biridir. Meqalenin meqsediCOVÍD-19 pandemiyasının reqemsal bank xidmetlerine tesirini öyrenmekdir. Tedqiqat işinde analiz, sintez, qruplaşdırma, müqayise ve qrafik tedqiqat metodları kimi elmi metod ve üsullardan istifade edilmişdir. Meqalenin informasiya bazasınıAzerbaycan Respublikasının Merkezi Bankının ve kommersiya banklarının resmi saytlarında yerleşdirilmiş elektron melumatlar, Azerbaycan Dövlet Statistika Komitesinin statistik melumatları, o cümleden BVF ve Dünya Bankının hesabatları, deloittenin resmi melumatları, habele bu mövzuda yazılmış meqale ve derslikler teşkil edir. Covid-19 pandemiyası ile elaqedar praktiki olaraq materialların toplanmasında çetinlikler yaranmışdır. Bundan elave mövzu ile elaqedar yerli alimlerin araşdırmalarının ve Azerbaycan dilinde menbelerin azlığı da tedqiqatın mehdudiyyetleri kimi qebul edile biler. Tedqiqat işinin praktiki ehemiyyeti pandemiya şeraitinde reqemsal bankçılığın ehemiyyetinin esaslandırılması ile müeyyen olunur. Tedqiqatın işinin fundamental müddeaları ve neticeleri ölkenin bank sisteminin modernleşdirilmesi prosesinde istifade oluna biler.Alternate :Digital banking creates a favorable environment for both the country and its citizens at a time when the pandemic is spreading and banks are needed. That is why the development of digital banking and the solution of problems in this area is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The purpose of the thesis is to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital banking services. Scientific methods and techniques such as analysis, synthesis, grouping, comparison and graphical research methods were used in the research work. The research database consists of electronic data posted on the official websites of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and commercial banks, statistical data of the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, including IMF and World Bank reports, official data of the Deloitte, as well as articles and textbooks. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were practical difficulties in collecting materials. In addition, the lack of research by local scholars on the subject and the lack of sources in the Azerbaijani language can also be seen as a limitation of research.
ABSTRACT
Purpose>The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence customers’ adoption of biometric-based point-of-sale in Brunei.Design/methodology/approach>This paper extends technology acceptance model constructs with trust and some other variables as the framework to investigate their influence on the attitude toward the usage of a biometric point-of-sale terminal for payments in Brunei. Nine variables may influence user’s perception toward usage. The nine variables are needed, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, experience, innovativeness, privacy, security, trust and attitude toward usage. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses related to these nine variables.Findings>It is found that the innovativeness of an individual and similar experience corresponds toward trust, which is positively related to attitude toward usage. Perceived usefulness and trust have significantly influenced the intention of individuals to use biometrics as an authentication method for payment.Research limitations/implications>The nature of this research is to gather the public’s opinion and perception as much as it is deemed possible to get a bigger and clearer picture of the study. As the target respondence is citizens and residents of Brunei without any specification or exclusion, a large response would be needed to have a more reliable and accurate result. However, only 205 respondents can be gathered in this study. Had there been a longer time frame, it would be best to gather a lot more responses.Originality/value>This paper explores the adoption of biometric authentication in large-scale point-of-terminals. It identifies factors that influence adoption. The results of this study could assist future researchers in which direction to take to further explore biometric as an authentication method for payment. In addition to this, it could also provide banks and financial technology in Brunei a clearer picture of the Brunei market and Bruneians perspective on the biometric system.
ABSTRACT
E-payments have been around since 2013, and they're a great option for folks who want to do business from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they happen to be today. Using Fintech has made financial transactions easier and faster. When it comes to Fintech, for example, Bank Indonesia has provided security, orderliness, and evaluation of business actors. As a result of their perceived utility and convenience of use, e-payments are considered the greatest financial service solution amid the present covid epidemic, according to this survey. Data from surveys and interviews was analyzed with the help of Smart PLS. Covid-19 has impacted 100 Muslim communities in Makassar City, Indonesia, since March 2019, and these groups have been using electronic payment methods since then. Researchers concluded that three of the five examined direct connections were highly significant. the perceived utility, the perceived ease of use, and the perceived usefulness of something to a certain audience Other than attitudes toward perceived utility and attitudes toward the public interest, neither of these other two associations has a major impact.
ABSTRACT
The FinTech industry has exhibited very high growth levels since the Global Economic and Financial Crisis of 2008. The sector growth has been accelerated because of the disruption caused by COVID-19 and that derived in the global health crisis, a crisis with significant implications for global economic stability. To examine the risk profile of FinTech firms, the CRISP-DM methodology was followed to aid in the implementation of clustering and classification algorithms, combined with time series regression models. This research paper offers insights on financial risk assessment by combining machine learning techniques and traditional econometric modeling to acknowledge challenges associated with the analysis of time series in the financial context and framed in the US FinTech sector. The main findings revealed a lack of significant differences between the FinTech and Non-FinTech firms in the US stock market. The results were surprising as the FinTech sector's speed of development and fast changes in financial innovation have led to the emergence of significant risks that do not seem to be captured by the examined market and firm-specific data sets. The research outcomes point to a substantial vacuum on the regulatory framework at both national and international levels to ensure efficient FinTech governance and adequate industry development amid very ambitious growing prospects.
ABSTRACT
Purpose>This paper aims to focus on the relation between digital transformation and banks’ reputation, as examined through the information disclosed by the five largest Italian banking groups’ efforts to extend and enhance their digital resources. Considering digitalization as a key strategy for managing reputation, which, in turn, can leverage financial and value performance management, the paper investigates whether and how digital activities might affect banks’ reputation. Therefore, this paper proposes the relationship between digitalization and reputation as a lever for performance management and for increasing efficiency.Design/methodology/approach>The authors use content analysis to generate a digital disclosure index, categorizing activities human, structural and relational. For banks’ reputations, the proxies are a measure of corporate reputation and a reputational risk index. Methodologically the study used multiple case studies, considered as particularly suitable to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic in the case of the five banks. A collection of secondary data and semi-structured interviews are included.Findings>Overall, the digitalization-reputation link shows that banks’ reputation is variously affected, not only by exposure to risk (including reputational risk) but also by strategic issues such as digitalization and the effectiveness of the corresponding communication. Consequently, banks should view digitalization as a key driver to be considered not in a stand-alone perspective, but in a combined approach.Research limitations/implications>Continued research should include the Covid-19 implications. Additionally, it would be important to compare a larger number of banks, with different characteristics, also including variables indicating the corporate governance mechanisms.Practical implications>The analysis contributes to fostering scholars’ and practitioners’ management of the digital transformation challenge that is a current key-factor, capable of increasing banks’ value. It considers not only the drivers directly affecting monetary value but also the institutions’ social and relational value, as well as their reputation.Originality/value>This paper extends prior research on the digitalization-reputation relation by investigating digital transformation through disclosure of activities in this area within the Italian banking sector. It allows to leverage the key-factors that can contribute to increasing banks’ value, considering not only the drivers directly affecting monetary value but also the institutions’ social and relational value, as well as their reputation.