Title: DIGITAL FINANCIAL LITERACY AND FINTECH ADOPTION AMONG RURAL POPULATIONS IN VIETNAM
Authors:
Quan Nguyen Van* and Lam Dao Dinh
Abstract:
The rapid development of financial technology (Fintech) has created new opportunities for expanding financial inclusion, particularly among underserved rural populations. However, access to digital financial services does not necessarily translate into adoption, as individuals’ knowledge, skills, safety competencies, awareness, and trust may influence their willingness to use Fintech services. This study examines the influence of four dimensions of digital financial literacy (digital financial knowledge, digital financial skills, digital financial safety, and digital financial awareness) on fintech adoption intention among rural populations in Vietnam with fintech trust as a mediating variable. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and Behavioral Finance Theory, the study develops and empirically tests a research model using data collected from 315 rural residents in Vietnam. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 3. The findings indicate that all four dimensions of digital financial literacy have positive and statistically significant effects on fintech trust. Among these dimensions, digital financial skills demonstrate the strongest effect, followed by digital financial knowledge, digital financial safety, and digital financial awareness. Fintech trust also has a strong positive effect on fintech adoption intention. Furthermore, fintech trust significantly mediates the relationships between all four dimensions of digital financial literacy and fintech adoption intention. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening practical digital financial capabilities and building trust in Fintech services to support digital financial inclusion among rural populations in Vietnam. The study contributes to the Fintech adoption literature by integrating digital financial capabilities and trust within a rural emerging-economy context.
Keywords: Digital financial literacy; fintech adoption intention; fintech trust; rural populations.
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