2026, Vol. 9, Issue 1

Background: The rapid expansion of Financial Technology (FinTech) in India has primarily been studied in urban contexts, creating a significant research gap regarding its impact in semi-urban regions. The socio-cultural and economic milieu of these areas may uniquely shape financial decision-making.

Objective: This study investigates the impact of FinTech adoption on the investment behavior of working professionals in the semi-urban Hassan District of Karnataka, India. It specifically examines the influence of gender and demographic factors, and identifies key barriers to adoption.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 FinTech users (100 male, 100 female), selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Personal Information Schedule and a researcher-developed Investment Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ). Analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA.

Results: The study reveals a critical paradox: while all participants were FinTech users, 88.5% exhibited "Low Adoption" levels. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between FinTech adoption and investment behavior (r=0.15, p<0.05). Contrary to common belief, no significant difference in investment behavior was found between male and female users (p>0.05). Educational qualification, however, emerged as a significant factor, with post-graduates demonstrating more sophisticated investment behavior than less-educated peers (p<0.05). Key barriers to deeper adoption included a trust deficit, perceived complexity, and strong risk aversion favoring traditional assets.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that mere access to FinTech platforms in semi-urban India does not translate into deep-seated adoption or significantly transformed investment behavior. The results underscore the necessity for targeted interventions focused on building trust, enhancing financial and digital literacy, and designing context-sensitive platforms to bridge the adoption gap and foster equitable financial inclusion.