FINTECH EXPOSURE AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN OMAN: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INVESTOR PSYCHOLOGY IN SHAPING INVESTMENT INTEREST

Abstract

The expansion of financial technology has transformed investment decision-making in emerging economies. In Oman, investor psychology significantly shapes perceptions of FinTech platforms, where biases, confidence, and risk tolerance influence investment interest and decision-making, underscoring the need to explore FinTech–psychology interactions. The purpose of this research was to explore the influence of FinTech exposure on investment interest leading to investment decisions among individuals in Oman, with investor psychology as a mediating factor. Using a quantitative survey methodology, the researchers analyzed the relationship between familiarity and usage of FinTech platforms and investor psychology such as perceived usefulness and risk perception, which shape investment interest. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The outcomes exposed a significant optimistic connection among FinTech exposure and investment interest, with investor psychology acting as a crucial mediator. Specifically, perceived usefulness and reduced risk perception associated with FinTech platforms were found to significantly enhance investment interest among the respondents. This study concludes that FinTech exposure plays a vital role in fostering investment interest by positively influencing investor psychology and making investment decisions. These findings suggest that financial institutions and FinTech companies should develop user-friendly platforms and targeted education programs to improve investor engagement. Future research should explore how demographics and cultural factors in Oman moderate these relationships.