A Study on the Adoption of Fintech in Smart Cities with References to Financial Inclusion

The rapid growth of Financial Technology (FinTech) has transformed the delivery of financial services across the world and has created new opportunities for promoting financial inclusion. In smart cities, where digital infrastructure and technological connectivity are highly developed, FinTech services such as mobile payments, digital wallets, and online banking have the potential to enhance access to formal financial systems. However, the adoption of FinTech is influenced by several technological, behavioral, and demographic factors. The present study examines the impact of FinTech adoption on financial inclusion among residents of smart cities. In particular, the study investigates the role of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, and digital literacy in influencing FinTech adoption and financial inclusion. FinTech adoption is considered as a mediating variable, while age and internet accessibility are examined as moderating factors. The study is based on primary data collected from 320 respondents residing in selected smart cities in India through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) through SmartPLS.