The Impact Of Cashless Payments On Smes’ Financial Performance In Mount Lebanon

Abstract

Cashless payments are one of the innovations playing a significant role in business strategy. However, in Lebanon, the economic and financial crisis has forced SMEs to primarily use cash as a mode of payment, leading to numerous issues affecting their financial performance. To overcome these challenges, companies are seeking to adopt cashless payments outside the banking sector to better control their finances and adapt to rapid technological advancements. This study aims to examine the impact of cashless payments on the financial performance of SMEs in Mount Lebanon, highlighting the factors affecting the adoption of this payment method. A survey was conducted with the leaders of 183 SMEs in the region, and the results of multiple regression analysis, carried out using SPSS software, confirmed the significant impact of electronic payments on the financial performance of SMEs in the region. Specifically, mobile money and E-transfer have a significant positive relationship with financial performance. Furthermore, the study identified that competition, risks, and ease of use are the behavioral intention factors that affect the adoption of cashless payments. Consequently, leaders must adjust their strategy by integrating cashless payments to improve their financial performance.