Guest editorial: Financial technology, business competitiveness and sustainability Free

Financial technology (Fintech) has emerged as a transformative force reshaping the landscape of modern business, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness. In the intersection of finance and technology, Fintech has revolutionized traditional financial services, introducing novel approaches to transactions, investments and risk management. This paradigm shift has not only streamlined operations but has also spurred a wave of innovation, propelling businesses toward a more sustainable and competitive future (Nsor-Ambala and Amewu, 2023). The integration of Fintech into business practices has led to a fundamental reimagining of how organizations operate and interact with their customers (Le Quoc, 2024). By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, businesses can optimize their processes, enhance decision-making and deliver tailored solutions to meet evolving consumer demands (Albelal et al., 2024). This digital transformation has not only improved operational efficiency but has also enabled businesses to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Furthermore, the impact of Fintech extends beyond operational enhancements, playing a pivotal role in promoting sustainability within the business ecosystem. By facilitating financial inclusion, promoting transparency and fostering responsible investing, Fintech has the potential to drive sustainable growth and development. Through initiatives such as green financing, impact investing and sustainable banking practices, Fintech is empowering businesses to align their financial objectives with environmental and social responsibility goals, fostering a more sustainable future for all stakeholders (Barrutia-Montoya et al., 2024).

Moreover, the convergence of Fintech with business competitiveness is reshaping traditional business models and strategies. In an increasingly digital economy, businesses must adapt to the rapid pace of technological advancements to stay relevant and competitive (Taha and Alshurafat, 2024). By embracing Fintech solutions, businesses can enhance their agility, responsiveness and customer-centricity, gaining a strategic advantage in today’s dynamic marketplace. From digital payment systems to automated financial advisory services, Fintech innovations are enabling businesses to differentiate themselves and drive growth in a highly competitive environment.

This paper aims to review the literature published in this special issue on the topics of Fintech, competitiveness and business sustainability. It has been divided after the introduction into two parts, which are literature review and, finally, conclusions and future studies.

As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age, understanding the symbiotic relationship between Fintech, business competitiveness and sustainability is paramount. By harnessing the power of Fintech to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable practices, businesses can not only thrive in the digital era but also contribute to a more inclusive, transparent and resilient economy. This special issue delves into the multifaceted impact of Fintech on business competitiveness and sustainability, shedding light on the transformative potential of Fintech in shaping the future of business and finance.

The study conducted by Zaman et al. (2025) delved into the potential of blockchain technology in establishing Islamic crypto assets as secure havens within equity markets of Islamic economies. Using a methodical approach, the research specifically concentrated on three fundamental assets within the Islamic financial realm: OneGram Coin and X8XToken, both secured by gold, and MRHB DeFi, an Islamic DeFi asset lacking gold backing. These crypto assets were juxtaposed with corresponding assets in seven stock markets of emerging Islamic economies. Using daily log returns of the Islamic crypto assets sourced from various outlets and seven Islamic stock indices, the data spanned from December 27, 2021, to December 28, 2022, capturing market fluctuations post-COVID-19. The study’s discoveries reveal that Islamic crypto assets exhibit unique traits, showcasing lower volatility and weaker correlations in comparison to their traditional counterparts in non-Islamic settings. This outcome hints at the potential of these Islamic crypto assets to function as secure havens within Islamic stock markets, providing valuable insights for stakeholders such as investors, governments and policymakers. In their study, Jaber et al. (2025) aimed to develop an innovative method for forecasting default risk in bancassurance, a critical component in the interplay between interest rates at banks and premium rates at insurance companies. The proposed approach seeks to enhance default risk predictions and aid in client segmentation within the banking system. By using the group method of data handling (GMDH) technique and a diversified classifier ensemble based on GMDH (dce-GMDH) for default risk prediction, the study leveraged a data set encompassing details from 30,000 credit card clients of a major bank in Taiwan. The outcomes of this research underscored the efficacy of the proposed technique for bancassurance and client segmentation. Notably, the dce-GMDH model consistently outperformed the traditional GMDH model, showcasing its superiority in forecasting default risk across various error metrics.

Aldhaen and Braendle (2025) aimed to investigate the impact of international accreditations on curricula in business schools to produce graduates capable of addressing issues in Fintech and achieving business sustainability. The research delved into the role of accreditation in fostering financial innovation and business sustainability. The study revealed that accreditation significantly influences the business sustainability of these educational institutions. While the direct influence of accreditation on financial innovation may not be immediately observable, a notable surge in financial inflows was observed postaccreditation. Using a qualitative design to explore this relationship, the study engaged 36 leaders from Advance Collegiate Schools of Business–accredited business schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council region as participants to gather data. Through semi-structured interviews, the researchers obtained a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis method. These findings are significant as they provide valuable guidance for university administrators on maximizing the advantages of accrediting their business schools.

The study by Al-Mawali et al. (2025) titled “Identifying and Ranking the Critical Success Factors of Fintech Adoption; A Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach” aimed to establish causal relationships among critical success factors (CSFs) of fintech adoption and prioritize these factors based on their significance within the model. The research yielded several key results, notably showcasing the interconnectedness among the CSFs. Out of the identified factors, 16 were classified as causal factors, whereas the remaining 8 were categorized as effect factors. The CSFs were then ranked according to their importance in the context of fintech adoption. Using the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) approach, the study collected data from 16 experts via a questionnaire. This research is innovative in its exploration of CSFs of fintech adoption through the FDEMATEL methodology, shedding light on the essence of these factors and their impact on fintech adoption. The findings provide a substantial foundation for enhancing fintech adoption strategies and offer insights into structuring a practical framework for the adoption of fintech solutions.

