Bank Experts Research Articles

Central banks’ knowledge controversies

ABSTRACT In the last few years, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Canada have all initiated policy reviews to reassess monetary policy tools and ideas that were no longer working in a changing global economy. In this paper, I argue that the debates that shaped these reviews can best be understood as ‘knowledge controversies’ in which some of the foundational metrics that monetary policies rely on themselves became the subject of debate. This unsettling of existing economic metrics poses not just technical but also political problems for central banks. These debates have eroded their efforts to depoliticise key issues, revealing the fragility of their technical fixes as metrics themselves can become the source of political disagreement both within the central banks themselves and in the wider public. As we enter an era of even more intense inflation-driven debates about central banking expertise and authority, these reviews provide insights into the epistemic dilemmas that central banks confront, suggesting that they will be dealing with knowledge controversies for some time to come.

Compliance with anti-money laundering laws and their impact on banking operations in Pakistan: banking expert’s opinion

Purpose Despite sound anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and membership in the financial action task force, money laundering remains a severe concern faced by Pakistan because of its weak AML regime. This led to an investigation of the perceptions of banking expert’s regarding the AML law’s costs and complexity, mapping of compliance cost and measures taken by Pakistani banks in compliance with AML laws. Design/methodology/approach A socio-legal study approach was adopted based on library-based, and interviews using social media platforms to treasure the experts’ opinions regarding the impact of AML laws on baking operations in Pakistan. A semistructured interview-based questionnaire was handed out to Pakistani banking officers. Findings The findings revealed that, for banks to meet the AML obligation, they must overcome challenges including cost and complexity. Nevertheless, these costs are less expensive than the penalties assessed for noncompliance. Practical implications Following AML regulations can help the banking industry grow, which, in turn, attracts more foreign investment by boosting consumer confidence. However, it is difficult and expensive to comply with these requirements. The current research hopes that the financial regulatory authorities of Pakistan will adopt more effective measures for efficient compliance with AML laws. Originality/value The impact of compliance with AML laws on banking operations in Pakistan was examined in this study for the first time using banking officers’ opinions from various banks best of author’s knowledge.

Limits of bank regulation in financialised capitalism: lessons from the 2023 US banking crisis

ABSTRACT In this article I argue that banks continuously build new business models in financialised capitalism. Market value of these business models is regularly calculated and reported to the investors by investment banking expertise. What the US banking regulators, in their ex-post analysis, declared as unsustainable business models in the three failed banks – Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank – in the Spring of 2023, had been promoted by equity analyst expertise as value-maximising ‘niche’ bank business models serving the disruptive technology start-ups after the Covid pandemic. The article argues that bank regulators’ power is severely constrained in financialised capitalism where stock market valuations of banks and equity-based remuneration of the executives are out of regulatory reach. Therefore financial stability mandate of central banks is undermined with significant risk to the society when business models of banks are legitimised by a financialised valuation regime that prioritises shareholder value creation.

Interval efficiency estimation using relational dynamic DEA approach: case of Indian banks

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) facilitates relative performance estimation of homogenous decision-making units (DMUs), whereas dynamic DEA pertains to intertemporal elements like carryovers for measuring DMUs’ efficiencies over time. To enhance DMU’s performance, there is a need to measure its efficiency with dynamic structure and further to determine input-output target points for making significant improvements in an inefficient DMU. Therefore, the present study proposes a relational dynamic DEA approach that comprises a dynamic structure in which periods are connected through good and bad links/carry-overs along with desirable and undesirable outputs and utilizes interval data. The system and period efficiency intervals are derived using a unique set of weights based on common weights methodology. Moreover, the relationship between the complement of the lower (upper) bound system and period efficiencies is established. Lastly, the input-output target points are suggested to improve DMUs in terms of upper-bound system efficiencies in a dynamic environment. To validate the usefulness of the proposed approach, a case study in Indian banks for the period 2017– 2021 is presented. This study investigates the impact of stressed assets (bad link/carryover) and loss due to non-performing assets (bad/undesirable output) on banks’ dynamic efficiency. The results are compared with the static structure. The findings, targets, and implications of the study can assist bank experts and policymakers in formulating policies/strategies for further improvements.

