Purpose: This paper aims to examine the impact of capital regulation, ownership structure and the degree of ownership concentration on the risk of commercial banks. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a sample of 565 commercial banks from 52 countries over the period of 2011-2015. A dynamic panel data model estimation using the maximum likelihood with structural equation modelling (SEM) was followed considering the panel nature of this study. Findings: The study found that the increase of capital ratio decreases bank risk and the regulatory pressure increases the risk-taking of the bank. No statistically significant relationship between banks’ ownership structure and risk-taking was found. The concentration of ownership was found negatively associated with bank risk. Finally, the study found that in the long term, bank increases the capital level that decreases the default risk. Originality/value: This study presents an empirical analysis on the global banking system focusing on the Basel Committee member and non-member countries that reflect the implementation of Basel II and Basel III. Therefore, it helps fill the gap in the banking literature on the effect of recent changes in the capital regulation on bank risk. Maximum likelihood with SEM addresses the issue of endogeneity, efficiency and time-invariant variables. Moreover, this study measures the risk by different proxy variables that address total, default and liquidity risks of the banks. Examining from a different perspective of risk makes the study more robust.

The rising prevalence of depression among teenagers in Malaysia as well as globally makes it a vital issue to study. The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of social connection and self-perceived depression towards the improved mental wellbeing of the teenagers of Malaysia. Moreover, the mediating role of self-perceived depression on the improvement of the mental wellbeing of teenagers is examined in this study. This study followed a questionnaire-based approach. The sample of this study included 289 students aged between 15 and 19 years from Klang Valley, Malaysia. Prior permission was obtained from school authorities as well as from parents to allow their children to participate in the survey. To find out the structural relationship between the variables, PLS-SEM was utilized. This study finds that stronger social connections with family and friends may result in reduced self-perceived depression among Malaysian teenagers. Moreover, self-perceived depression among the teenagers surveyed had a negative effect on their improved mental wellbeing. The findings of this study will significantly affect how depression theories are currently understood and have consequences for social work, services, and policy interventions regarding teenagers in Malaysia.

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) can improve organizational effectiveness. Individual altruism and commitment to the organization are at the core of OCB. This study aimed to examine the impact of organizational commitment and demographic factors on OCB in the Malaysian financial sector. The cross-sectional study targeted 280 employees from diverse backgrounds and positions across banking and non-banking financial institutions following conventional as well as Islamic Sharia principles in Malaysia. The respondents include individuals from management levels (upper management, middle management, non-management) and divisions (finance, operations, retail/corporate banking, and others). Data analysis included multiple regression analysis and ANOVA. The findings reveal a complex interaction where organizational and normative commitment do not significantly predict OCB, while affective commitment shows a significant positive correlation with OCB. The study revealed that employees with higher emotional attachment to their organization exhibit more OCB (r = 0.155, p < 0.009). In addition, demographic factors, such as education (r = 0.025, p < 0.067), age (r = 0017, p < 0.003), tenure (r = 0.107, p < 0.003), and management level (r = 0.17, p < 0.004) emerge as positive influencers of OCB. Thus, higher education levels, older employees, longer tenure, and managerial positions are linked to higher levels of OCB. At the same time, no significant gender-based differences are observed in employees’ OCB. The findings imply that organizations should emphasize building emotional connections with employees through supportive leadership and a positive work environment to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the low adoption rate of mobile money services (MMS) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region compared to other regions. The study focussed on socio-demographic factors and macro-level determinants in several selected MENA and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) regions where MMS have been successful. Design/methodology/approach: This study analysed 23 countries across MENA and SSA to establish the correlation between socio and macroeconomic factors and MMS adoption using a quantitative approach. The analysis used the generalized least square (GLS) method. Findings: The study revealed that gender and income are factors that positively influence the adoption of MMS in MENA and SSA regions. Additionally, the study found that the affordability index, which measures macroeconomic indicators, correlates with MMS adoption in both regions but in an inversed way. On the other hand, political stability appears to have a positive correlation with MMS adoption in the MENA region. The correlation between the regulatory index and MMS adoption positively impacts the entire study group, although it is insignificant in the SSA region. Research limitations/implications: Future studies should assess market competition among MMS providers and the psychological aspect of user adoption behaviour. Additionally, conducting a focus group discussion with stakeholders in the MMS industry can assist in uncovering potential factors contributing to low MMS adoption in the MENA region. Originality/value: This study contributes to understanding the role of the socio-demographic and macroeconomic determinants in promoting digital transformation through adopting MMS.

The fourth industrial revolution has considerably enhanced technology, resulting in disruptive developments across various industries, including higher education. Generation Z, known as digital natives, has specific digital preferences, making mobile applications essential for improving their educational experience. The present study aims to investigate the digital transition in higher education, emphasizing using mobile applications as campus support services for Generation Z students. The study investigates the factors influencing mobile app acceptance and usage, intending to enhance educational support services' efficiency and quality among 100 students from different universities. By performing multiple linear regression, the study revealed that perceived usefulness is the most critical factor driving students' intention to use mobile apps in higher education. In contrast, other elements such as ease of use, competence, accessibility, and data privacy were not deemed significant concerns by the students. The findings are intended to advise higher education institutions on integrating mobile apps to assist Generation Z better, eventually leading to increased student engagement and satisfaction. This study emphasizes the significance of mobile technology in current educational contexts and offers practical insights for universities looking to use digital technologies to improve campus support services. However, the outcome may vary for students from different demographic and socio-economic backgrounds.