International Journal of Financial Studies

The EU has consistently tackled the challenge of energy poverty (EP) through various legislative and non-legislative measures, particularly in the context of ongoing energy crisis, but it should also support the reduction of income inequality that might accelerate EP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of income inequality on EP and other interconnected indicators in the EU in the period 2005–2023 using method of moments quantile (MMQ) regression and mean group (MG) estimators. The results suggest that income inequality based on Gini index enhances energy poverty, while gender pay gap, economic growth, and urban population reduce it. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and renewable energy consumption (REC) might combat EP only in the long-run. These findings suggest that macroeconomic policies should focus not only on economic growth, but also on addressing income inequalities. Policymakers must prioritize measures to reduce income inequality, such as progressive taxation or targeted social programs. Full article

Behavioral risk management is an increasingly important consideration in investment strategies, as research has shown that investor psychology can significantly impact portfolio performance. This study examines how psychological variables influence investing choices and the effects that these actions have on risk mitigation and overall investment performance. The primary respondents for this study were the employees of Takoradi Technical University. Partial Least Square Structural Modeling was adopted for the data processing, analysis, and testing of the study’s hypotheses. The study’s findings, which were based on a carefully chosen sample of 348 investors, showed that investigating behavioral risk management in investment strategies is an effective method for thoroughly comprehending and utilizing investors’ psychology to maximize risk management procedures and enhance investment results in dynamic financial markets. Seven hypotheses were deemed insignificant, and five were considered significant. This study is limited by its exclusive focus on only one technical university. This study augmented the growing corpus of research on risk management in investment strategies. Full article

Corporate taxation assumes a pivotal role in all economies, as it constitutes a substantial source of revenue for governmental agencies tasked with fulfilling social obligations. Nonetheless, modifications in financial policies and the unpredictability of macroeconomic factors result in a significant decline in this vital revenue source for the government. This study examines the financial determinants influencing corporate tax revenue in Nigeria from 1990 to 2022. In this analysis, the broad money supply, access to credit by the private sector, borrowing costs, and exchange rates are utilized as independent variables, while corporate tax revenue serves as the dependent variable. Data pertinent to this investigation on corporate income tax are sourced from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, whereas information regarding the broad money supply and credit extended to the private sector is acquired from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Additionally, statistical data on interest and exchange rates are gathered from the World Bank. This investigation applies autoregressive distributed lag and error correction models, acknowledging the existence of a long-term relationship within the series. The significant findings indicate that the broad money supply positively and significantly affects corporate income tax in the short run, but this effect diminishes to a positively insignificant level in the long run. Additionally, the interest rate is shown to have a significant harmful effect on corporate tax income in the short run, while it becomes negatively insignificant over the long term. Other financial policy factors do not significantly account for changes in corporate income tax. This study suggests the formulation of financial policies that are advantageous to corporate organizations, particularly through the reduction in borrowing costs, to facilitate business growth and enhance the government’s ability to collect substantial corporate tax revenue. The originality of this research is apparent in its utilization of financial policy instruments to illustrate the effectiveness of financial guidelines on corporate tax receipts and to argue for particular amendments that are essential when these guidelines prove detrimental to business activities. Full article

The banking sector is experiencing significant disruption due to technological advancements and evolving customer demand. This study analysed over 2000 banking and/or neobanking users across 28 countries. A multinomial logit model was applied to examine three user characteristics groups: demographics, banking habits, and neobanking habits. Several interesting effects were found. Higher-educated and single users are more likely to use neobanks, while self-employed and lower-income users are less likely. Neobank users prioritize affordability, availability, and speed, while traditional bank users prioritize stability and personal interaction. We have developed a tool to identify clients likely to leave traditional banks, fully or partially, with high reliability. Even partial outflows mean banks lose important services generating significant revenue to competitors. A crucial factor here is the single banking market, which eases switching between banks. Neobanks further reduce barriers, enhancing customer mobility. Moreover, opening an account with a neobank takes only minutes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for banks and neobanks, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of users’ characteristics that reflects current customer demand and enables new strategies to better address them. Full article

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, integrating blockchain technology into retail banking has emerged as a pivotal strategy for operational efficiency and competitive differentiation. This study employs the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to explore the relationships among the main factors shaping blockchain adoption, highlighting their direct and indirect effects on banks’ implementation efforts. The findings reveal that technology cost exerts the strongest causal influence on blockchain adoption, significantly affecting all other factors. Moreover, the interaction between technology cost and blockchain scalability is mediated by regulatory requirements, customer acceptance, and industry collaboration. Specifically, regulatory compliance obligations and associated uncertainties can magnify the cost barrier, while higher expenses may discourage customer engagement and limit large-scale adoption. Simultaneously, collaborations among banks and technology partners can alleviate cost burdens, thereby promoting more widespread implementation. These findings highlight the need for careful financial planning, strategic investment, and regulatory engagement to manage the high costs inherent in blockchain projects. Furthermore, banks should consider proactive customer education to convey the benefits of blockchain-driven innovations, thereby building trust and encouraging utilization. Full article

