Global fintech trends and their impact on international business: a review

Purpose: This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of the emergent state of financial technology (fintech), particularly emphasizing capital-raising innovations and their implications for international business. Design/methodology/approach: Using the highly influential articles published in fintech, the authors identify the advantages and disadvantages of each significant fintech in the credit, deposit and capital-raising services sector. The authors assess the adoption of these services and the international firm-level implications of their use. Findings: This study highlights fintech’s role in fostering entrepreneurial internationalization, with a particular focus on the impact of crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending and online banking. A thorough analysis of Google Scholar citations uncovers research gaps and unveils emerging trends bridging international business and fintech. Furthermore, the examination of regulatory efforts presents evidence of a robust positive relationship between global e-commerce legislation and fintech adoption, demonstrating the interconnected nature of these elements in the world of international business. Research limitations/implications: Fintech research in international business has only taken off in the last five years. Innovations and regulatory developments are continuously evolving. Originality/value: This study emphasizes the significance of fintech in international business research, addressing its implications on regulatory environments, entrepreneurial internationalization and multinational corporations’ global strategies. By investigating the synergies and applications of various fintech types, the research provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of international finance.