The possibility of establishing an endowment (Waqf) from the Islamic financial institutions’ provisioned funds in the United Arab Emirates

PurposeIslamic financial institutions (IFIs) can gather provisioned funds from various sources, but they are prohibited from incorporating these funds into their profits or using them for personal gain as they are considered illegitimate income. Instead, IFIs are required to allocate these funds to charitable purposes. This study aims to examine the potential establishment of a Waqf (an Islamic alternative for endowment) using the provisioned funds of IFIs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by analyzing its Shariah perspective, utility and viability.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses an information-gathering approach, gathering data from books, articles, journals and websites to illuminate the Shariah perspective of endowing provisioned funds. Additionally, it draws upon interviews with experts in Waqf and Islamic banking and finance to grasp the potential and viability of establishing a Waqf from provisioned funds in the UAE.FindingsEstablishing a Waqf using provisioned funds is permissible. Although Waqf is always advantageous, in the current situation, endowing Islamic financial institutions' provisioned funds will not adequately address societal needs in the UAE. This is because the majority of annual returns on UAE Waqf investments are low compared to the amount invested, and there is an urgency to disburse these funds to those in need. If these needs are identified and met using Zakat and other charitable funds, a Waqf can be created from provisioned funds and prove beneficial. However, the authors have suggested some proposals to establish a relevant Waqf from provisioned funds that satisfy the required conditions and address the societal needs of the UAE. They concluded that creating a Waqf school would be the best suggestion.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study is limited to examining the use of IFIs' provisioned funds to establish a Waqf in the UAE. Furthermore, the findings and conclusions of this study may be applicable only to the UAE and may not be universally applicable to other countries.Practical implicationsProposed initiatives to create a “Cash Waqf” fund and a “Waqf School” using provisioned funds are anticipated to bring about immediate positive changes for the underprivileged and the wider UAE community. Furthermore, the sustainable establishment of any Waqf could greatly benefit society by addressing all societal needs through Zakat and charitable contributions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the potential and practicality of creating a Waqf using provisioned funds from IFIs in the UAE.

The Banker of the Future: Characteristics and Trends

Abstract In the age of technological advancement and ever-changing consumer expectations, banking is undergoing a major metamorphosis. New technologies are mostly related to the digitization of banking activities. As the digitization process deepens, banks will be required to be more agile, to accelerate innovative activity and to focus more on the customer. The basis of these transformations is the labor force employed in the banking sector. The process of implementing new information technologies required new specialties for employees of banking institutions. This article examines the essential roles and skill sets of the future in banking. Likewise, modern trends in the digitalization of banking were examined. To perfect this article, the futurological visions of banking experts placed in open access were examined. The purpose of this publication is to present the basic trends of the professional transformation of the banking worker and the banking industry in general in the horizon up to the year 2030.

Factors affecting the technological innovation of banks toward accounting benefits in a developing country’s industrial revolution 4.0 context: evidence from Vietnam

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors affecting technological innovation intentions at banks listed in Vietnam, a developing country, to develop business activities and accounting benefits according to the trend of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Design/methodology/approach To collect and analyze the data for this study, qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Specifically, 20 finance and banking experts and 45 managers in the field of information technology were interviewed in qualitative research over a period of three months. Then, 1,000 questionnaires were sent to banks within six months, with the final sample for quantitative research being 324 respondents. Finally, the structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to check the hypotheses. Regarding the tools used, the qualitative study used a semistructured questionnaire to collect information. Meanwhile, SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative research information, including checking common method bias, nonresponse bias, evaluating scale quality and checking SEM. Findings The findings show that the usefulness, ease of application, credibility, innovation and efficiency of technology have certain impacts on technological innovation intentions at banks listed in Vietnam. Using the SEM analysis, the results showed that the five factors had a favorable influence on the technological innovation intentions. More specifically, this study proposed adding an efficiency factor, and the results showed that it has the greatest impact on technological innovation intentions. Research limitations/implications This study would be considered a continuation of prior studies because it provides empirical evidence for business models at banks listed in developing countries (for example, Vietnam) and so provides useful advice for bank management not only in Vietnam but across Asia. In fact, bank managers should consider introducing new technology as appropriate to make their reports more clear and up-to-date, therefore improving their performance. Banking managers, in particular, should focus on enhancing the bank’s application technology indicators to obtain a competitive edge. Originality/value This is a pioneering study that uses a combination of the reasoned action theory, planned behavior theory, transaction cost theory and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to expand knowledge about technological innovation intentions at listed banks in the context of a developing country. The study also discovered and added the efficiency factor as a key factor affecting the intention to innovate technology at listed banks. These contribute to improving the literature of technological innovation intentions.

