Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the role of Fintech in predicting the spread of COVID-19
based on consumers’ Fintech perceptions and behavior before and after the outbreak
of COVID-19. The study used a questionnaire-based survey distributed in different
countries of the world using the LinkedIn platform for this purpose to reach the targeted
population. The snowball sampling technique was used. The study targeted consumers
with Fintech experience, especially in digital payments services. 507 samples
were retrieved. For the analysis, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used.
The study revealed novel results in predicting COVID-19 spread; these three variables
(Fintech Behavior before COVID-19, Fintech Behavior after COVID-19, and Fintech
Perception after COVID-19) could predict 52.5% of the variance in the dependent
variable (COVID-19 Spread) (R² = 0.525, p < 0.05). The findings show that Higher
Fintech perception and behavior among Fintech users will help in reducing the spread
of COVID-19 by avoiding the use of contact payment methods. Contactless payment
methods are the main tools in Fintech that might help in avoiding the probability of
COVID-19 spread. Consumers’ Fintech perceptions and behavior are the most influencing
factors that could predict the spread of COVID-19 in this study, where digital
payments are the main concern. It is recommended that consumers adopt digital payment
methods and tools, especially contactless payment methods, to fulfill their financial
services. Other researchers are also encouraged to use the same model to predict
the spread of this virus in the Fintech context.