Effect of Emerging Financial Trends on Business Performance in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract:  This study investigates the effect of emerging financial trends on business performance in Benue State, Nigeria. More specifically, the study investigated the effect of digital payments and e-commerce, credit and financial inclusion and financial technology innovations on business performance in Benue State. Survey research design was adopted and researcher developed questionnaire was used as the major instrument of data collection. A sample size of 123 was selected using a purposive sampling strategy. Data for the study was analysed using correlation and regression analyses with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The findings revealed that digital payments and e-commerce, credit and financial inclusion and financial technology innovations all have significant effect on business performance in Benue State. The study concluded that emerging financial trends play a vital role in the performance of businesses in Benue State, Nigeria. The study recommended a need for digital payment platforms to address the issue of uncertainty about the internet so as to improve the level of trust from stakeholders patronizing them. The study also recommended that users should also ensure that all online transactions are done with trusted organisations whose identities are not anonymous.