The primary purpose of the Journal of Financial and Banking Strategic Studies (FBS) is to create a scientific atmosphere for scholars in the field of management studies and discussions between the disciplines related to the latest scientific findings to share. The publication start year of FBS is 2023 and affiliated with Bank Sepah. The FBS Journal has been indexed in well-known databases, mainly Civilica, SID, Noormags, Google Scholar, and .... The language of this journal is Persian, and it is hoped that it will improve the scientific level of Persian researchers. To achieve this goal, we encourage researchers to submit their authoritative and unpublished papers for publication in this journal.

Access to articles from this journal is free.

Banking

Designing a model for bank funding and market power and their impact on liquidity creation with monetary policy as equalizer

Pages 250-266

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.502662.1150

Majed Khezri, Amir Farahani, Sobhan Jooybar

Abstract Purpose: The primary objective of this paper is to represent an econometric model based on market power and bank financing methods, analyzing and estimating the impact of these two variables while considering monetary policy as a moderating factor. In this process, achieving secondary objectives such as calculating the market power index, assessing the financing methods of selected banks, and determining an appropriate indicator for monetary policy is essential. Methodology: This study follows an independent paradigm introduction approach. A group of publicly traded banks was selected, and using annual financial statement data, the translog production function was estimated, followed by the calculation of the Lerner index for each bank. The monetary conditions index in this research was derived using a time-series regression model. The bank liquidity creation model was formulated based on the market power index, bank financing methods, and the monetary conditions index. The effect of each of these variables on liquidity creation was then measured. Findings: The results indicate no significant relationship between bank liquidity creation and non-deposit financing methods. However, a strong negative correlation exists between market power and liquidity creation, highlighting the need for banks to enhance market power and diversify revenue sources. Originality/Value: This is the first study in Iran that simultaneously examines the impact of financing methods, market power, and monetary policy on bank liquidity creation.

Banking

Modeling and evaluating customer satisfaction with E-service quality in Sepah mobile banking

Pages 267-279

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.503133.1148

Farbod Fakhreddin, Farbod Fakhreddin

Abstract Purpose: With the increasing competition among banks in Iran, enhancing the quality of E-banking services has become a strategic necessity. This study aims to design and evaluate a customer satisfaction model for e-service quality in Sepah Mobile Banking. Methodology: This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, comprising qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 experts in Sepah Bank's E-banking sector, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key dimensions of e-service quality, which served as the basis for the proposed model. In the quantitative phase, survey data were collected from 387 Sepah Bank customers, and the model was validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both measurement and structural components. Findings: The results indicate that five key dimensions, responsiveness and support, functionality, reliability, design, and ease of use, significantly influence customer satisfaction and contribute to customer loyalty in Sepah Mobile Banking. Originality/Value: Unlike previous studies that primarily relied on generic service quality models, this research develops a tailored theoretical model for customer satisfaction with Sepah mobile banking's E-services. Besides, the findings provide valuable insights for Sepah Bank managers to enhance E-service quality and achieve a sustained competitive advantage.

Corporate Finance

CEO characteristics and corporate financial performance: A case study of the Iranian capital market

Pages 280-292

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.505022.1152

Moein Ruhani, Mohsen Imeni

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of CEO characteristics on corporate financial performance.
Methodology: This study examined companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) from 2013 to 2023. Panel data was used to estimate and test the models. Three indicators (CEO ownership, CEO duality, and CEO tenure) were used for CEO characteristics, and the Return on Equity (ROE) index was used to evaluate corporate financial performance.
Findings: The study's results showed a positive and significant relationship between CEO ownership, CEO tenure, and corporate financial performance ROE. Also, CEO duality is not significantly related to corporate financial performance or ROE.
Originality/Value: This study is among the few that examine the impact of individual CEO characteristics (ownership, tenure, and duality) on the financial performance of companies in an emerging market such as Iran. Given the institutional, economic, and governance differences between Iran and other countries, the findings of this study contribute to the international literature on corporate governance. This finding is also important for corporate policymakers and shareholders when selecting and evaluating senior managers.

