Search Results (4)

This study explores the effect of fintech-driven inclusive finance on the profitability of banks using an unbalanced panel dataset from 660 banks across 40 developing countries between 2011 and 2021. We start with a fixed-effect estimate and subsequently validate our main findings using two-stage least squares (2SLS-IV), two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM), and generalized least squares (GLS) methodologies. Our analysis centers on three key profitability metrics: ROA, ROE, and NIM. Our findings suggest that fintech-backed inclusive finance boosts ROA by 9.10%, ROE by 18.87%, and NIM by 7.98%, highlighting the growing importance of mobile, internet, and agent banking in these nations. We also note that large banks benefit more from inclusive finance than small ones. Additionally, conventional banks see a more marked improvement in profitability than Islamic and savings banks. The relationship between inclusive finance and bank profitability is stronger in countries with higher GDP growth and those actively advancing financial inclusion through fintech, compared to countries with slower GDP growth and less emphasis on financial inclusion. When examining the interaction effects, the COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the positive connection between fintech and bank profitability. This suggests that fintech-driven inclusive finance can play a role in enhancing bank profitability, even in challenging times like the COVID-19 period. The transition towards fintech, however, mandates substantial investments, enhanced financial literacy, and heightened customer security, presenting persistent challenges for governments, policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions. Full article

The main object of this research is to find out the nexus of banks’ competition, ownership structure, and economic growth on credit risk and financial stability. In addition, it examines the level of financial stability, economic growth, and ownership structure in the Middle East and North African (MENA) economies. The generalized method of moments (GMM) method was used to examine this study. The study used an unbalanced panel dataset from 2011 to 2021 in MENA countries. This research demonstrates a negative relationship between economic growth, credit risk, and financial stability in MENA economies; nevertheless, it proves an insignificant effect among them. It also shows that the lower the level of bank competition, the lower the level of bank risk taking, and the better the level of financial stability. It further found that market competition and bank ownership structure had a homogenous effect on financial stability when looking at the impact of competition and bank ownership structure. In the long-term sense, the square term of competition is highly favorable with financial stability models ((Lerner square × Islamic banks), (Lerner square × commercial banks), (Lerner square × specialized government institutions)). However, financial stability improves with time, as seen by the competition square term bank ownership structure (a square measure of competition) with the Lerner index (LI) and the Herfindahl–Hirschman index total assets (HHIA). This finding of the square measure of competition is supported by competition stability theory. However, this study also proved that Islamic and commercial banks are less vulnerable to credit risk than specialized government institutions (SGI). This study scrutinized how MENA economies can remain stable through banking competition. This study builds a new brand of literature review. As a result, this research gives MENA policymakers better ideas for making policies that help the banking environment. Full article

“The core purpose is to explore the relationship between competition, loan quality, ownership structure, and risk for MENA economies.” In addition, this study examines the financial stability level of dual banking and explores the bidirectional causality of competition and risk concerning the impact of ownership structure. This study uses 748 observations from 2011 to 2020 in MENA countries. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) is an econometric technique used to estimate the parameters of a statistical model. The study findings indicate a negative (positive) relationship between MENA bank competition and risk (financial stability). It indicates that lower bank competition reduces bank credit risk and increases financial stability in MENA countries. Regarding ownership structure, Islamic banks display a stronger position in MENA economies than that of Commercial banks and Specialized Government Institutions. In contrast, specialized government institutions are riskier than commercial banks and Islamic banks. Loan quality shows the two-way causality between the degree to which banks compete and the quality of their loans to customers in the MENA markets. This study sets itself apart from other studies by creating a new segmented literature review portion. Finally, a significant policy implication is provided for academics, researchers, and policymakers interested in applying these findings. Full article

With the sustainable economy and the development of innovative technology, China is anticipated to have a large number of mobile payment (m-payment) users due to cultural influences and population size. This payment culture leads to a significant motivation to adopt m-payment services, which can stimulate new users from other groups. The role of cultural motivation is the most important factor in the m-payment context. This paper empirically examines the impact of cross-cultural motivation in the context of the practicing of social distancing behavior due to COVID-19 and the mobile payment (m-payment) context. We develop a conceptual model to validate user intention to use mobile payment systems during the COVID-19 crisis. Data were surveyed from 409 international students in China, and the model is validated using the AMOS structural equation modeling approach. Similar to the results of previous studies based on the adoption of mobile payment, this study also confirms the hypothesis testing. The key and robust result is that, due to cultural motivation and social distancing behavior, international students respond swiftly to the use of mobile payment services during COVID-19. Subsequently, perceived usefulness and awareness influence behavior intention to use mobile payment services. The findings of this study suggest that motivational characteristics, including the awareness of efficiency and the social distancing behavior due to COVID-19, play an important role in the adoption of mobile payment. As a result, the empirical results of this research provide useful information to stakeholders so that they can enhance m-payment services strategies and implement these successfully by considering various factors. Full article