Should Islamic Window be converted into a Full-Fledge Islamic Bank? A case study in Indonesia

Research Originality: This research provides fresh perspectives on the future landscape of Islamic banking, particularly concerning the Islamic window. The paper stands out for its originality as it undertakes an empirical study utilizing a mixed method. This study is also expected to answer the research gap between literature studies, empirical studies, and implemented policies. Additionally, it is driven by the objective of contributing to the existing literature on Islamic finance.Research Objectives: This study dives into whether converting Islamic Business Units (UUS) into full-fledged Islamic Banks (BUS) leads to performance enhancement.Research Methods: There are two types of data analysis methods, namely qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative analysis method comes from a collection of literature reviews and institutional opinions from Islamic banking experts in the world. This study employs a multi-pronged quantitative approach to investigate the performance and consumer perception of Islamic banking services with an emphasis on UUS and BUS.Empirical Result: The results indicate that UUS and BUS structures adhere to Sharia principles and achieve commendable performance. However, analysis of financial reports across many countries, including Indonesia, shows that UUS's financial performance is generally better than BUS. The research further emphasizes that internal factors like capital adequacy, asset quality, and management capabilities, rather than the institutional structure itself, hold greater sway in driving performance improvement. Forced conversion of UUS could even hinder overall progress. Implications: Beyond financial considerations, the study explores consumer behavior through surveys with educated individuals. The results indicate that their choice between BUS and UUS products is guided by practical factors such as financial returns, costs, and service reliability offered by each structure. JEL Classification: G21, G28 How to Cite:Abimanyu, A., & At Tamimi, R. A. (2024). Should Islamic Window be Converted into a Full-Fledge Islamic Bank? A Case Study in Indonesia. Etikonomi, 23(1), 183 – 200. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.35082.

Disentangling the influence of female directors in the banking industry

Objective - This study examined the effect of female directors and their banking expertise on corporate reputation in Nigeria. Methodology/Technique – This study employs ordinary least square regression on sample data from 2009 to 2018. The sample consists of 11 banks from 2009 to 2018, which resulted in 110 observations of the listed banks from the main floor of the NSE market. The data used in the study were extracted from Bloomberg DataStream. Findings—In line with our hypothesis, we documented that female directors on the board and female directors with banking expertise are positively related to corporate reputation, suggesting that female directors on the board and with banking expertise led to a higher corporate reputation. Novelty - Our findings add to the existing body of literature on gender and corporate reputation. as well as resource dependency theory. The findings also corroborate the existing CBN policy on gender diversity. Hence, the study's findings offer additional awareness to the corporate stakeholders. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: M14, M19. Keywords: Female directors, female directors' banking expertise, and corporate reputation. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Adamu, I.A; Tyasari, I; Abubakar, A.H. (2024). Disentangling the influence of female directors in the banking industry, Acc. Fin. Review, 8(4), 11 – 22. https://doi.org/10.35609/afr.2024.8.4(2)

Presentation of a Social Responsibility Measurement Model in Tejarat Bank with a Brand-Centric Approach

Objective: Nowadays, social responsibility is considered essential for organizations, as it significantly influences various organizational outputs. Many organizations are continually striving to improve their image through the development of their social responsibilities. This study presents a model for measuring social responsibility in Tejarat Bank. Methodology: The research was conducted using a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative). The qualitative sample consisted of 10 experts, and the quantitative sample included 413 managers and specialists from Tejarat Bank, with 203 individuals selected as the statistical sample using a sample size formula. In the qualitative part, an initial model including 3 dimensions, 9 components, and 45 indicators was extracted through interviews with bank experts. Subsequently, the extracted model was tested using structural equation modeling in the LISREL software environment. Findings: Results showed three main dimensions: customer-centricity (including components of responsiveness and service quality), legal and ethical (including stakeholders, employees, community rights, and organizational activities), and environmental focus (including environmental factors, online marketing, and internet service provision). Conclusion: To improve service quality, it is suggested that managers examine the customer experience in all service delivery processes and assess customers' mental satisfaction. It is also recommended that service delivery channels to customers be standardized, meaning that services received through various means (such as mobile banking, internet banking, etc.) should be uniform, and if a customer begins a service process through one channel, they should be able to continue it through another.

