Determining Factors of Behavioral Intention to Adopt Digital Banking: A Pilot Study on Youngsters in Malaysia
Abstract
Some consumers continue to prefer traditional banks due to confusion or a lack of understanding about digital banking. Conventional methods of consumer profiling, which rely on past behavior and existing assets, are unlikely to drive the future success of digital banking. To achieve effective digital transformation, it is crucial to understand the behavior, preferences, and decision-making patterns of today’s digital consumers. This study explores the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on young people's intention to use digital banking, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a framework. Data were collected from 55 respondents through non-probability sampling and analyzed using reliability and regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between behavioral intention and both performance expectancy and facilitating conditions. These insights can help digital banking providers develop better strategies to encourage wider adoption of their services.
Downloads
References
Alalwan, A. A., Dwivedi, Y. K., Rana, N. P., & Algharabat, R. (2018). Examining factors influencing Jordanian customers’ intentions and adoption of internet banking: Extending UTAUT2 with risk. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 40.
Ali, A., Qaiser, R., & Baig, W. (2022). Examination of Customers Intention to Adopt Digital Banking Services: Moderating Role of Perceived Risk in Banking Sector of Pakistan during COVID-19. Journal of Social Sciences Review, 2(4), 10–26.
Asian Banking & Finance. (2021). A third of Malaysians will have digital-only bank accounts by 2025. Asian Banking & Finance.
Awang, B. (2023). New Youth Age Limit To Enhance Their Maturity Level. Bernama.
Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, R. R. (1989). User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35.
Duarte, P., & Pinho, J. C. (2019). A mixed methods UTAUT2-based approach to assess mobile health adoption. Journal of Business Research, 102(May), 140–150.
Farzin, M., Sadeghi, M., Kharkeshi, F. Y., Ruholahpur, H., & Fattahi, M. (2021). Extending UTAUT2 in M-banking adoption and actual use behavior: Does WOM communication matter? Asian Journal of Economics and Banking, 5.
Gupta, K., & Arora, N. (2020). Investigating consumer intention to accept mobile payment systems through unified theory of acceptance model: An Indian perspective. South Asian Journal of Business Studies, 9(1), 88–114.
Hilal, A., & Varela-Neira, C. (2022). Understanding Consumer Adoption of Mobile Banking: Extending the UTAUT2 Model with Proactive Personality. Sustainability, 14(22).
Kumari, V., Bala, P. K., & Chakraborty, S. (2023). An Empirical Study of User Adoption of Cryptocurrency Using Blockchain Technology: Analysing Role of Success Factors like Technology Awareness and Financial Literacy. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 18(3), 1580–1600.
Mangini, E. R., Silva, N. G. da, & Carvalho, J. R. C. de. (2021). Virtual Banks and the Perceived Risk and Development and. Brazilian Journal Of Marketing, December.
MDEC. (2021). Malaysia digital economy blueprint. Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister Department, Putrajaya.
Meiranto, W., Faisal, F., & Yuyetta, E. N. A. (2024). The mediating role of effort expectation on digital banking behavior intention in the Indonesian bank industry: An integration of UGT-UTAUT2. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(4), 2547–2562.
Mohd Rashid, S. N., Noranee, S., & Bahtar, A. Z. (2023). Digital Banking Adoption Intention Model in Malaysia: A Pilot Study. Information Management and Business Review, 15(3(SI)), 244–250.
Mustika, N., & Puspita, R. E. (2021). Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Intention To Use Bank Syariah Indonesia Mobile Banking With Trust As Mediation. Dinar?: Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Keuangan Islam, 7(2), 14–35.
Nur, T., & Panggabean, R. R. (2021). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Payment Method among Generation Z: the Extended UTAUT Approach. Journal of Accounting Research, Organization and Economics, 4(1), 14–28.
Paraskevi, G., Saprikis, V., & Avlogiaris, G. (2023). Modeling Nonusers’ Behavioral Intention towards Mobile Chatbot Adoption: An Extension of the UTAUT2 Model with Mobile Service Quality Determinants. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2023.
