The aim of this study was to identify the factors inducing customers to choose cashless payments made with payment cards at retail and service outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified factors that are crucial for consumers’ functioning under pandemic conditions, but which have so far been neglected in research. The estimated logit model indicates that the variables significantly influencing the more frequent choice of payment cards at retail outlets are related to the fear of infection and perception of the advantages of new technological solutions in connection with social distancing. Our study shows that, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics such as age and level of education, emotionally motivated factors induced by the pandemic have begun to play an important role in the transition to cashless payment.

Environmental protection is a core component of the sustainable business practices of financial institutions. Previous research on green FinTech mainly relies on gas and dust emissions data to show its environmental impact, while consumer assessments of FinTech’s contribution to sustainability are rarely explored. This study aims to investigate the level of consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of FinTech companies and to identify cross-country differences in these assessments. The empirical data were obtained from a survey conducted in mid-2023, involving 2000 respondents from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. This study employs descriptive statistics and selected statistical tests, which enabled the identification of two main findings. Firstly, the survey results reveal a generally low level of awareness of the green activities undertaken by FinTech companies across all four countries. Secondly, statistically significant differences were found in the assessment of the environmental impact of FinTech companies, with respondents from the United Kingdom and Poland being the most likely to perceive this impact as positive. Due to the benefits of sustainable development for both society and the environment, it is essential that the FinTech sector intensifies its pro-environmental efforts. The findings also highlight the need for FinTech companies to enhance communication regarding their environmental sustainability initiatives.

This study aims to identify what determines the use of biometric technologies in the financial applications of banks and FinTechs. The analysis uses data from a survey of 1,000 adult Polish residents. The estimated logit model indicates that the probability of using biometric solutions decreases with age and increases with the level of education and technological sophistication relating to personal innovativeness, experience with biometric technology, and the use of digital technology in both financial and non-financial areas. The work identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor accelerating the adoption of biometric solutions and fostering awareness of the threat of digital technologies invading respondents’ privacy. The study demonstrates the positive impact of trust that phone manufacturers ensure the security of stored funds and data processing on the acceptance of biometric solutions in financial services. This relationship underpins the recommendation to financial institutions in the field of promoting biometric technologies.

Objective: The aim is to identify the determinants of the perception of FinTech companies as environmentally friendly institutions. Research Design & Methods: The empirical base used in the work comprises data obtained in a survey conducted using computer-assisted web interviews of 2 000 respondents from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. We used the ordinary logit models in the data analysis. Findings: We identified the perceived benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the financial sector and personal values and beliefs regarding sustainable development as the key factors determining whether FinTech companies are perceived as environmentally friendly institutions. Moreover, we found that education and financial knowledge are significant determinants. Implications & Recommendations: For FinTech companies to be perceived as environmentally friendly, decision-makers must take actions supporting environmental sustainability and implement an appropriate communication policy. Building a green institutional image is supported by educating consumers about finance, promoting ecological responsibility, and encouraging more frequent use of financial applications. It is also important to highlight environmental initiatives while avoiding greenwashing, as individuals engaged in environmental protection are particularly sensitive to manipulation in this area. The findings of the study can also serve to increase the effectiveness of communication between FinTech companies and market participants in the area of environmental protection. Considering the importance of the variable related to the AI use in finance, the messaging should emphasise the positive environmental impact of digital technologies employed by FinTech companies. Contribution & Value Added: The study significantly contributes to the development of green FinTech research, as it is the first to address how FinTech companies come to be regarded as environmentally friendly. Identifying the determinants of the relevant perceptions is particularly important since the literature shows that most consumers are not convinced of the beneficial impact of banks and FinTech companies on the environment. The study’s particular contribution is the identification of universal determinants independent of the respondents’ country of origin, which FinTech company managers should consider when designing services and communicating with consumers. Empirical evidence also indicates that the value-belief-norm theory contributes to explaining the perception of FinTech companies as green. We should associate the uniqueness of the work with the use of data obtained in a survey of respondents from several European countries with different levels of financial market development and different degrees of implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.