Forecast risk management is central to the financial management process. This study aims to apply Monte Carlo simulation to solve three classic probabilistic paradoxes and discuss their implementation in corporate financial management. The article presents Monte Carlo simulation as an advanced tool for risk management in financial management processes. This method allows for a comprehensive risk analysis of financial forecasts, making it possible to assess potential errors in cash flow forecasts and predict the value of corporate treasury growth under various future scenarios. In the investment decision-making process, Monte Carlo simulation supports the evaluation of the effectiveness of financial projects by calculating the expected net value and identifying the risks associated with investments, allowing more informed decisions to be made in project implementation. The method is used in reducing cash flow volatility, which contributes to lowering the cost of capital and increasing the value of a company. Simulation also enables more accurate liquidity planning, including forecasting cash availability and determining appropriate financial reserves based on probability distributions. Monte Carlo also supports the management of credit and interest rate risk, enabling the simulation of the impact of various economic scenarios on a company’s financial obligations. In the context of strategic planning, the method is an extension of decision tree analysis, where subsequent decisions are made based on the results of earlier ones. Creating probabilistic models based on Monte Carlo simulations makes it possible to take into account random variables and their impact on key financial management indicators, such as free cash flow (FCF). Compared to traditional methods, Monte Carlo simulation offers a more detailed and precise approach to risk analysis and decision-making, providing companies with vital information for financial management under uncertainty. This article emphasizes that the use of Monte Carlo simulation in financial management not only enhances the effectiveness of risk management, but also supports the long-term growth of corporate value. The entire process of financial management is able to move into the future based on predicting future free cash flows discounted at the cost of capital. We used both numerical and analytical methods to solve veridical paradoxes. Veridical paradoxes are a type of paradox in which the result of the analysis is counterintuitive, but turns out to be true after careful examination. This means that although the initial reasoning may lead to a wrong conclusion, a correct mathematical or logical analysis confirms the correctness of the results. An example is Monty Hall’s problem, where the intuitive answer suggests an equal probability of success, while probabilistic analysis shows that changing the decision increases the chances of winning. We used Monte Carlo simulation as the numerical method. The following analytical methods were used: conditional probability, Bayes’ rule and Bayes’ rule with multiple conditions. We solved truth-type paradoxes and discovered why the Monty Hall problem was so widely discussed in the 1990s. We differentiated Monty Hall problems using different numbers of doors and prizes. Full article

This study explores the following two aspects: (i) the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores and corporate ownership characteristics on the performance of Chinese listed companies, and (ii) whether different ownership characteristics (state-owned, private, foreign) moderate the relationship between ESG participation and corporate performance. By analyzing a comprehensive sample of 4649 listed companies in China, we provide robust evidence that ESG participation and its three pillars (i.e., Environmental, Social, and Governance) can significantly enhance corporate performance, as measured by the accounting-based proxy return on assets (ROA). Moreover, our research findings reveal an important and novel discovery: in the Chinese market, ownership types have significantly different moderating effects on the relationship between ESG and corporate performance. Specifically, compared to state-owned enterprises and private corporations, foreign ownership exhibits a stronger moderating effect in enhancing the positive impact of ESG on ROA, followed by private corporations, while the moderating effect of state-owned enterprises is the weakest. This result provides new perspectives and empirical support on how ESG and ownership structure jointly affect corporate performance, offering references for future related research and policy formulation. Full article

Household savings are a long-term financial issue that can undermine the financial well-being of American families if not addressed. This study examines financial planning strategies through the Behavioral Life-Cycle (BLCH) hypothesis, focusing on long-term savings goals, financial safety nets, and foreseeable expenses. Using data from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, a moderated mediation model explores how financial safety nets, self-control, and mental accounting influence saving habits. The findings show that long-term savings goals significantly mediate the relationship between financial safety nets and saving habits, while foreseeable expenses do not significantly moderate this relationship. These results highlight the importance of goal setting in promoting saving behaviors, regardless of specific financial needs. Policymakers can leverage these findings to design initiatives that encourage structured savings programs, while financial advisors should emphasize goal-setting strategies to help households improve their financial security. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the behavioral and economic factors that drive personal savings, offering valuable insights for both policymakers and financial practitioners aiming to boost financial well-being in households. Full article