Banking

Identifying and ranking factors affecting the digital banking ecosystem

Pages 293-307

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.491133.1125

Vahid Dalvand, Narges Hazari

Abstract Purpose: Nowadays, in the banking industry, with the emergence of digital platforms and dynamic changes, competitive conditions have become widespread. Banks, as one of the most important pillars of the financial industry, are exposed to these ecosystem changes and, if neglected, may see their role weakened or eliminated in the digital ecosystem. Therefore, the present study aims to identify and rank the factors affecting the digital banking ecosystem. Methodology: The present research is applied in its objective and descriptive survey in its data collection. Using the Best-Worst Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (BWM) method, the factors affecting the digital banking ecosystem were identified and ranked. To identify the factors, a library-based method was utilized. Additionally, a field study was conducted to distribute questionnaires to professionals in Lorestan Province's banking industry to validate and prioritize these indicators. The Excel software was also used for data analysis. Findings: The results indicate that the digital banking ecosystem consists of four main criteria (key and core activities of digital banking, enablers in digital banking, digital banking infrastructure, and digital banking tools, services, and products) and 16 sub-criteria. Among these, the digital banking infrastructure was identified as the most important factor, while digital banking tools, services, and products were recognized as the least important. Originality/Value: This framework enables banks to optimally allocate resources and focus on key priorities to improve infrastructure, develop digital services and products, and enhance collaboration and participation within this ecosystem.

Accounting and Auditing

The effect of membership in multiple teams on behaviors threatening audit quality about the role of auditor resilience and learning

Pages 308-330

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.218810

Maryam Lohrab, Hamed Arad

Abstract Purpose: Considering the position and role of audit firms in users' decisions, the quality of audit firms' work is considered a key factor in preparing audit reports. Several factors significantly improve audit quality; on the other hand, several factors also reduce the quality of investigations. Behaviors that reduce audit quality are intentional actions that endanger the auditor's role by reducing the supporting documentation in reviews. To be accredited and express an opinion, auditors must formulate and implement their audit plans in accordance with auditing standards, which serve as the criteria for assessing the quality of auditors' work. Among the factors expected to affect behaviors that threaten audit quality are membership in multiple teams, resilience, and auditor learning. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of membership in various teams on behaviors that threaten audit quality, while considering the roles of auditor resilience and learning. Methodology: Five hypotheses have been formulated to address the study's purpose. This study is descriptive-correlational in nature and is considered applied research. The statistical population consisted of auditors of the Auditing Professional Organization in Iran, of whom 280 were selected as the research sample using the Cochran formula. Structural equation tests in PLS software were used to test the hypotheses of this study. Findings: Testing the study's first hypothesis showed that membership in multiple teams significantly affects auditory learning. The results of testing the second hypothesis showed that auditor resilience moderates the impact of membership in various teams on auditory learning. The results of testing the third hypothesis showed that auditor learning significantly affects behaviors that threaten audit quality. Also, the results of the fourth hypothesis test showed that membership in multiple teams significantly affects behaviors that threaten audit quality. The results of the fifth hypothesis test showed that auditor learning mediates the effect of team membership on behaviors that threaten audit quality. Originality/Value: Unlike previous studies that often focused on the effects of workload or job pressure on audit quality, this study specifically examines the role of membership in multiple teams and links it to two key variables: resilience and learning. This theoretical and empirical innovation distinguishes the present study from other studies and can provide practical solutions to improve auditor performance.

Banking

A scientometric analysis of decentralized financial ecosystems: trends and future directions

Pages 331-346

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.500474.1146

Mostafa Shabani, Sina Tavakoli, Sanaz Karimi, Emran Mohammadi

Abstract Purpose: This study analyzes the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem and the impact of blockchain technologies on it. The primary objective is to identify key trends and emerging research areas, and to provide strategic insights into the future of this nascent industry. The need for this research arises from the fact that DeFi, as one of the most significant economic and technological transformations, is still in its early stages of development and requires thorough scientific examination to guide future research directions. Methodology: This study employs a scientometric approach. Research data were extracted from leading academic databases, comprising 601 articles on the DeFi ecosystem spanning 1990 to 2024. Data analysis was conducted based on indicators such as sources, authors, countries, institutions, articles, and keywords. Additionally, quantitative analysis methods were used to examine publication trends and identify research gaps. Findings: The study reveals significant recent growth in the DeFi ecosystem, with diverse research areas emerging. Most related articles have been published in recent years, and leading countries, institutions, and researchers have been identified. Key topics include blockchain technology and smart contracts, highlighting the field's importance in academia and revealing its strengths and gaps in existing research. Originality/Value: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the DeFi ecosystem and outlines future research directions, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers. By identifying research gaps and offering specific recommendations, it contributes to advancing and enriching existing knowledge in this emerging field.

