Commercial Banking and FinTech in Emerging Economies

A special issue of Journal of Risk and Financial Management (ISSN 1911-8074). This special issue belongs to the section "Banking and Finance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 5340

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Economy, University North, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Interests: data envelopment analysis; banking sector; developing countries; efficiency

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Banks and financial intermediaries generally play a crucial role in emerging economies by facilitating efficient resource allocation, reducing financing costs, savings, and mitigating the impact of random shocks on capital investment, thus successfully addressing market imperfections and information asymmetry.

The impact of blockchain technologies on banking in emerging economies has recently become more important and topical than ever. Emerging financial technologies (FinTech), blockchain technologies, and financial innovations are consistently improving the efficiency and accessibility of financial services and systems throughout the globe and are poised to significantly impact banking in emerging countries. These developments are transforming the global financial landscape, potentially diminishing the traditional intermediary role of banks but also presenting opportunities for emerging market banks to reach underbanked populations.

This Special Issue will feature original research papers on all banking roles in emerging countries, including the challenges brought about by blockchain technology and FinTech. Therefore, high-quality articles that introduce new theoretical and applicable notions in banking and blockchain technology (in both the developed and developing world), alongside related topics, are highly encouraged. Submitted articles should be written in non-technical language so that people outside related disciplines may understand them.

Dr. Katerina Fotova Čiković
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • banking industry
  • blockchain technology
  • FinTech
  • financial innovations
  • financial markets in emerging economies
  • risk management
  • econometric models for performance assessment
  • mathematical models for efficiency evaluation
  • bitcoin
  • financial intermediaries

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Fintech Risk on Bank Performance in Africa: The PVAR Approach
by Queen Magadi Mabe and Beatrice Desiree Simo-Kengne
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080456 - 15 Aug 2025
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Abstract
This paper presents an empirical investigation into the role of Fintech risk, measured by the Fintech Financial Stress Indicator (FFSI), in shaping the dynamic behavior of bank performance by employing a panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) methodology on a dataset comprising 41 banks across [...] Read more.
This paper presents an empirical investigation into the role of Fintech risk, measured by the Fintech Financial Stress Indicator (FFSI), in shaping the dynamic behavior of bank performance by employing a panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) methodology on a dataset comprising 41 banks across 11 African economies over the semi-annual period from June 2004 to December 2020. The findings reveal that bank performance, measured by return on equity (ROE), exhibits a negative and short-lived response to FFSI shock, while the effects on bank stability, cost efficiency, and return on assets (ROA) are statistically insignificant. In addition, an increase in FFSI significantly enhances both ROA and ROE, with negligible impacts on cost efficiency and stability. In contrast, a decline in FFSI has a significant negative effect on ROE and stability but remains insignificant for ROA and cost efficiency. These results indicate that FFSI shocks have asymmetric effects on ROA, cost efficiency, and bank stability but a symmetric effect on ROE. The findings suggest that engagement in financial innovation initiatives may yield performance benefits for banks, provided such strategies are pursued within a sound regulatory framework to mitigate potential excessive risk-taking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commercial Banking and FinTech in Emerging Economies)
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25 pages, 722 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Financial Technology (FinTech) on Bank Risk-Taking and Profitability in Small Developing Island States: A Study of Fiji
by Shasnil Avinesh Chand, Baljeet Singh, Krishneel Narayan and Anish Chand
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(7), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18070366 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1744
Abstract
With the increasing adoption of technologies such as mobile banking and blockchain, the banking sector in developing and emerging economies is experiencing both opportunities and challenges. This study examines the impact of FinTech on bank risk-taking and profitability in the small island economy [...] Read more.
With the increasing adoption of technologies such as mobile banking and blockchain, the banking sector in developing and emerging economies is experiencing both opportunities and challenges. This study examines the impact of FinTech on bank risk-taking and profitability in the small island economy of Fiji, spanning the period from 2000 to 2024. We employ a fixed-effects model and conduct robustness checks using random effects, pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), and the generalized method of moments (GMM) method, focusing on seven banks (five commercial banks and two non-bank financial institutions). Our analysis evaluates the effect of FinTech while controlling for other bank-specific factors that may influence risk-taking and profitability. The results indicate that FinTech development significantly reduces bank risk-taking and enhances profitability, suggesting a positive and substantial impact on financial performance and stability. The findings highlight the need for banks operating in Fiji and similar small economies to continue and expand their investments in FinTech innovations. Furthermore, the study suggests that regulatory bodies and policymakers should strengthen institutional and regulatory frameworks to support and guide FinTech’s evolution within the banking sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commercial Banking and FinTech in Emerging Economies)
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18 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Assessing Basel Capital Regulations: Exploring the Risk and Efficiency Relationship in Emerging Economies
by Adnan Bashir, Asma Salman, Rania Itani and Alessio Faccia
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18010036 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2442
Abstract
This research investigates the relationship between Basel capital regulations, bank risk, and bank efficiency in the context of Pakistani and Indian commercial banks. This study examines the period from 2009 to 2022 and specifically analyses the impact of Basel III capital requirements on [...] Read more.
This research investigates the relationship between Basel capital regulations, bank risk, and bank efficiency in the context of Pakistani and Indian commercial banks. This study examines the period from 2009 to 2022 and specifically analyses the impact of Basel III capital requirements on risk and efficiency. Quantitative methods are employed, utilising data from central bank websites and the BankScope database to construct a comprehensive sample of commercial banks in Pakistan and India. The system-generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation technique addresses potential endogeneity issues in the regression models. The findings shed light on the effectiveness of these regulations and provide insights for policymakers and regulators in both countries. The results indicate that Basel capital regulations have generally increased banks’ risk-taking behaviour in Pakistan and India. However, they have not improved the overall efficiency of the banking sector in either country. Bank efficiency declined during the study period, highlighting the limited effectiveness of Basel capital regulations in enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, the impact of these regulations on risk and efficiency varies between the two countries. In Pakistan, the regulations do not significantly affect bank efficiency, while in India, they decrease efficiency. Additionally, Basel III capital regulations do not significantly impact the risk taken by banks in either country. This study concludes by emphasising the need for alternative mechanisms or policies to improve the banking industry’s efficiency, as Basel capital regulations alone have proven ineffective. The findings offer valuable insights for central banks and regulators in assessing the relationship between capital regulations, risk, and efficiency and implementing appropriate measures to enhance the performance of the banking sector. This study recommends the following key points: the adoption of tailored regulatory approaches to address specific challenges, achieving an optimal balance between risk management and operational efficiency, enhancing the effectiveness of management roles, considering the influence of macroeconomic factors, and evaluating the implications of long-term policy development for sustainable progress. The present study adds to the prevalent literature on the impact of capital regulations on bank risk and efficiency nexus. This study focuses on Pakistan and India, which are two important developing nations. Moreover, another important contribution of this study lies in the effect of Basel III capital regulation on bank risk, as these capital regulations are different from other Basel capital requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commercial Banking and FinTech in Emerging Economies)

