The South East Asian Journal of Management
Vol. 19, No. 2

Trusting AI in Finance: The Role of Psychological Traits and AI Literacy in Shaping User Behaviour Toward Robo-Advisors

Aini, Sukma (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Research Aims: This study investigates the influence of psychological traits, risk tolerance, trust propensity, and AI literacy on trust in robo-advisors and subsequent financial behaviour within Indonesia’s expanding fintech landscape. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected through a survey of 235 Indonesian users with prior robo-advisor experience, and the hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Research Findings: The results revealed that risk tolerance, trust propensity, and AI literacy significantly predicted financial behaviour, both directly and indirectly, through their positive effects on trust in AI. Trust emerged as a central mediating mechanism, particularly for trust propensity and AI literacy, highlighting its role as a psychological gateway linking user dispositions to behavioural outcomes. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: By extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with behavioural finance and cognitive trust theory, this study provided a more comprehensive explanation of AI adoption in financial services. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: The results offer practical implications for fintech providers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, underscoring the importance of explainable AI, transparent data-use disclosures, and culturally attuned system design that accommodates diverse risk profiles and digital literacy levels. Research Limitation & Implications: Limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and an urban-centric sample. Future research should incorporate rural populations, adopt longitudinal approaches, and explore cultural dimensions of trust.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

publication:seam

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Subject

Description

The South East Asian Journal of Management (The SEAM) seeks to publish high quality, scholarly empirical research articles in management, strategic management, organization, entrepreneurship, operations management, human resource management, business and organization topics that test, extend, or ...