Board gender diversity and FinTech: evidence from the usage and the efficacy of financial services

Financial technology innovation is a key enabling element in reaching a financially inclusive economic development. Moving from the management and governance theories on gender diversity, this research examines the effects of financial technology innovation (FinTech) adoption on the usage of financial services and banks’ performance by accounting for 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 the board gender diversity strengthens the positive effects of FinTech on the usage and operating efficacy of financial services. This research provides theoretical contributions and practical implications for investors, government authorities, and financial supervisors.