An Investigation of the Impact of Mobile Money Services on the Profitability of Commercial Banks in Zambia

This paper sought to determine the impact of mobile money services on the profitability of commercial banks in Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives; (i) To examine the level of use of mobile money services in Zambia; (ii) to assess the measures of financial performance in the banking industry and (iii) to establish the relationship between the use of mobile money services and financial performance of the banking industry. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research approaches mainly descriptive correlation design. The target population comprised of workers in all the commercial banks, mobile money operators (MMOs) and regulators and bank experts from Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and Zambia Institute of Bankers (ZIOB) located in Lusaka central business district. A sample of 156 respondents was chosen using purposive sampling techniques to select retail, operations, customer service and finance department employees from banks and MMOs and two experts from ZICTA and ZIOB as key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires administered via Google forms sent to WhatsApp contacts and email addresses of respondents. Data were and analyzed using SPSS statistical packages to generate descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). The findings of study were presented in form of means, standard deviations, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. According to the findings of the study, it was indicated that there is generally a high level of use of mobile money services in the banking industry observed from a high level of reliability and accessibility to the services (Means of 3.71 and 4.17 simultaneously). The findings also indicated that there is a high level of financial performance reflected by a high level of profitability (Mean=4.52) in the banking industry, a high level of loan supervision (Mean=3 .85) and relatively high revenue sources (Mean=4. 11) for the banks. It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and financial performance in terms of profitability of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.2l2). It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and loan portfolio management of the banking industry (Sig. value=0.605). Finally, it also indicated that there an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and revenue of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.435). The study thus recommends that commercial banks in Zambia which have not yet collaborated with MMOs should adopt the use of mobile money services on their platforms as it is highly reliable, accessible and reduces congestion in bank premises by customers who come to make transactions. This will help to boost financial performance in the banking industry.

Investigating “organizational maturity” in order to provide “blockchain banking service” based on “FinTech” (through “the CMMI” in “Parsian Bank”)

PurposeThe description of “blockchain banking”, the determination of “the sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process”, and the assessment of “maturity level” in Parsian Bank.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical sources on “blockchain banking” were initially investigated. Then the “sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process” were extracted by Parsian Bank's experts through the “Delphi method”. Next, the “sequence” of the “sub-processes” was determined by means of the “AHP”. Eventually, Parsian Bank's maturity levels for all the sub-processes as well as the overall maturity level were specified on the basis of the “CMMI” V1.3 in order for Business Process Management (BPM).FindingsBlockchain banking’ combines traditional banking with cryptocurrencies, which can be provided by merging “hybrid e-wallet” with “bank account” and “bank card” – all together as “crypto bank account”. Plus, “hybrid e-wallet” is a form of mobile e-wallet on blockchain that supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies in the same platform by which the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies are possible. Besides, “Blockchain banking service” can also be offered within the framework of “open banking” aligned with “open innovation” through a FinTech (or a beta bank) in collaboration with a licensed bank via “open API”, which is called “blockchain banking based on FinTech”. At last, the eight sub-processes of “blockchain banking” were determined and Parsian Bank's “maturity level” was specified.Originality/valueThis is the very first practical guide to “blockchain banking service”.

Faithful Finance: Unlocking Banking Islamization in Afghanistan

This paper explores the challenges and prospects associated with the adoption of Islamic banking in Afghanistan. Despite the global growth and acceptance of Islamic banking by approximately 50 countries by 1997, Afghanistan only embraced it between 2008–2009. The decision to convert conventional banks to Islamic ones, driven by the involvement of interest rates (riba) in the prevailing system, necessitates a thorough examination of the challenges and the need for an appropriate response. The study employs qualitative, analytical, and exploratory methods, reviewing secondary sources and conducting unstructured interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), staff of Islamic banking institutions, experts in Islamic banking and finance, and consumers. The findings reveal that the challenges in promoting Islamic banking in Afghanistan are more complex and multi-layered than commonly understood, stemming from the legal system, regulatory capacities and mindset, banking services, and public perception. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges comprehensively to safeguard the already fragile economic and financial sector. Failure to do so may lead to further deterioration. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the unique challenges and prospects of Islamic banking in Afghanistan, providing valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and practitioners in shaping an effective transformation strategy.

