Fintech, Financial Behavior, and Accounting Practices: Building SME Resilience in Emerging Economies

Abstract

Research Originality: This study proposes an integrated framework linking fintech adoption, SAK EMKM implementation, financial behavior, and government support with SME sustainability. Digital literacy is identified as a moderating capability in an emerging economy. Research Objectives: This study examines the effects of fintech adoption, SAK EMKM implementation, financial behavior, and government support on financial and business sustainability. It also tests the moderating role of digital literacy. Research Method: We analyzed data from a quantitative survey of 367 SME owners and managers in Indonesia using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0 with bootstrapping. Empirical Results: Fintech adoption and financial behavior significantly improve both financial and business sustainability, while SAK EMKM implementation and government support significantly improve only financial sustainability. Financial behavior makes the strongest contribution. Digital literacy strengthens several relationships, particularly those involving fintech adoption and financial behavior. Implications: SME sustainability requires strong internal capabilities in addition to digital and institutional access. Policies should therefore integrate fintech access with digital literacy, financial management, and accounting capacity development. JEL Classification: G23, M13, O33