Rahi, S., & Abd.Ghani, M. (2019). Integration of DeLone and McLean and self-determination theory in internet banking continuance intention context. International Journal of Accounting and Information Management, 27(3), 512–528.
Rahim, N. @ F., Bakri, M. H., Fianto, B. A., Zainal, N., & Shami, S. A. H. Al. (2023). Measurement and structural modelling on factors of Islamic Fintech adoption among millennials in Malaysia. Journal of Islamic Marketing, 14(6), 1463–1487.
Rowena, A. (2025). 5 Top Malaysia Fintech Trends for 2025, Driving Innovation and Growth. Fintech News Malaysia.
Safira, J. E., & Baridwan, Z. (2018). The analysis of individual’s behavioral intention in using mobile banking based on TAM and UTAUT 2. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa FEB, Universitas Brawijaya, 6(2).
Seesuk, W. (2020). A Study of Facilitating Condition, Attitude, Trust, Perceived Usefulness, and Effort Expectancy Affecting Mobile Banking Application Adoption of Consumers in Bangkok.
Sivathanu, B. (2019). Adoption of digital payment systems in the era of demonetization in India: An empirical study. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, 10(1), 143–171.
Suhaidi, N. (2021). Digital banking preference accelerates in APAC. The Malaysian Reserve.
Tiong, W. ni. (2020). Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention towards Adoption of Digital Banking Services in Malaysia. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 10(8), 450–457.
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27.
Yuan, Z., Liu, J., Deng, X., Ding, T., & Wijaya, T. T. (2023). Facilitating Conditions as the Biggest Factor Influencing Elementary School Teachers’ Usage Behavior of Dynamic Mathematics Software in China. Mathematics, 11(6).
Yusof, N. A. M., & Anthonysamy, L. (2024). The Rise of Virtual Banks: Factors Influencing its Adoption Using TRUTAUT Framework. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 148–173.
Abikari, M., Öhman, P., & Yazdanfar, D. (2023). Negative emotions and consumer behavioural intention to adopt emerging e-banking technology. Journal of Financial Services Marketing, 28(4), 691–704.
Alalwan, A. A., Dwivedi, Y. K., Rana, N. P., & Algharabat, R. (2018). Examining factors influencing Jordanian customers’ intentions and adoption of internet banking: Extending UTAUT2 with risk. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 40.
Ali, A., Qaiser, R., & Baig, W. (2022). Examination of Customers Intention to Adopt Digital Banking Services: Moderating Role of Perceived Risk in Banking Sector of Pakistan during COVID-19. Journal of Social Sciences Review, 2(4), 10–26.
Asian Banking & Finance. (2021). A third of Malaysians will have digital-only bank accounts by 2025. Asian Banking & Finance.
Awang, B. (2023). New Youth Age Limit To Enhance Their Maturity Level. Bernama.
Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, R. R. (1989). User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35.
Duarte, P., & Pinho, J. C. (2019). A mixed methods UTAUT2-based approach to assess mobile health adoption. Journal of Business Research, 102(May), 140–150.
Farzin, M., Sadeghi, M., Kharkeshi, F. Y., Ruholahpur, H., & Fattahi, M. (2021). Extending UTAUT2 in M-banking adoption and actual use behavior: Does WOM communication matter? Asian Journal of Economics and Banking, 5.
Gupta, K., & Arora, N. (2020). Investigating consumer intention to accept mobile payment systems through unified theory of acceptance model: An Indian perspective. South Asian Journal of Business Studies, 9(1), 88–114.
Hilal, A., & Varela-Neira, C. (2022). Understanding Consumer Adoption of Mobile Banking: Extending the UTAUT2 Model with Proactive Personality. Sustainability, 14(22).
Kumari, V., Bala, P. K., & Chakraborty, S. (2023). An Empirical Study of User Adoption of Cryptocurrency Using Blockchain Technology: Analysing Role of Success Factors like Technology Awareness and Financial Literacy. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 18(3), 1580–1600.
