This study aims to investigate the disclosure practices of Jordanian banks regarding their digital transformation strategies and financial technology (FinTech) innovations. It focuses on how banks communicate strategic achievements, innovations and challenges through qualitative and quantitative disclosures, emphasizing transparency and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
This study uses a descriptive content analysis approach to examine the annual reports of 15 Jordanian banks (2015–2022). It investigates FinTech disclosures and digital transformation strategies, focusing on the nature (quantitative vs. qualitative), scope (past achievements vs. future goals) and tone (positive, neutral or negative) of these disclosures. A structured analytical framework ensures systematic categorization and analysis, incorporating contextual insights, descriptive statistics and trend analysis.
The study identifies significant variability in FinTech disclosures and digital transformation strategies among Jordanian banks, with qualitative narratives dominating over quantitative metrics. Disclosures have grown notably between 2015 and 2022, reflecting increasing attention to innovation and customer-centric improvements. Key benefits, such as operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, are emphasized more than challenges like cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Strong correlations highlight that transparency fosters innovation, and overcoming challenges yields substantial benefits, underscoring the strategic importance of consistent FinTech adoption and digital strategies for enhanced banking performance.
This study offers a novel contribution by positioning disclosure of FinTech and digital transformation strategies as a strategic governance mechanism rather than a passive reporting task. It introduces an integrated analytical framework that combines qualitative content analysis with quantitative trend mapping to examine the tone, scope and evolution of disclosures. By bridging conceptual and methodological gaps in the literature, the study provides fresh insights into how digital narratives shape transparency, accountability and innovation in contemporary banking.
