The Readiness of The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Investors to Use Blockchain Technology in Stock Market

Abstract

This study set out to identify the factors influencing the intention of investors in the United Arab Emirates to adopt blockchain technology in the stock market. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a theoretical model was developed. 274 UAE investors were surveyed to test the hypotheses, and then the results were analysed using the structural equation modelling. Ultimately, the findings show that behavioral intention toward the use of blockchain technology is positively influenced by performance anticipation, social influence, and trust. Additionally, the results showed that older investors and investors with more years of blockchain technology experience had a greater relationship between facilitating conditions and behavioral intention toward blockchain adoption in the stock market, and the relationship between social influence and behavioral intention toward blockchain adoption was stronger for women and investors with less years of blockchain technology experience.