Mangini, E. R., Silva, N. G. da, & Carvalho, J. R. C. de. (2021). Virtual Banks and the Perceived Risk and Development and. Brazilian Journal Of Marketing, December.
MDEC. (2021). Malaysia digital economy blueprint. Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister Department, Putrajaya.
Meiranto, W., Faisal, F., & Yuyetta, E. N. A. (2024). The mediating role of effort expectation on digital banking behavior intention in the Indonesian bank industry: An integration of UGT-UTAUT2. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(4), 2547–2562.
Mohd Rashid, S. N., Noranee, S., & Bahtar, A. Z. (2023). Digital Banking Adoption Intention Model in Malaysia: A Pilot Study. Information Management and Business Review, 15(3(SI)), 244–250.
Mustika, N., & Puspita, R. E. (2021). Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Intention To Use Bank Syariah Indonesia Mobile Banking With Trust As Mediation. Dinar?: Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Keuangan Islam, 7(2), 14–35.
Nur, T., & Panggabean, R. R. (2021). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Payment Method among Generation Z: the Extended UTAUT Approach. Journal of Accounting Research, Organization and Economics, 4(1), 14–28.
Paraskevi, G., Saprikis, V., & Avlogiaris, G. (2023). Modeling Nonusers’ Behavioral Intention towards Mobile Chatbot Adoption: An Extension of the UTAUT2 Model with Mobile Service Quality Determinants. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2023.
Rahi, S., & Abd.Ghani, M. (2019). Integration of DeLone and McLean and self-determination theory in internet banking continuance intention context. International Journal of Accounting and Information Management, 27(3), 512–528.
Rahim, N. @ F., Bakri, M. H., Fianto, B. A., Zainal, N., & Shami, S. A. H. Al. (2023). Measurement and structural modelling on factors of Islamic Fintech adoption among millennials in Malaysia. Journal of Islamic Marketing, 14(6), 1463–1487.
Rowena, A. (2025). 5 Top Malaysia Fintech Trends for 2025, Driving Innovation and Growth. Fintech News Malaysia.
Safira, J. E., & Baridwan, Z. (2018). The analysis of individual’s behavioral intention in using mobile banking based on TAM and UTAUT 2. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa FEB, Universitas Brawijaya, 6(2).
Seesuk, W. (2020). A Study of Facilitating Condition, Attitude, Trust, Perceived Usefulness, and Effort Expectancy Affecting Mobile Banking Application Adoption of Consumers in Bangkok.
Sivathanu, B. (2019). Adoption of digital payment systems in the era of demonetization in India: An empirical study. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, 10(1), 143–171.
Suhaidi, N. (2021). Digital banking preference accelerates in APAC. The Malaysian Reserve.
Tiong, W. ni. (2020). Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention towards Adoption of Digital Banking Services in Malaysia. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 10(8), 450–457.
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27.
Yuan, Z., Liu, J., Deng, X., Ding, T., & Wijaya, T. T. (2023). Facilitating Conditions as the Biggest Factor Influencing Elementary School Teachers’ Usage Behavior of Dynamic Mathematics Software in China. Mathematics, 11(6).
Yusof, N. A. M., & Anthonysamy, L. (2024). The Rise of Virtual Banks: Factors Influencing its Adoption Using TRUTAUT Framework. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 148–173.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Norbaya Mohd Rashid, Shereen Noranee, Azlin Zanariah Bahtar, Mohd Faizal Kamarudin

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Author (s) should affirm that the material has not been published previously. It has not been submitted and it is not under consideration by any other journal. At the same time author (s) need to execute a publication permission agreement to assume the responsibility of the submitted content and any omissions and errors therein. After submission of revised paper in the light of suggestions of the reviewers, the editorial team edits and formats manuscripts to bring uniformity and standardization in published material.
This work will be licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) and under condition of the license, users are free to read, copy, remix, transform, redistribute, download, print, search or link to the full texts of articles and even build upon their work as long as they credit the author for the original work. Moreover, as per journal policy author (s) hold and retain copyrights without any restrictions.