Corpporate Governance, Intellectual Capital Efficiency and Financial Performance of Selected Fintech Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid expansion of financial technology (fintech) has transformed Nigeria's financial-services landscape, creating new opportunities for financial inclusion, digital payments, financial intermediation and technology-driven innovation. However, the sustainability and financial performance of fintech firms depend not only on technological innovation but also on effective corporate governance and efficient management of intellectual capital. This study examines the relationship between corporate governance, intellectual capital efficiency and financial performance of selected financial technology firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examines the extent to which board expertise affects financial performance; evaluates the effect of human capital efficiency on financial performance; appraises the relationship between structural capital efficiency and financial performance; and examines the impact of capital employed efficiency on financial performance. The study focuses on selected top Nigerian fintech firms. The study was anchored on Agency Theory, Resource-Based View Theory and Knowledge-Based View Theory. The study adopted mixed-method research design combining questionnaire evidence with available financial and corporate information. Questionnaire were administered to finance managers; accountants; internal auditors; risk managers; senior management, compliance officers; human-resource managers; technology managers; board/secretariat personnel where accessible. The study employed descriptive statistics; correlation analysis and regression analysis, among others for the responses obtained. The findings indicate that corporate governance and intellectual-capital efficiency are important determinants of financial performance among selected fintech firms in Nigeria. Therefore, Fintech companies should ensure optimization of firm value and long-term return on assets (ROA), and as well strengthen governance by appointing tech-savvy directors, maximize human capital efficiency through continuous upskilling, and institutionalize robust knowledge management systems to fuel research and development (R&D) driven competitive advantage