Fintech Adoption Behaviour Among Accounting Professionals in Sri Lanka: An Analysis of User Types Before and After COVID-19

Abstract

The rapid evolution of Financial Technology (Fintech) has transformed how individuals and organizations conduct financial transactions, yet user adoption patterns remain underexplored in emerging economies such as Sri Lanka. In particular, the extent to which user characteristics influence the frequency, volume, and diversity of fintech usage before and after the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to examine the impact of frequency, transaction volume, and application use of fintech on different user types. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed online among accounting professionals in the Western Province of Sri Lanka during 2022, yielding 93 valid responses. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that while user type has no significant influence on fintech usage patterns, the frequency and transaction volume differ significantly across fintech application types before and after COVID-19. Moreover, perceived risk demonstrates a significant impact on user type, whereas perceived benefit does not. The study concludes that behavioral factors, rather than demographic or categorical ones, drive fintech adoption decisions. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers and fintech service providers to enhance trust, reduce risk perceptions, and promote inclusive digital financial ecosystems in Sri Lanka.