Financial

Investigating the effects of exchange rate volatility on tourist flows

Volume 2, Issue 1, Spring 2024, Pages 36-44

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2024.193850

Mostafa Heidari Haratemeh, Behnam Ebrahimi

Abstract Purpose: Today, some scholars believe that exchange rate volatility may reduce the arrival of tourists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exchange rate volatility on the tourism flow in the Iranian economy during the period from the first quarter of 2000 to the fourth quarter of 2020. Methodology: In most past surveys, the standard deviation of the moving average of the exchange rate logarithm has been used as a criterion for calculating exchange rate volatility; in this research, a new criterion was used to assess exchange rate volatility. The research method is based on cointegration theory, including correcting the error in the exchange rate volatility criteria using the ARDL econometric model for cointegration. Findings: The results showed: 1) in addition to the attractions of visiting countries as expected, the ratio of GDP per capita to relative proportions has a positive and significant impact on the flow of tourism, 2) relative prices in most cases are negative and meaningful, meaning that the relative price level between the country of origin and destination has a significant and negative effect, and 3) the exchange rate volatility affect the flow of tourism and the arrival of tourists. Originality/Value: Exchange rate fluctuations have a negative and significant effect on the arrival of foreign tourists to Iran. Therefore, it is necessary for policymakers to consider this category when designing their policy measures. Although, in recent years, with the rise in the exchange rate, the arrival of a significant number of foreign tourists to Iran is expected to increase, the rise in inflation has eroded the advantage of cheap travel to Iran.

Banking

The future of artificial intelligence in the banking industry in the horizon of 2030 (A case study of one of Iran's state banks)

Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2024, Pages 84-97

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2024.453201.1080

Amir Bahador Morovat, Farhad Nazari Zadeh, Ahmed Haghiri Dehbarez

Abstract Purpose: The rapid pace of technological change has led to greater use of artificial intelligence and prompted various industries to pay special attention to this emerging phenomenon to advance their goals, improve quality, and reduce costs. The banking industry is working to improve service quality and enhance customer satisfaction by leveraging artificial intelligence alongside other industries. This research presents an overview of the applications, current situation, and future scenarios of using artificial intelligence in the banking industry of Iran in the horizon of 2030.
Methodology: First, by conducting library studies on the application of artificial intelligence in statistical banking, and in the next step, by using the targeting method, 24 experienced banking experts were selected and, through unstructured (in-depth) interviews, and by using the Max Quda software, the current state of the application of sample intelligence was assessed. Artificial intelligence in banking was identified and analyzed, and, based on expert opinion and the GBN method, future scenarios for its application in the banking industry were drawn for the horizon of 2030.
Findings: According to the findings, currently, three processes: security and fraud prevention, credit risk, and identification of money laundering and terrorism financing activities are making use of artificial intelligence, and are most used in the field of security and fraud prevention. Also, based on the two main uncertainties, the international activity of the bank and the support of senior managers, four scenarios of authoritative influence, forced success, growth in confinement, and silent death were written as future scenarios of the application of artificial intelligence in the banking industry in the horizon of 2030.
Originality/Value: In this research, while identifying the application of artificial intelligence in the banking industry, the current state of its application was investigated, and the future of its application in Iran's banking industry was outlined for the horizon of 2030.

The effect of readability of banks' financial reports on audit fees

Volume 1, Issue 1, Spring 2023, Pages 41-55

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2023.178964

Hamed Arad

Abstract Accounting disclosure is made through the publication of annual financial reports of companies. The disclosed information should have appropriate features that facilitate understanding for user groups. On the other hand, the credibility of financial reports is created by hiring independent auditors, which creates significant audit costs to achieve this credibility. The readability of financial reports is one of the issues that affects the auditor's credit performance and audit costs. It seems that complex annual financial reports, which are less readable, increase the amount of tests required by auditors, and unlike financial reports with high readability, the auditor's proof tests reduce the time and cost of processing. . The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the readability of the financial reports of banks admitted to the Tehran Stock Exchange on the audit fee during the years 2005 to 2021. For this purpose, 10 accepted banks were examined during these years with the unbalanced panel method. To measure the readability of financial reports, three indicators of fog, flash and report length were used. The results of the research indicate that the readability of financial reports has an effect on the audit fee, but the first audit does not strengthen the intensity of this relationship. Also, the results showed that the tenure of auditors plays a moderating role for the relationship between readability and audit fees.