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19 pages, 2528 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Nexus Between Green Finance and Artificial Intelligence: A Systemic Bibliometric Analysis Based on Web of Science Database
by Katerina Fotova Čiković, Violeta Cvetkoska and Dinko Primorac
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080420 - 1 Aug 2025
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Abstract
The intersection of green finance and artificial intelligence (AI) represents a rapidly emerging and high-impact research domain with the potential to reshape sustainable economic systems. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis aimed at mapping the scientific landscape, identifying research hotspots, [...] Read more.
The intersection of green finance and artificial intelligence (AI) represents a rapidly emerging and high-impact research domain with the potential to reshape sustainable economic systems. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis aimed at mapping the scientific landscape, identifying research hotspots, and highlighting methodological trends at this nexus. A dataset of 268 peer-reviewed publications (2014–June 2025) was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, filtered by the Business Economics category. Analytical techniques employed include Bibliometrix in R, VOSviewer, and science mapping tools such as thematic mapping, trend topic analysis, co-citation networks, and co-occurrence clustering. Results indicate an annual growth rate of 53.31%, with China leading in both productivity and impact, followed by Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The most prolific affiliations and authors, primarily based in China, underscore a concentrated regional research output. The most relevant journals include Energy Economics and Finance Research Letters. Network visualizations identified 17 clusters, with focused analysis on the top three: (1) Emission, Health, and Environmental Risk, (2) Institutional and Technological Infrastructure, and (3) Green Innovation and Sustainable Urban Development. The methodological landscape is equally diverse, with top techniques including blockchain technology, large language models, convolutional neural networks, sentiment analysis, and structural equation modeling, demonstrating a blend of traditional econometrics and advanced AI. This study not only uncovers intellectual structures and thematic evolution but also identifies underdeveloped areas and proposes future research directions. These include dynamic topic modeling, regional case studies, and ethical frameworks for AI in sustainable finance. The findings provide a strategic foundation for advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation in green AI–finance ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commercial Banking and FinTech in Emerging Economies)
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