While achieving common prosperity necessitates a focus on the efficiency and equity of the primary income distribution, income inequality persists in China. As a critical tax incentive mechanism, China’s Accelerated Depreciation Policy (ADP) of fixed assets not only promotes important changes in corporate productivity and production methods but also significantly influences the primary income distribution within enterprises. However, current research offers a limited understanding of the importance of the ADP in the primary income distribution. Given that the core of the primary distribution lies in adjusting the labor income share, we regard 2014’s ADP as an exogenous “quasi-natural experiment”. After theoretically analyzing this policy’s effect on the labor income share of enterprises, our use of difference in differences (DID) validates our theoretical expectations with respect to China’s A-share listed companies during 2010–2022. The results show that the ADP can significantly increase enterprises’ labor income share; all hypotheses proved to be robust. The analysis of mechanisms shows that the ADP mainly affects the labor income share as it upgrades the corporate human capital structure as well as rent-sharing. Analyzing for heterogeneity, we find that positive effects due to the ADP affecting the labor income share are more prominent among private enterprises, medium and small-sized firms, companies with high financing constraints, capital-intensive industries, manufacturing enterprises, and those with a high level of skilled labor. The conclusions of this study contribute to uncovering the impacts of the ADP on income distribution, offering a clearer identification of particular mechanisms explaining the ADP’s effect on the labor income share. It holds significant theoretical value for understanding the micro-mechanisms of economic impacts generated by relevant policies. Furthermore, it provides policy insights in achieving common prosperity. Full article

This study aims to investigate the impact of the market structure and efficiency on firm performance in the meat and milk processing industry in Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia. Using stochastic frontier analysis and a profitability regression model applied to data from 2015 to 2021, the results indicate no evidence of collusive behavior in the examined markets. Instead, profitability is significantly driven by efficiency, supporting the hypothesis of an efficient market structure. Companies with higher market shares do not exploit their market power to set higher prices and increase profitability. The findings highlight efficiency as a critical determinant of performance in unconcentrated markets, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the food processing industry and policymakers. Full article

The effects of certain abilities on financial outcomes have been debated for several years. Some argue that financial knowledge is key to financial success, while others have found financial skill and self-assessed knowledge are more important. This study contributes to this debate by providing a descriptive analysis, whereby regression is used to study the simultaneous effects of financial knowledge, financial skill, and self-assessed knowledge on financial well-being, financial behavior, and objective financial situation. Although our methodology does not allow us to determine if relationships are causal, we show that self-assessed knowledge has little to no relationship with financial well-being, may have contrasting relationships with components of objective financial situation, and is weakly associated with good financial behaviors. Financial skill has the strongest relationship with financial well-being and financial behaviors, as well as some components of objective financial situation. Despite having a relatively weak (compared to financial skill) association with financial well-being and financial behaviors, financial knowledge has the strongest relationship with many components of objective financial situation. Full article

Biotechnology firms operate in a highly innovative and capital-intensive environment, characterized by high levels of R&D, long product development periods, significant regulations, and high levels of uncertainty. These firms rely heavily on intangible assets, such as intellectual capital and innovation. Consequently, intellectual capital and innovation activities play a crucial role in financial strategies and capital structure decisions. This study aims to examine how intellectual capital and innovation activity influence capital structure decisions of biotech firms in Sweden. In this paper, financial data of 1528 companies from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed. Using logistic regression modeling, the results showed that biotech firms with higher intellectual capital are more likely to issue equity whereas those with greater innovation activity tend to rely more on debt financing. These findings underscore the complexities of financial strategy in the biotech sector, emphasizing the need for flexible capital structure management. Moreover, policymakers should focus not only on equity availability but also on ensuring access to debt financing, as both are crucial for sustaining biotech innovation and growth. Full article

The economic literature documents that the investment rate in intangible assets, including intellectual property (IP), has far outpaced that of tangible assets for several decades. In this context, our research delves into the impact of self-created intangible assets on the auditor’s risk assessment. We present compelling evidence that, on average, research and development (R&D) knowledge capital is associated with higher audit fees. Using patent-based metrics as the proxies for innovation outcomes, we reveal that the number of patents (quantity), patent citations (quality-adjusted quantity), and patent technology classes (scope) all positively correlate with audit fees. Additional analyses show that innovation efficiency is negatively associated with audit fees. Furthermore, firms with a higher intensity of knowledge capital are more likely to receive going concern opinions than those with significant innovation outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between intangible assets and audit risk assessment. Full article

