The association between FinTech, board characteristics, and cash holdings in Jordanian banks

This study aims to examine the association between FinTech, board characteristics, and banks’ cash holdings in the Jordanian business environment. The study utilises data from 14 banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), covering the period from 2009 to 2024. It employs an econometric analysis of panel data, using ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the primary approach. In addition, the investigation applies various statistical methods, such as the two-stage least square (2SLS), the generalised method of moments (GMM), the dynamic model, and fixed effects regression to address causality and endogeneity issues in the study’s equations. Consequently, the study conducts data analyses to confirm the validity of the findings. The outcomes indicate that FinTech and board characteristics have a significant positive connection with banks’ cash holdings. These findings strengthen the assertions of consumer theory and agency theory. This investigation can help stakeholders, executives, bankers, customers, and policymakers in exploring the association between FinTech, board characteristics, and banks’ cash holdings in the context of Jordan. Furthermore, this study’s findings support the view that the banks in emerging economies should offer green loans for sustainability projects by leveraging FinTech adoption and board directors’ expertise to reallocate excess cash holdings. The novelty of the present paper lies in its explanation of the association between FinTech and board characteristics regarding banks’ cash holdings in Jordan. In addition, it opens paths for future works to delve into this literature area in the context of Middle Eastern countries, with a specific focus on Jordan. This investigation is one of the first attempts in Jordan to clarify these connections. Theoretically, it supports the assertions of consumer theory and agency theory as presented in Jordanian literature. Lastly, expanding the paper’s framework reach to other Middle Eastern nations would be valuable, particularly in light of the lack of research in this domain.