Governing FinTech: evidence from female directors in Italian banks

The use of digital technologies in the financial service industry has brought new complexities to corporate governance in banks. Relying on the perspective of the agency theory, this research examines the impact of financial technology innovation (Fintech) on Italian banks’ performance by explaining the moderating role of board gender diversity. Using a sample of Italian banks observed during the period 2016-2020 and employing fixed-effects regression models we find that gender diversity ameliorates the conflicting interests among shareholders, debtholders, and societal governance in banks increasing the contribution of Fintech to bank performance and competitiveness. This research provides theoretical contributions and practical implications for investors, government authority, and financial supervisors