<![CDATA[The rapid growth of financial technology (fintech), particularly online lending, has expanded access to formal financial services while increasing the risk of financial distress and over-indebtedness among borrowers. Although bank employees are generally assumed to possess adequate financial knowledge, limited studies have examined their vulnerability to online lending. This study addresses this research gap by analyzing the financial risks and behavioral patterns associated with online lending among bank employees in Malang City, Indonesia, an area with high digital adoption and fintech penetration. This study employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations involving bank employees who had used online lending services. The findings reveal a shift in online lending from productive to predominantly consumptive purposes. This behavioral change is influenced by high digital accessibility, intensive fintech promotion, and a consumer-oriented work environment. Participants experienced various consequences, including financial distress, over-indebtedness, aggressive debt collection, privacy violations, psychological distress, family conflict, social problems, and recurring debt cycles. These conditions indicate that easy access to online lending may foster long-term financial dependency, even among professionals in the banking sector. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that employment in the formal financial sector does not necessarily prevent individuals from engaging in risky borrowing behavior. The findings provide practical implications for strengthening workplace financial education, promoting responsible digital lending practices, and developing policies to mitigate financial distress among bank employees.]]>
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