THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS: MEDIATING ROLES OF PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND PERCEIVED RISKS

Abstract

This study examines how financial inclusion affects the behavioural intentions of university students, focusing on the mediating effects of perceived risks and benefits. This study uses a sample size of 250 students from different universities in Pakistan who were chosen using convenient sampling procedures. It uses SmartPLS to analyses structural equation modelling (SEM) data in order to investigate these links. Main goal of this research is to understand how financial inclusion affects university students' behavioural intentions, with a focus on the mediating role that their perceptions of risks and their perceptions of benefits. This study contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the relatively unexplored area of financial inclusion's impact on university students in Pakistan. In order to give a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms guiding behavioural goals, it adds mediating variables. The findings were strong when SEM analysis was combined with SmartPLS. This provides insightful information for financial institutions, educators, and policymakers who want to encourage young adults to make wise financial decisions and increase financial inclusion initiatives. The findings show that university students' behavioural intentions are highly impacted by financial inclusion. In this relationship, perceived risks and benefits both act as significant mediators. The results imply that students' financial behaviors can be positively impacted by increasing their comprehension of the advantages of financial inclusion while addressing their worries about possible risks. Through the clarification of these mediating elements, this study identifies important areas that require assistance and intervention, directing the creation of more successful financial inclusion programmers aimed at university students.