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Trust in Financial Technology: The Role of Financial Literacy, Digital Financial Literacy, Technological Literacy, and Trust in Artificial Intelligence

Author

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  • Thomas A. Hanson

    (Lacy School of Business, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA)

  • Caleb Ott

    (Lacy School of Business, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA)

Abstract

This study examines the relationships among financial literacy, digital financial literacy, technological literacy, and trust in artificial intelligence (AI) as predictors of consumer trust in fintech applications involving robo-advisors or chatbots. A sample of 117 college students responded to an online survey with scales designed to measure these constructs. Results confirmed that the three literacy measures were significantly correlated, reflecting their overlapping knowledge and cognitive perspective. However, trust in AI showed no significant correlation with any literacy measure, and regression analysis revealed that trust in AI was the sole statistically significant predictor of trust in consumer fintech. These findings suggest that fintech adoption is driven largely by trust rather than financial or technological competence, creating potential vulnerabilities when consumers lack the literacy to evaluate AI-generated financial advice. The results highlight the need for financial education programs to integrate fintech alongside traditional literacy topics and suggest a possible role for regulatory reform to support users of fintech.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas A. Hanson & Caleb Ott, 2026. "Trust in Financial Technology: The Role of Financial Literacy, Digital Financial Literacy, Technological Literacy, and Trust in Artificial Intelligence," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:19:y:2026:i:2:p:97-:d:1854607
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