The Growth of Fintech in Developing Countries: Evidence from Jordan

This article aims to investigate the influence of continuous usage of fintech and blockchain among Jordanian users. The study solves the puzzle of users’ trust and perceived risk reduction or the role of information technology (IT) quality, which encompasses system quality, service quality and information quality, in affecting perceived risk, trust and continued use of fintech. Despite the growing body of fintech research, empirical evidence on post-adoption (continuance) behaviour that integrates IT quality, trust and perceived risk remains limited, particularly in developing countries such as Jordan. Using exploratory design and structured questionnaire, data collected from 400 active fintech users in Jordan were subjected to further analysis. The proposed model and mediation effects were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results show that trust is important for continuing to use fintech and blockchain, while risks hamper the use or transaction of products. The service quality dimension of IT quality has the most effect on trust and the mitigation of perceived risk. And the quality of information increases trust, while the quality of systems mitigates the perceived risk. The model explains 61.4% of continuance intention behaviour; thus, it has a strong ability to explain. The study confirmed several mediation paths, indicating that IT quality shapes risks and trust perceptions of Jordanian fintech users. The results mentioned can help decision-makers, fintech start-ups and digital financial service providers in Jordan. They stress the significance of creating trust, reducing risk and improving IT services for the sustainable growth of the Jordanian fintech ecosystem. As Jordan is not a country routinely linked to new technologies, this study provides the first empirical model that links IT quality, trust and risk with continuance intention. Also, it offers the first Jordan model that can expand the fintech literature for the Middle East area.