Women entrepreneurs in the Middle Eastern region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), face several challenges (e.g., cultural) coupled with the recent transformation of the digital economy. This issue poses a significant challenge for financing the business operations. Thus, this study aims to find the relationship between prior family business exposure, growth intention, motivation, and financial bootstrapping with the mediating role of prior experiences among women entrepreneurs in the UAE. A quantitative survey questionnaire method was used to collect responses from 318 women business owners in different regions of the UAE. The findings of the study suggest that there is a positive relationship between prior family business exposure and financial bootstrapping and growth intention and financial bootstrapping, and prior experience plays a mediating role among all exogenous variables. The study offers a unique perspective on the intersection between prior family business exposure, growth intention, motivation, and financial bootstrapping, highlighting the mediating role of prior experience in a demographical and geographic context (e.g., UAE) that is under-researched regarding financial strategies. Full article

This paper revisits the effects of financial market openness and stock market returns on economic development in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries over the period 1993–2022. We performed the panel stationarity test advanced that accommodates the presence of multiple structural breaks and exploits the cross-section variations. Empirical results from several panel tests provide strong support for the long-run positive effect of financial market openness on economic growth and a long-run negative association between stock market returns and growth. Findings of the robustness checks reveal that the effect of both financial market openness and stock market returns on economic growth differs across countries. Full article

This paper empirically examines the impact of CEO narcissism on corporate financialization using Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2009–2022. The results find that CEO narcissism leads to corporate financialization, and the promotion is more significant in lower cash flow, smaller company size, and non-Big Four audited firms. The impact mechanism test finds that CEO narcissism leads to inefficient investment behaviors, increases agency costs, and thus, exacerbates corporate financialization. By exploring the relationship between CEO narcissism and corporate financialization in depth, this paper provides new perspectives and ideas for research in related fields. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the underlying mechanisms through which CEO narcissism influences corporate financialization. It highlights that inefficient investment behavior and increased agency costs serve as key transmission channels, providing new theoretical support for understanding the complex drivers of corporate financialization. Therefore, this research not only expands the scope of studies on the relationship between CEO characteristics and corporate financial decision making but also offers new perspectives for explaining the phenomenon of corporate financialization and formulating governance strategies. Full article

In this study, we address the ambiguity in portfolio optimization, particularly focusing on the uncertainty related to the statistical parameters governing asset returns. We propose a novel method that combines robust optimization with artificial neural networks (ANNs). Our approach effectively handles both the randomness inherent in asset prices and the ambiguity in their governing parameters. Through our method, we consider both simulated data, using the Exponential Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, and real-world stock price data. The results showcase that our ANN-based method outperforms traditional benchmark methods such as equally weighted portfolio and adaptive mean–variance portfolio selection. Full article

This article conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 182 papers to trace the progression of research on cryptocurrency taxation. The study highlights prevailing patterns, influential contributors, and collaborative networks by utilising data from Scopus and the Web of Science Core Collection from 2002 to 2023. The findings underscore an interdisciplinary character, encompassing studies in legal frameworks, fiscal policy, economics, and technology. By employing analytical tools such as VOSviewer 1.6.20, Bibliometrix 4.0 and Microsoft Excel, the study identifies key themes and concepts focused on four main themes: international tax frameworks and regulatory variations, classification and reporting of crypto-related income, tax implications for emerging crypto segments, and issues surrounding compliance and enforcement. Tax treatment differs based on jurisdiction. Direct taxation may be levied as capital gains, income, or profit tax. Although cryptocurrency exchanges are not subject to value-added tax, intermediary services offered by platforms might incur this indirect tax. The insights generated are valuable for policymakers, scholars, and professionals aiming to comprehend the relationship between cryptocurrency and tax regulation. A limitation of the study is its exclusion of sources beyond the established timeframe. Given the fast-paced changes in cryptocurrency tax regulation, ongoing updates are crucial to capturing the full scope of this evolving field. Full article

The aim of this study is to examine the factors that drive Saudi Arabian Generation Z’s intention to use voice assistants (VAs) in banking. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was extended by incorporating three additional constructs: subjective norms, which capture the social influence of close relationships, including family and friends; personal innovativeness, which reflects the openness to new technologies that is characteristic of Generation Z; and perceived trust, which addresses concerns related to security and reliability that are critical in financial contexts, thereby enhancing our understanding of this phenomenon among Generation Z. A survey of 292 Generation Z respondents was collected and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. The findings of the study reveal that factors such as perceived usefulness, attitude, subjective norms, personal innovativeness, and perceived trust all have a significantly positive impact on Generation Z’s intention to use AI-enabled VAs in banking. Additionally, the results indicate that perceived usefulness is influenced by ease of use, while attitude is affected by ease of use, perceived usefulness, personal innovativeness, and trust. Despite the Saudi government’s support and initiatives for the development of the AI-fintech industry, there is still a lack of understanding about consumer behavioral intention toward AI-enabled VAs in Saudi Arabia and, particularly among Generation Z. This study contributes to the existing literature and provides valuable recommendations for policymakers and fintech service providers seeking to implement effective AI-enabled VAs that enrich consumers’ engagement and experience. Full article