Banking

Evaluation of the Iranian banking system infrastructure in the utilization of big data technology

Volume 3, Issue 1, Spring 2025, Pages 56-68

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2025.523913.1159

Amir Hajian, Mohsen Hajian

Abstract Purpose: This study examines the impact of predictor variables, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, the level of interoperability in banking systems, human resources, financial resources, and policies and regulations, on the development of big data infrastructure within the Iranian banking system. Methodology: Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 104 employees from Meli, Saderat, Mellat, Tejarat, and Sepah banks in the Hamedan province. Findings: Correlation tests revealed that all predictor variables are positively and significantly related to big data infrastructure. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that these factors explain approximately 56% of the variation in big data infrastructure (R² = 0.560). Additionally, the instrument's reliability was confirmed, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.769 to 0.821. Originality/Value: The findings are consistent with previous domestic and international studies, underscoring the importance of improving ICT infrastructures, enhancing system interoperability, strengthening human resource expertise, securing appropriate financial investments, and formulating supportive policies as fundamental prerequisites for the development of big data technology. Consequently, addressing these factors may pave the way for increased efficiency and competitiveness of the Iranian banking system in the digital era.

Decision-making regarding the granting of facilities to Sepah Bank loan applicants based on credit risk factors considering hesitant fuzzy sets

Volume 1, Issue 3, Autumn 2023, Pages 153-166

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2023.181500

Masih Mehrabi, Ali Sorourkhah, Seyyed Ahmad Edalatpanah

Abstract Bank facilities are the main outputs of the bank, through which the society's liquidity, which is placed in a wandering way at the level of the society, is injected into defined and targeted economic sources. In this regard, one of the major problems faced by decision-makers in banks is prioritizing loan applicants. Therefore, this research was conducted to identify the effective factors in developing a model for measuring customers' credit risk and determining a suitable algorithm for prioritizing bank applicants on a case study in Sepeh Bank. In this research, experts' intuitive and imprecise judgments were considered hesitant fuzzy data, and a simple distance-based algorithm was proposed. The output of the proposed algorithm is a detailed ranking of applicants for bank loans. The presented problem in this research is a decision-making one that is done intuitively, and so far, no research has been done to provide a prioritization algorithm in this field.

The impact of innovation and dividend distribution on firm value in car and metal industries of Tehran Stock Exchange

Volume 1, Issue 3, Autumn 2023, Pages 178-185

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2023.185862

khosro Moradi Shahdadi, Ali Mohammad Asadpoor Dezeki

Abstract Innovation involves a long process that is full of uncertainty and has a high probability of failure. Therefore, corporate innovation will face more serious financing constraints compared to traditional investments. In this case, the increase in the cost of financing reduces the investment opportunity of companies and then indirectly hinders the innovation of the company. Shareholders are always looking for returns and if companies create conditions to increase distribution, more shareholders will invest. Due to the importance of this issue, the present research has investigated the impact of innovation and dividend distribution on the firm value in the car and metal industries of the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2017 to 2021. The research method is correlation type based on regression test and based on panel data; In this regard, the statistical population of this research consists of all automotive and metal industries accepted in the Tehran Stock Exchange, which were selected by the method of systematic removal of 27 companies. The results of this research regarding the first hypothesis show that innovation has a direct and significant effect on the firm value. Also, the analysis of the second hypothesis showed that the dividend distribution has a direct and significant effect on the firm value.

Lack of financial reporting transparency, audit quality, risk of stock fall

Volume 1, Issue 2, Summer 2023, Pages 93-105

https://doi.org/10.22105/fbs.2023.178953

Bardia Khalilian

Abstract The transparency of financial information has always been propounded as one of the most effective variables to determine the investment strategy in the financial markets. In spite of this subject, managers as those who are responsible for preparing financial statements have always motivation to distort financial information for the purpose of protecting their interests. Among the actions of managers leading to the lack of transparency of financial information is the management or manipulation of earnings in the earnings. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of the lack of transparency of financial reporting and audit quality on the risk of falling stocks. For this purpose, the information of the companies in a timespan of 10 years ranged from 2012 to 2022 was examined and 113 companies were selected. In order to test the hypotheses of the research, multivariate regression method based on logistic analysis method and panel data has been used/conducted. The results suggest that the lack of transparency of financial reporting has a positive and significant effect on the risk of crash stocks, and the quality of auditing has a negative effect on the risk of crash stocks. management process, managers try to accumulate the negative news inside the firm and not to disclose it. When this mass of accumulated bad news reaches it's peak, it will suddenly enter the market and cause the stock price to fall. Also, high level auditors can reduce the risk of crash by playing a role as a mechanism of corporate governance system to reduce agency costs.

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