Purpose This study aims to develop and test a comprehensive model of Sharia digital banking adoption combining innovation resistance theory, Islamic financial literacy (IFL) and subjective well-being (SWB). It examines how functional and psychological barriers (usage, risk, value and image barriers) influence behavioural intention, actual adoption and post-adoption well-being among users of Sharia digital banking applications. The study further applies gender-based multi-group analysis (MGA) to assess whether adoption mechanisms differ between male and female consumers. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was used for analysing survey data collected from 291 Sharia digital banking users in Indonesia. The proposed model was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, followed by MGA to evaluate gender-based structural differences. Findings The results indicate that perceived barriers and IFL play significant roles in shaping adoption intention and behaviour. Value and image barriers negatively affect adoption intention, while IFL strengthens it. Risk barriers reduce both intention and actual adoption, highlighting persistent concerns related to security and perceived Sharia assurance. Behavioural intention strongly predicts adoption, which in turn reduces perceived usage barriers, suggesting experience-based learning effects. Adoption also contributes positively to SWB, whereas usage barriers weaken it. MGA results reveal that gender does not broadly moderate the model; however, men exhibit significantly higher sensitivity to risk barriers when deciding to adopt Sharia digital banking. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on data from a Muslim-majority context and focus specifically on Sharia digital banking, which may limit generalisability. Future research could validate the model in different cultural and regulatory environments and extend it to other Islamic fintech services such as crowdfunding, Takaful or blockchain-based platforms. Practical implications Islamic financial institutions should prioritise reducing perceived adoption barriers, particularly risk concerns among male users, while strengthening IFL through education, in-app learning tools and community outreach. Enhancing usability, transparency and communication regarding Sharia compliance may further support sustained adoption. Positioning Sharia digital banking as both ethically aligned and psychologically beneficial can improve engagement among younger and value-driven consumers. Social implications Improving IFL and lowering perceived barriers can foster greater financial inclusion, strengthen trust in Sharia-compliant digital finance and support consumer well-being. As adoption enhances SWB and reduces resistance over time, Sharia digital banking may contribute to ethical financial participation and broader societal welfare. Originality/value This study offers an integrated model that combines innovation resistance, IFL and SWB within a Sharia digital banking context. By linking adoption behaviour to well-being outcomes and applying gender-based MGA, it extends fintech adoption research into Islamic ethical and welfare-oriented domains.
Nugraha et al. (Fri,) studied this question.