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The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) competencies on subjective financial well-being in AI-enabled mobile banking: A construal level theory perspective

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  • Lee, Jung-Chieh
  • Zhou, Xueer

Abstract

With artificial intelligence (AI) integration, AI-enabled fintech—such as mobile banking applications—offers personalized, efficient, and responsive financial services. However, the role of AI competencies in promoting users’ financial well-being remains underexplored in the context of AI-enabled mobile banking. Guided by construal level theory, this study investigates how cognitive, relational, and emotional AI competencies influence users’ subjective financial well-being through a sequential mediation pathway involving social psychological distance, social presence, trust, AI skepticism, and user satisfaction. We also include user familiarity with AI-enabled banking and financial literacy as moderating variables. Based on a three-wave longitudinal survey and data from 398 responses, the findings reveal that AI competencies shape subjective financial well-being through a sequential mediation process. Additionally, this study identifies significant moderating effects. We contribute to the literature by shifting the focus beyond adoption behaviors to understand the mechanisms through which AI competencies drive meaningful financial outcomes, specifically users’ subjective financial well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Jung-Chieh & Zhou, Xueer, 2026. "The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) competencies on subjective financial well-being in AI-enabled mobile banking: A construal level theory perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:206:y:2026:i:c:s0148296325007453
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115922
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