Emerging trends in digital banking: technologies, usability, regulation, and transformation of the financial sector

Eligibility criteria

The inclusion criteria considered studies related to digital banking, with a focus on trends, adoption, challenges, technologies, and regulations in this field. A selection of publications in both English and Spanish, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, was made in order to guarantee the timeliness and relevance of the information. The following publications were included in the present study: scientific articles, reviews and technical reports. The inclusion criteria for these publications were as follows: they must provide empirical evidence or conceptual analysis related to the evolution of digital platforms in the financial sector.

The selection process was conducted in three sequential phases of exclusion. The initial phase of the project involved the elimination of indexing errors, including duplicates and documents unrelated to digital banking, through the verification of titles and abstracts. In the second phase of the project, works that were not available in full-text format were excluded due to restrictions imposed by the database. The third phase of the study consisted of a critical review based on the researcher’s predefined criteria of relevance and methodological quality. This entailed the discarding of studies that demonstrated insufficient evidence, methodological limitations, or that failed to meet the analysis objectives. This procedure guaranteed the inclusion of valid and relevant sources for a rigorous analysis of emerging trends in digital banking.

Sources of information

The Scopus and Web of Science databases were selected on the basis of their broad multidisciplinary coverage and prestige in indexing scientific publications. Scopus encompasses a wide range of subject areas, including the social sciences, technology, and engineering, thus serving as a reliable source for identifying studies on digital banking. It is evident that Web of Science is distinguished by its meticulous approach to the selection of journals and conferences, thereby ensuring the integrity and validity of the sources it encompasses. The two databases under scrutiny both include a significant representation of research in technology and finance, facilitating access to up-to-date and relevant evidence.

The selection of Scopus and Web of Science is driven by the necessity to guarantee the comprehensiveness and rigour of the bibliographic search, which is a fundamental component of a systematic review. Asubiaro, Onaolapo, and Mills¹⁰ posit that, despite the presence of regional discrepancies in the scope of these platforms’ coverage, collectively they provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on global scientific output, particularly with regard to technological innovation and financial services. This combination has been demonstrated to assist in the reduction of geographic and disciplinary biases, thereby facilitating access to a more diverse and high-quality corpus of literature.

The utilisation of Scopus and Web of Science ensures the incorporation of studies employing rigorous methodologies and yielding relevant results for the analysis of emerging trends in digital banking. These databases permit the implementation of specific and contemporary search criteria, thereby optimising the selection of sources that furnish a comprehensive and detailed perspective on the phenomenon under investigation.

Search strategy

Specific search equations were designed for each database, integrating the inclusion criteria and combining key terms linked to digital banking, technologies, adoption, and regulation. In Scopus, the following equation was applied: TITLE (“digital banking” OR “online banking” OR “mobile banking”) AND TITLE (“trends” OR “adoption” OR “challenges” OR “technology” OR “regulation”) AND PUBYEAR > 2020 AND PUBYEAR < 2026. In Web of Science, an equivalent equation was used that replaces TITLE with TS= and adapts the KEY or AUTHKEY fields as AK=, in addition to using TS= for TITLE-ABS-KEY. These changes ensure compatibility with the syntax of each platform. The formulation was derived directly from the inclusion criteria, ensuring a precise and exhaustive search. A preliminary validation of terms and Boolean operators was performed to optimize the accuracy and relevance of the results obtained.

Selection process

The selection process was initiated with a filter based on a review of titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria. The preselected documents were then subjected to a comprehensive review in order to ascertain their eligibility and relevance to the study’s objective. In both stages of the process, inclusion or exclusion decisions were systematically recorded and documented, ensuring transparency and traceability. Specialized tools were employed to manage and organise references, thereby facilitating control and monitoring of the process. The entire procedure was meticulously documented to support the development of the PRISMA flowchart, which visually displays the progress and refinement of the studies included in the systematic review.

The flowchart illustrates the systematic process of identifying, selecting, and excluding studies for the review. The records were initially retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Duplicates and records with indexing errors were then removed. The accessibility of the full texts was then assessed, with articles lacking available access being discarded. In conclusion, specific relevance and quality criteria were applied in order to exclude documents that did not meet the study’s requirements. As illustrated in Figure 1, the flowchart delineates the 2020 PRISMA declaration’s recommended protocol, enumerating the number of studies at each stage and thereby demonstrating the transparency and rigour of the selection process.

Figure 1. PRISMA flowchart.

Prepared by the authors based on Scopus and Web of Science.

Data processing

The data extracted from the selected studies were organised and analysed using Microsoft Excel, allowing for the classification, filtering, and coding of relevant variables for the synthesis of results. Thematic categories related to technologies, functionalities, challenges, adoption, and regulation in digital banking were structured. The use of Excel software enabled a systematic comparison between studies, thus facilitating the identification of emerging patterns and trends. The organised management of the information enabled a rigorous and consistent analysis, thus facilitating the formulation of solid conclusions. Consequently, the implementation of data processing ensured a transparent and replicable process, which is imperative for the methodological quality of the systematic review.

