FinTech, Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 5 articles

This study investigates the key drivers and the economic and social impacts of cryptocurrency adoption. Based on panel data across 37 countries from 2020 to 2023, this research examines the interplay between cryptocurrency adoption and technology development, monetary policies, and economic and social development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporates panel data analysis across multiple countries to explore correlations and causal relationships between these variables. The study found that technology development, measured by the Network Readiness Index (NRI) enables cryptocurrency adoption. Economic conditions measured by higher national inflation rates and monetary policy indicators, including lower interest and exchange rates are the key drivers for cryptocurrency adoption. The empirical findings reveal that cryptocurrency adoption has negative relationships with economic development measured by the GDP growth rate, unemployment rate, and social development represented by the governance quality corruption index. It implies that cryptocurrency is used as a virtual anchor (digital gold) for national inflation. Findings reveal how network readiness, economic conditions, and monetary policies contribute to fostering cryptocurrency adoption, while resulting in impacts on economic growth, labour markets, and governance. The research contributes to the literature by integrating technological, economic, and governance perspectives to elucidate the role of cryptocurrency in reshaping the global economic and social systems. Full article

This study explores the dynamic interaction between financial literacy and higher education, focusing on the critical role of financial education in improving individual financial well-being. Using bibliometric analysis and the VOSviewer software, this research examines thematic clusters in financial literacy, categorized into access, behavior, health, and education. By analyzing 469 articles from the Web of Science database (2020–2024), this study identifies trends and key linkages between financial literacy and societal well-being, highlighting the role of digital innovation. While FinTech is discussed as a facilitator of financial inclusion and education, the primary focus lies in understanding how financial literacy drives behavioral change, capacity building, and economic resilience. This paper provides information for policymakers and educators to design inclusive, behaviorally focused educational programs that address specific demographic needs, ultimately contributing to societal and economic resilience. Full article

Global supply chains, especially in commodity trading, are plagued by fragmentation, lack of transparency, and trust deficits among participants. These issues lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and an over-reliance on intermediaries. The present Communication describes a blockchain-based platform that leverages Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) to address these challenges in supply chain management. Developed in collaboration with coffee industry stakeholders, our approach proposes a platform with an integrated marketplace for seller discovery, enables precise order definition with detailed terms and conditions, and actively guides both buyers and sellers throughout the shipping process, managing financial guarantees and ensuring a secure transaction flow. The platform is compatible with both traditional banking infrastructure and modern crypto-based systems, enabling seamless financial transactions. In cases where disputes arise, we empower users to easily collect all communications and documents to present to legal authorities, expediting the resolution process. The platform is implemented using the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) for secure, on-chain storage and application hosting, and is integrated with the Ethereum blockchain to leverage its extensive decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, significant liquidity, and robust stablecoin infrastructure, thereby facilitating secure financial transactions. Moreover, we introduce an SSI-based authentication and authorization framework that spans across the entire platform, including both the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), enabling unified role-based access control through verifiable credentials. A value-added of the present Communication, the framework is demonstrated by means of a detailed case study in the coffee industry, highlighting the technical challenges addressed during implementation. While quantitative efficiency metrics will be established through upcoming real-world testing with industry partners, the platform’s design aims to streamline operations by reducing intermediary dependencies and automating key processes. Finally, the Communication provides insights into its adaptability to other industries facing comparable supply chain challenges, presenting an approach focused on enhancing trust and reducing reliance on intermediaries. Full article

In several countries, digital financial advisory services, particularly those supported by robo-advisors, are becoming increasingly popular in retail banking. These tools assist users with financial decisions such as risk assessment, portfolio selection, and rebalancing—all at a reduced cost. Recent studies suggest that, over time, robo-advisors could complement human financial advisors. Building on this research, which evaluates robo-advisors’ effectiveness in asset allocation, this study aims to assess the impact of this strategic shift on retail banks’ profitability. It compares the Canadian and French banking sectors, where robo-advisors were introduced in the 2010s. Results indicate that implementing robo-advisors enhances profitability in non-interest activities, with this effect being more pronounced in France than in Canada. Full article

The shift toward a sustainable future demands substantial investments in green technologies and infrastructure, with green finance emerging as a pivotal driver for mobilizing such investments. This paper introduces a novel framework for green investment models and platforms tailored specifically to Qatar’s unique economic landscape. Through an extensive literature review, we identify essential policy levers and principles that can enhance the effectiveness of green finance initiatives. An experimental assessment utilizing a simulation model evaluates the potential impact of various policy scenarios on key metrics such as green investment volume, job creation, and environmental impact reduction. This study advocates for a comprehensive investment policy framework that includes alignment with Qatar’s national development objectives, targeted incentives for diverse economic sectors, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that implementing these design principles can dramatically accelerate green finance in Qatar, aligning initiatives with the country’s National Vision 2030 and broader sustainability goals. This paper emphasizes the critical role of fiscal incentives tailored to specific sectors, the importance of collaboration among financial institutions and governmental bodies, and the necessity of continuous performance evaluations to inform adaptive policy adjustments. Ultimately, we propose a dynamic platform that not only facilitates green investments but also fosters innovation and mitigates the risks associated with sustainable projects in Qatar. Full article