Mohamed Ibrahim Srour

From reviewing the literature, there was still a scarcity of research about direct and indirect relationships between fintech adoption (FA) and banks’ environmental performance (BEP), particularly in developing countries. Therefore, this is a pioneering study that empirically explored the impacts of FA on BEP in the Middle East (ME) region, considering the mediating role of green accounting practices (GAPs)—such as green banking practices (GBPs), green finance (GF), and circular economy practices (CEPs)—based on legitimacy and ecological modernization (EM) theories to address these research gaps. Based on a structured survey and convenience sampling technique, the primary data were obtained from a sample of 500 members of staff from banks in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Iraq, and Jordan. The structural equation model (SEM) was utilized to investigate the relationships among this study’s variables. The findings indicated that FA positively and significantly impacts GBPs, GF, CEPs, and BEP, which answered the first research question. Furthermore, the linkage between FA and BEP is positively and significantly mediated by GBPs, GF, and CEPs; thus, the second research question was answered. The findings provide bank executives and policy makers with valuable understanding and suggestions to deploy more investments in eco-friendly practices to enhance the environmental performance (EP), societal legitimacy, and achieve competitive advantage. Additionally, collaboration among the banking institutions, governments, and international firms is essential to promote FA and GAPs and enhance the EP.

Purpose: This paper investigates the relationship between CaHR and firm financial profitability applying to the Egyptian stock market. Methodology: OLS regression analysis is conducted to explain the 2 models used for a sample of (10) Egyptian Companies during the period between 2013 to 2021. The main hypothesis is tested H₁: There is no a statistically significant relationship between CaHR and firm profitability. Findings: The independent variables (CaHR, Lev) have a negative effect on ROA-ROE, and the independent variables (size, AG) have a positive effect on ROA-ROE, but all independent variables have a statistically significant relationship on ROA-ROE, and thus the study's main hypothesis was rejected. Research limitations: The paper opens the area for future research by using a distinct dataset that includes the time period during and after the COVID-19 epidemic to capture the impact of covid-19 on the firm liquidity and profitability.