Risk of bias

The risk of bias was assessed using predefined criteria, including methodological quality, clarity in the presentation of results, and representativeness of the context of the selected studies. This assessment validated the robustness of the synthesis and strengthened the reliability of the conclusions. It was recognised that the exclusivity of the databases and the specific formulation of search terms could generate biases in the selection of evidence. In addition, the original studies’ reporting biases were considered. The bias risk assessment and mitigation process is documented in the flowchart shown in Figure 1, ensuring transparency and methodological rigor in the review.

Analysis of results

The findings indicate that the technologies most frequently studied in the field of digital banking correspond to tools that are characterised by high levels of utilisation and ease of use. Mobile banking is distinguished by its pivotal function in the broader context of financial digitalisation, particularly with regard to the promotion of inclusivity. As posited by Msweli and Mawela,¹¹ the technology in question has been demonstrated to be of use. However, its adoption is said to be limited by issues of trust, a paucity of information, and the complexity of its use. The present study draws upon the analysis of Koyluoglu and Acar¹² on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to perceived usefulness, security, and trust, which are key aspects for achieving sustained user acceptance.

The results indicate a functional orientation in digital banking initiatives, with a focus on basic and operational services that address users’ everyday needs. This phenomenon aligns with the observations reported by Laradi et al.,¹³ who emphasised that perceived usefulness and trust are pivotal factors in the adoption of such services. In a similar vein, Alnemer¹⁴ corroborates the notion that ease of use and functionality positively influence user acceptance, while trust functions as a moderating variable. The prioritised functionalities demonstrate an emphasis on operational efficiency, accessibility, and perceived security.

The findings of the study indicate that the primary challenges in the realm of digital banking are attributed to factors such as trust, security, and the absence of user awareness. Risk perception and technological complexity are identified as additional obstacles. The limitations in infrastructure, privacy, and internet access are also evident, while legal, regulatory, and gender barriers are less prevalent. This finding underscores the necessity to bolster trust through actions such as corporate social responsibility, as asserted by Anh and Phuong Thao.¹⁵ Similarly, Abdurrahman¹⁶ emphasises the pivotal role of the digital ecosystem and the influence of technological, organisational, and environmental factors in the adoption of Islamic mobile banking.

The findings of the study indicate that trust and user experience are the primary factors influencing the adoption of digital banking services. Perceived usefulness and ease of use have been shown to have a significant influence on intention to use. In addition to the aforementioned factors, technological readiness and organisational support have been considered, albeit less frequently. These findings are consistent with previous research highlighting the importance of trust and positive perceptions in fostering adoption, as well as the need to innovate and personalise mobile services to attract users, particularly in emerging markets and Islamic contexts.^17,18

The results of the present study indicate that regulatory frameworks are the most frequent focus in studies on digital banking, thereby highlighting their central role in regulating the sector. Other approaches that have been employed include trust-building, government support, and digital inclusion policies. Although these are less common, they are nevertheless relevant in facilitating the adoption and use of digital services. Similarly, initiatives pertaining to corporate social responsibility, information security standards, and risk management are identified. These regulatory approaches are designed to address the necessity of adapting the regulatory framework in order to cultivate trust in contexts marked by accelerating digitalisation, a need that is particularly pronounced in the post-pandemic era.^19,20

Comparison of results with other studies

The study results, organised according to the research questions, reveal a wide thematic diversity in digital banking, encompassing emerging technologies, adoption drivers, challenges, and regulatory approaches. This organisation facilitated the identification of patterns and thematic gaps, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the current digital financial sector. In accordance with Munira’s findings,²¹ the significance of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital wallets in enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, and financial inclusion is substantiated.

The findings of both studies underscore the advantages for traditionally underserved sectors, whilst concomitantly highlighting the challenges in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. However, the present study also incorporates functional and regulatory dimensions, while Munira emphasises technological transformation. As Barru²² have demonstrated, trust, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion are recurring themes in the literature. However, this analysis delves into methodological diversity and less-explored categories, such as organisational support and technological readiness, aspects less highlighted in Barru’s bibliometric analysis.

Moreover, while Barru²² focuses on a specific case (BRImo), this study offers a global perspective, thereby broadening the applicability of the results. In the study conducted by Ahmad,²³ the role of digital banking in emerging markets in terms of reducing financial gaps is highlighted. This is accompanied by an emphasis on the social and economic transformation that results from this. The present study corroborates this perspective, incorporating a structured view of technological and regulatory factors that influence inclusion, thus providing a multidimensional understanding of the phenomenon. This perspective is in contrast to the findings of Adebayo et al.,²⁴ who conducted a detailed analysis of specific risks in liquidity management due to banking digitalization in the United States.

Whilst the present study does not explore particular financial risks in any depth, it does consider broader regulatory and governance aspects, which may prove of use in future analyses of financial stability in digital environments. The present study finds concordance with the conclusions of Suganya and Yogalakshmi²⁵ with regard to the post-pandemic impact on the acceleration of digital adoption. The findings of both studies concur that the pandemic functioned as a catalyst, emphasising the necessity for regulatory and technological adaptations to ensure the continuity of digital growth. However, this study places greater emphasis on the diversity of regulatory approaches and their significance for trust and digital inclusion.

