What is it about?
This study investigates the disclosure practices of Jordanian banks regarding their digital transformation strategies and financial technology (FinTech) innovations. It focuses on how banks communicate strategic achievements, innovations, and challenges through qualitative and quantitative disclosures, emphasizing transparency and alignment with stakeholder expectations. This study employs a descriptive content analysis approach to examine the annual reports of 15 Jordanian banks (2015–2022). It investigates FinTech disclosures and digital transformation strategies, focusing on the nature (quantitative vs. qualitative), scope (past achievements vs. future goals), and tone (positive, neutral, or negative) of these disclosures. A structured analytical framework ensures systematic categorization and analysis, incorporating contextual insights, descriptive statistics, and trend analysis. The study identifies significant variability in FinTech disclosures and digital transformation strategies among Jordanian banks, with qualitative narratives dominating over quantitative metrics. Disclosures have grown notably between 2015 and 2022, reflecting increasing attention to innovation and customer-centric improvements. Key benefits, such as operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, are emphasized more than challenges like cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Strong correlations highlight that transparency fosters innovation, and overcoming challenges yields substantial benefits, underscoring the strategic importance of consistent FinTech adoption and digital strategies for enhanced banking performance.
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Why is it important?
This study highlights the importance of disclosing digital transformation strategies and FinTech initiatives as a strategic governance tool in Jordanian banks. By analyzing annual reports from 15 banks between 2015 and 2022, it reveals significant variation in disclosure practices, with a dominance of qualitative narratives over quantitative metrics. The findings show that transparent communication of digital achievements and challenges enhances operational efficiency and stakeholder trust. However, banks tend to emphasize benefits more than risks such as cybersecurity. The study offers an integrated analytical framework and practical recommendations to support regulatory efforts, promote innovation, and strengthen digital governance in the banking sector.
Perspectives
This study offers fresh perspectives on the strategic role of digital and FinTech disclosures in banking, particularly in emerging markets. It reframes such disclosures as tools for governance, not just compliance, emphasizing their impact on innovation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. By highlighting the gap between qualitative narratives and quantitative metrics, it urges banks to adopt more balanced and data-driven reporting practices. The study also calls on regulators to standardize disclosure requirements and on banks to address underreported risks like cybersecurity. Overall, it positions transparent digital reporting as a catalyst for trust, resilience, and sustainable transformation in the financial sector.
Dr. Maha Shehadeh
Al-Ahliyya Amman University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Disclosures on digital transformation strategy and financial technology in Jordanian banks: innovations, challenges and opportunities, Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, May 2025, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jfra-12-2024-0972.
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