The Role of AI-Enabled FinTech in Promoting Sustainable Financial Behavior Among Young Consumers: The Mediating Effects of Perceived Usefulness and Trust

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled FinTech is increasingly reshaping how financial services are delivered and how young consumers manage their finances. Beyond improving efficiency and convenience, these technologies also have the potential to influence responsible and sustainable financial behavior. This study examines how perceived usefulness and trust mediate the relationship between AI-enabled FinTech features and sustainable financial behavior among young consumers. Primary data were collected from 146 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The analysis involved reliability and validity tests, multiple regression, and bootstrapped mediation analysis. The findings show that AI-enabled FinTech features positively influence both perceived usefulness and trust. Perceived usefulness strongly drives sustainable financial behavior, while trust plays a smaller yet meaningful role, mainly through indirect effects. Overall, the relationship is partially mediated by both factors, with perceived usefulness emerging as the main mediator.