In a field study targeting 344 e-wallet users in Jordan, the research conducted by Zaidan et al. (2025) aimed to explore the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the factors influencing individuals’ continuous intention to use e-wallets. The study findings reveal that factors such as perceived usefulness, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control directly impact the intention to persist in using e-wallets. Interestingly, environmental concern and environmental knowledge were found not to have a direct influence on continuous intention; however, they function as mediators in the relationship between perceived behavioral control and continuous intention. Specifically, environmental knowledge serves as a mediator between perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and continuous intention. Moreover, environmental knowledge moderates the link between perceived behavioral control and subjective norms, significantly affecting users’ ongoing intention to use e-wallets.

Abdallah et al. (2025) conducted a study on the impact of digital financial literacy on financial behavior and found a significant relationship between digital financial literacy and financial behavior. Data collection was achieved through a questionnaire developed from various literature sources. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach with a time-based dimension. Data analysis was carried out using the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling method, using the Smart-PLS 4 software for computation. The study recommended that Kuwaiti policymakers should incorporate digital financial literacy initiatives into comprehensive financial education programs to enhance the public’s comprehension of digital financial tools and their implications.

One of the studies in this special issue delved into the relationship between digital transformation’s influence on firm performance and the nuanced role of gender. Shehadeh et al. (2025) used a robust empirical methodology involving manual content analysis of annual reports from Amman Stock Exchange (ASE)-listed banks. They used the Digital Transformation Disclosure Index to evaluate the scope and nature of digital transformation initiatives within these banks. The methodology was crafted to offer a comprehensive assessment of the interplay between digital transformation endeavors, firm performance and gender dynamics. Their research revealed that digital transformation initiatives exert a significantly positive impact on the performance of ASE-listed banks. Moreover, it provided valuable insights into the multifaceted role of gender dynamics, highlighting that gender diversity within organizations influences the adoption and efficacy of digital transformation strategies in intricate ways.

The study conducted by Salem and Rassouli (2025) sheds light on the impact of trust in financial institutions on Palestinian consumers’ attitudes toward AI-enabled online banking, delving into the main influencing factors. The main objective of this research is to explore the factors influencing Palestinian consumers’ attitudes toward AI-enabled online banking, with a particular focus on performance expectations, effort expectations, social influence and facilitating conditions, while also considering the moderating effect of trust in financial institutions. The results of the study show that performance expectations, effort expectations, social influence and facilitating conditions have a significant impact on consumers’ attitudes toward AI-enabled online banking. Moreover, trust in financial institutions, as a moderate variable, amplifies the effect of performance expectations, effort expectations, social influence and facilitating conditions on consumers’ attitudes toward AI-enabled online banking.

In an industrial context, the study by Jaradat et al. (2025) investigates the impact of technological orientation and innovation orientation on the sustainability and growth of the industrial sector. To achieve this objective, the study used a qualitative approach through interviews conducted with industry and technology experts. The findings of this study underscore a crucial positive correlation between technological and innovation orientation. Furthermore, the research reveals that both technological and innovation orientations have a positive influence on the sustainability and advancement of the industrial sector.

The study by Alzebda and Matar (2025) delves into the factors influencing citizen intention toward the acceptance and adoption of AI, with a focus on the moderating role of government regulations. Centered on the Palestinian Cellular Communications Sector in the Gaza Strip, this research aims to uncover the dynamics of the citizen–AI relationship and enhance the understanding of AI technology from the perspective of clients. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risks, social influence, user experience and privacy and security concerns significantly impact citizen intention toward AI adoption. Moreover, government regulations, as a moderating factor, enhance the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risks, social influence, user experience and privacy and security concerns on citizen intention toward AI acceptance and adoption. This study underscores the importance of further exploration in specific fields and cultural contexts to gain a more holistic understanding of the factors that shape the acceptance and adoption of AI technologies.

Table 1 summarizes the ten selected papers for presentation in this special issue in terms of their aims, methodologies and findings, while highlighting the most significant practical applications of their results.

The reviewed studies collectively highlight the significant impact of Fintech on business competitiveness, sustainability and innovation. The research indicates that Fintech plays a crucial role in reshaping traditional financial services, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and competitiveness. By leveraging technologies such as blockchain, AI and data analytics, businesses can optimize operations, improve decision-making and meet evolving consumer demands. The papers emphasize the importance of understanding the symbiotic relationship between Fintech, business competitiveness and sustainability in the digital age. Fintech not only improves operational efficiency but also enables businesses to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Moreover, through initiatives like green financing and sustainable banking practices, Fintech can drive sustainable growth and development by promoting financial inclusion and transparency.

Looking ahead, future research should continue to explore the implications of Fintech adoption on various sectors, including banking, insurance and education. Studies focusing on the impact of Fintech on customer behavior, regulatory frameworks and market dynamics can provide valuable insights for businesses and policymakers. In addition, research on the role of international accreditations in fostering financial innovation and sustainability in educational institutions is crucial for preparing graduates to tackle challenges in the Fintech landscape. The findings also underscore the importance of enhancing digital financial literacy to improve financial behavior and decision-making. Policymakers should consider incorporating digital financial literacy initiatives into educational programs to empower individuals with the necessary skills to navigate digital financial tools effectively.

Furthermore, the studies shed light on the potential of AI technology in reshaping consumer attitudes toward online banking, emphasizing the role of trust in financial institutions. Understanding the factors influencing AI adoption and the moderating effect of government regulations is essential for businesses to design effective strategies and enhance customer experiences.

In conclusion, the reviewed literature demonstrates the transformative power of Fintech in driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainability. By embracing Fintech solutions and staying attuned to technological advancements, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, contributing to a more inclusive, transparent and resilient economy. Continued research and collaboration in this field are essential for unlocking the full potential of Fintech and shaping the future of business and finance.