Digital financial technologies in the Middle East and North Africa region: modern trends

According to the World Bank experts, the widespread adoption of digital technologies in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will bring huge social and economic benefits amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars a year, and a much – needed surge in new technologies and job creation. While the Middle East is far behind when it comes to digital transformation, better logistics, tax incentives, free zones and innovative ideas have propelled the region into new uncharted innovation spaces. From Metaverse and free zones to e@commerce and many others, the region is truly entering a «Golden Age» of digital adoption. Initially slow in adopting digital technologies, governments have made huge strides in helping their regions catch up with and even outperform many global markets including Western countries. Now, a range of investments, such as the 2023 launch of the Metaverse Academy in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, is taking the Middle East and Africa to new heights and creating many opportunities for digital retailers and business communities.

The prospects of istijrar financing in Islamic banking: an exploratory study in Bangladesh

PurposeThis study aims to explore the prospects of istijrar financing in the Islamic banking of Bangladesh. Istijrar is a supply sale contract that facilitates recurrent transactions under a master agreement without needing a deal-to-deal agreement. Murabahah financing in Bangladesh is being criticized for Shari’ah violations, which can be minimized if istijrar financing is integrated and applied.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a qualitative approach, primarily using a semistructured interview method to collect the primary data. The study conducted 13 one-to-one interviews with leading Islamic banking experts in the country, including Shari’ah scholars, Islamic bankers and regulators. Besides, the study consults with classical and contemporary fiqhi sources to realize the status of istijrar sale in Islamic law. Thematic analysis is performed to explore the qualitative data.FindingsThe study finds that istijrar financing has great prospects in the Islamic banking of Bangladesh. Istijrar is applicable in consumer financing and can be offered as an alternative or supplement to murabahah. Also, postimport murabahah financing can be structured with istijrar, while it can also be used in export financing. Besides, a few challenges should be dealt with before offering istijrar, such as proper structure, lack of literacy, stakeholders’ awareness, Shari’ah and regulatory approval and alignment with the law of the land.Practical implicationsMurabahah financing is dominant on the asset side of Islamic banks’ balance sheets in Bangladesh. Murabahah practice in Bangladesh is frequently criticized for some possible Shari’ah violations. Also, more documents are needed for each murabahah operation, which eventually accelerates the costs. Applying istijrar would minimize these issues as it does not require a new contract for each deal. Multiple supplies can be done under a single agreement. Besides, istijrar reduces documentation hassle and transaction costs. Istijrar would be an easy practice and benefit the bank and its clients.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge and the Islamic banking industry. The existing studies have not adequately addressed the potential of istijrar in Islamic banking. In addition, this study will be an eye-opener for Islamic bankers to develop new products with istijrar.

Islamic Economics: A Survey of the Literature

Economics, as one of the sciences of the new age, deals with people and things and has the concepts and characteristics of the science of the new age, such as falsifiability and prediction. Economics disproves its theories through repeated experiments and experiments. "Islamic economy" is not scientific in the sense of a new science and it does not have scientific characteristics and features except (comparative concepts) which presents a different methodology for studying its principles. In Islamic economics, there are fixed and variable rules and concepts, and comparative concepts, and by accepting the "comparative concepts thesis", Islamic economics will be able to discuss what is and what should be, and while presenting the best economic system that is in accordance with human nature and God's commandments, develop new concepts and theories, or employ them and harmonize and adapt them with Islamic principles and ethics. The comparative concepts of Islamic economics have scientific characteristics and based on the principles of the subject, it explains behavioral patterns that are falsifiable. In this research, the analysis and interpretation of the nature of Islamic economy and the researchers conducted in this field have been done in the library method. This research shows that the extensive literature on the Islamic economic system is still being created and most of the issues have not been carefully considered. Many of the important issues raised in this paper are not resolved, but merely determined. However, such problems may be of interest not only to Islamic scholars, but also to Western experts in money and banking. By examining the specific issues of the Islamic economic system more closely, many important problems in the general economy as well as comparative economic systems can be solved.

