Fintech, Technology Spillover and TFP of Commercial Banks: Evidence From China

ABSTRACT This article derives the theoretical relationship between Fintech and total factor productivity (TFP). In the empirical test, it calculates the TFP of 110 commercial banks in China from 2013 to 2020 using the non‐oriented DEA‐Malmquist index model. It then estimates the effects of Fintech on TFP using a dynamic panel SYSGMM model. The results show that Fintech has a direct positive spillover effect on the TFP of commercial banks. A portion of the intermediary effect existing in the growth of online banking transactions can indirectly promote the improvement of TFP. The Fintech spillover is heterogeneous, varying with different shareholding backgrounds and economic regions. City commercial banks, joint‐stock commercial banks, and commercial banks in the eastern region have relatively strong technology absorption capacity. This article offers some suggestions for commercial banks to apply Fintech to improve their TFP.