Fintech Utilisation, Financial Literacy, Financial Behaviour, Digital Literacy, and MSME Financial Performance

This study examines the relationships of financial technology (fintech) usage, financial literacy, financial behaviour, and digital literacy with the financial performance of culinary micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Larangan District, Tangerang City, Indonesia. It further compares application-oriented capabilities, represented by fintech usage and financial behaviour, with knowledge-oriented capabilities, represented by financial literacy and digital literacy, in relation to financial performance. The study is motivated by the rapid digital transformation of MSMEs and increasing efforts to strengthen their financial and digital capabilities to support business sustainability. Despite these developments, improved access to financial technology and greater financial and digital knowledge do not necessarily correspond to better financial outcomes. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 84 culinary MSME owners selected through purposive sampling. Eligible respondents had operated their businesses for at least one year, had experience using fintech services for business-related activities, and had access to formal financial services. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed through multiple linear regression. The results indicate that fintech usage and financial behaviour are positively and significantly associated with MSME financial performance, whereas financial literacy and digital literacy show no statistically significant direct associations. Within the sampled fintech-using culinary MSMEs, application-oriented capabilities therefore show stronger empirical relevance to financial performance than knowledge-oriented capabilities. These findings highlight the importance of complementing financial and digital knowledge with practical financial behaviour and effective technology utilisation in routine business activities.