Fintech engagement by non-financial firms and the speed of capital structure adjustment

Date

2026

Authors

Li, B.
Sun, J.
Xu, L.
Guo, F.

Editors

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Type:

Journal article

Citation

Pacific Basin Finance Journal, 2026; 95:103011-1-103011-14

Statement of Responsibility

Bin Li, Jiawei Sun, Lei Xu, Fei Guo

Conference Name

Abstract

Using a sample of Chinese A-share non-financial firms from 2013 to 2022, this paper empirically examines the impact of Fintech engagement on the speed of capital structure adjustment. The results show that firms engaging in Fintech activities significantly accelerate their capital structure adjustments, particularly when leverage is below the target level. Further heterogeneity analyses reveal that this positive effect is more pronounced in regions with stricter financial regulation, in firms with stronger financial affiliations, and among high-tech firms. In terms of adjustment mode, Fintech primarily facilitates capital structure adjustment by enhancing firms’ debt financing capacity. Mechanism tests indicate that Fintech alleviates financing frictions and reduces agency costs, thereby expediting dynamic capital structure adjustment. This study confirms the effectiveness of Fintech activities in non-financial firms and contributes to the literature by revealing their economic consequences.

School/Discipline

Dissertation Note

Provenance

Description

Available online 28 November 2025

Access Status

Rights

© 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

License

Grant ID

Call number

Persistent link to this record