Evaluating the influence of IT governance, Fintech adoption, and financial literacy on sustainable performance

Purpose This study examines the interconnections between information technology (IT) governance, Fintech adoption and financial literacy, evaluating their collective influence on the sustainable performance of financial institutions. Focusing on Bangladesh’s digital evolution, it aims to provide insights into how institutions can effectively embrace digital transformation while ensuring financial inclusion and long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Design/methodology/approach This study used a survey method to gather data from banking employees in Bangladesh. A total of 437 responses were obtained from employees across six state-owned banks, of which 391 valid responses were used for model testing. The data analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM approach, with SmartPLS 4 and SPSS 23 used to ensure the robustness and accuracy of the results. Findings The findings reveal that Fintech adoption, IT governance and financial literacy significantly contribute to the sustainable performance of financial institutions. The study confirms that strong IT governance enhances both Fintech adoption and institutional sustainability, while higher financial literacy positively influences both Fintech adoption and sustainable performance. These results underscore the interconnected roles of these factors in promoting long-term success and competitiveness within the financial sector. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of IT governance, Fintech adoption and financial literacy as key drivers of sustainable performance in financial institutions. It offers helpful insights for organizations and policymakers, repositioning IT governance as a proactive innovation enabler and emphasizing the necessity of robust governance structures and enhanced financial literacy to promote sustainable growth in a digital environment.