OECD AND UKRAINE: TRENDS IN HEALTH CARE FINANCING

The article examines current trends in healthcare financing in OECD countries and Ukraine. The focus is on assessing the dynamics of total healthcare spending and it is found that in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in funding in all countries. In particular, only in 2019-2020, the share of healthcare costs in the GDP of OECD countries increased by 1% on average. Thus, advanced countries, realizing the impact of the healthcare industry on the economy and well-being of the country as a whole, tried to maximally strengthen its financial stability in general and to epidemic challenges in particular. The priority sources of health care financing were analyzed and it was found that the governments of the OECD countries diversify the sources of financing in the sector to protect their citizens from excessive financial burden and to ensure affordable and high-quality medical care. It was found that the direct costs of patients from OECR countries account for an average of 20% of all health care costs, while in Ukraine the population finances more than 46% of medical costs. It was noted that this indicator is threatening for the country, since the poor do not have access to medical care due to lack of funds and, as a result, the number of diseases, the level of disability, and mortality of citizens is increasing. It was established that the priority sources of financing for one group of OECD countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Great Britain, Canada, etc.) are budget funds, and for another (Germany, Japan, France, etc.) - funds from the mandatory health insurance system. In recent years, there has been a tendency to increase the share of mandatory health insurance in the structure of financing sources of OECD countries, which increased by 2% on average and amounted to 39%. It was concluded that the Ukrainian health care system, in which the reform began in 2015, annually increases the amount of funding and has positive feedback from WHO and World Bank experts about the results of the reform. However, due to political changes in 2014 and economic constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, total health spending in dollar terms in 2020 did not reach the 2013 funding level. In addition, the war made adjustments to the activity of the industry, introducing a regime of maximum preservation of infrastructure, simplification of financing, and ensuring the availability of medical services. Despite this, the government developed a post-war healthcare recovery plan to revive destroyed facilities and radically transform the industry in peacetime.

Donor’s perspectives on blood donation and challenges of National Blood Center, Yangon, during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing major disruption at all levels of healthcare services, including blood bank services globally. The donors’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding blood donation in Myanmar are needed to be considered. Hence, we studied the perspectives of blood donors on their donation and the challenges faced by the National Blood Centre, Yangon (NBC), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted the cross-sectional descriptive study using mixed methods among blood donors aged 20 years and above for quantitative approach and among three purposively selected blood bank experts for key informant interviews of qualitative portion. Results: Of the 240 donors, the mean age was 36.41±10.83 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.24:1. Overall, regarding blood donation, 57.1% had favorable knowledge, 59.2% had favorable attitude, and 31.3% had regular voluntary practice. The higher-income donors had more favorable knowledge (p=0.013). Male donors (p=0.037), donors aged 50 years and above (p<0.001), and who with favorable knowledge (p=0.002) had regular voluntary practice. The more knowledge and positive attitude the donors had, the more times they donated blood. Thematic analysis identified five key themes and during pandemic, NBC encountered reduced blood supply and demand, communication problems with donors, human resources shortage, poor adherence to safety precautions of COVID-19 among donors and staff, and difficulty in arrangement of continuous consumable supply and maintenance as main challenges. Conclusions: Policymakers and medical directors should have proper plans and policies to raise awareness, mobilize regular voluntary donors, especially youth and repeated donors, and recruit potential donors.

Understanding Consumers’ Barriers to Using FinTech Services in the United Arab Emirates: Mixed-Methods Research Approach

The cutting-edge development known as FinTech is now fast replacing traditional financial services all over the world. Despite that, UAE consumers are still not embracing FinTech services at the expected rate. This study hence suggests expanded research based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to deeply examine the obstacles preventing consumers from using FinTech services. This research utilised an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach. Preliminary semi-structured interviews involving ten banking experts were undertaken to explore the barriers preventing consumers from using FinTech services. To get additional empirical support for the research concept, the study sequentially examined numerous components using a quantitative cross-sectional online survey involving 332 bank customers. The qualitative investigation highlighted six new barriers that consumers face when using FinTech. Through quantitative data analysis, the preliminary qualitative findings were largely verified. As far as the authors are concerned, this inquiry is the first to put forth a thorough model that takes into account organisational, technological, individual, and environmental aspects for addressing the problem of low FinTech usage. By incorporating several new factors, this study also expands the UTAUT. Additionally, it is one of the first studies to examine FinTech adoption employing a mixed-approach methodology.

Interpretive Structural Model Approach to Mobile Banking Adoption in a Rapidly Growing Economy: a Banking Expert's Perspective

Interpretive Structural Model Approach to Mobile Banking Adoption in a Rapidly Growing Economy: a Banking Expert's Perspective