Proposed conceptual framework

The findings of the study yielded an integrated conceptual framework, as illustrated in Figure 7. The model is designed to categorise the primary dimensions of adoption, encompassing the technologies employed, the functionalities prioritised, the challenges encountered, the adoption drivers, and the regulatory approaches adopted. Key interactions among these elements are represented, where technologies enable features that optimize the user experience, challenges affect adoption, and regulatory policies along with organisational support mediate these processes. The framework summarises current trends in digital banking and provides a basis for future analysis and strategic design.

Figure 7. Conceptual framework of trends in digital banking.

Prepared by the authors.

Implications

The study on emerging trends in digital banking has theoretical, policy, and practical implications, contributing to the understanding and development of the rapidly evolving sector. At the theoretical level, a conceptual framework is proposed that integrates key dimensions: adopted technologies, priority functionalities, challenges, adoption drivers, and regulatory approaches. This model extends and refines previous approaches by incorporating technological, behavioural, regulatory and organisational elements.

The validity of well-established variables such as trust and perceived usefulness is confirmed, whilst simultaneously highlighting the limitations of models that are exclusively focused on technology adoption. Furthermore, under-explored categories, such as technological readiness and institutional support, are incorporated, thus enriching the field and opening new lines of research. From a policy perspective, the results indicate the necessity for comprehensive regulatory policies that consider protection, security, digital inclusion, and trust-building.

It is recommended that regulators devise flexible regulatory frameworks that support technological innovation without neglecting protection against risks such as cyberattacks. It is also emphasised that efforts must be made to promote accessibility and equity in digital services, particularly in emerging markets and across diverse socioeconomic contexts. The articulation between government support, digital inclusion, and security standards is crucial to fostering an ecosystem that drives innovation and protects consumers, thereby promoting the sector’s sustainable development.

In practical terms, financial institutions must adopt comprehensive strategies that consider emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital wallets to improve operational efficiency, personalisation, and accessibility. It is imperative that they cultivate intrinsic competencies to surmount challenges such as cybersecurity, change management, and regulatory compliance, encompassing organisational support policies that facilitate technological adaptation.

It is imperative that developers and user experience designers prioritise security, ease of use, and personalisation, aligning these factors with adoption determinants such as trust and perceived usefulness. The integration of user-centred design methodologies with the implementation of robust security measures is imperative to enhance user acceptance and retention. It is recommended that continuous feedback mechanisms be incorporated in order to adjust features and respond to emerging needs.

When considered as a whole, these implications illustrate the interdependence between the technological, regulatory, and human dimensions that shape digital banking. It is imperative to comprehend these relationships in order to formulate efficacious policies, construct robust theoretical models, and cultivate effective institutional practices that will fortify an inclusive, secure, and adaptable digital financial system. The study provides a solid foundation for formulating comprehensive strategies that respond to current and future challenges, facilitating responsible innovation and financial inclusion in a constantly changing global context.

Limitations

The study is subject to certain limitations relating to the selection and scope of the database, which focused on indexed literature and academic publications in English. This selection excluded non-indexed sources and documents in other languages, thereby limiting the diversity and representativeness of the perspectives analysed. The inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a focus on studies between 2015 and 2025, restrict the time frame and omit previous developments that could provide historical context or early evolution in digital banking.

The preponderance of quantitative methodologies in the reviewed literature has the potential to skew interpretation towards measurable approaches, thus compromising the value of in-depth qualitative analyses. These limitations, however, result in a reduced generalizability of the results to different contexts or specific, underrepresented financial sectors. Nevertheless, the study maintains its value by offering a systematic and contemporary overview of emerging trends, thereby providing a foundation for future research.

Lines of future research

It is recommended that future research in the field of digital banking should concentrate on the empirical analysis of emerging technologies that are less frequently present in the extant literature, such as blockchain and advanced artificial intelligence. These technologies have the potential to transform financial processes; however, there is a paucity of detailed studies on their operational impact and user experience. In order to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the digital ecosystem, it is necessary to explore the adoption of this technology, the technical challenges that are presented by its use, and the benefits that are offered by its implementation.

Furthermore, it is imperative to extend the scope to under-researched regions and geographic segments, particularly emerging markets and communities with limited financial inclusion. These areas demonstrate particular dynamics that may reveal specific barriers or innovative models of digital adoption. The analysis of these contexts will facilitate the design of bespoke policies and strategies that promote equity and accessibility in digital financial services.

The proposed conceptual framework requires validation and enhancement through studies that consider diverse contexts and methodological approaches. The implementation of this model in practical cases is expected to enhance its robustness, thereby facilitating the identification of potential adjustments and supplementary components. In order to obtain a more complete perspective on the phenomenon, it is recommended that mixed methodologies be adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

The process of triangulation enables the collection of both general trends and specific aspects, thereby facilitating the generation of robust and applicable conclusions. In summary, research must integrate technological, social and regulatory dimensions from multiple perspectives and contexts if knowledge is to be expanded and the strategic development of digital banking is to be supported in a dynamic and constantly changing global environment.