EFFECT OF DIGITAL DISRUPTION ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA: A CASE OF ECOBANK BANK KENYA LIMITED

Abstract

This study set out to establish the effect of digital disruption on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, with a focus on Ecobank Kenya Limited. To achieve this, the study sought to identify the effect of Digital Competition, Industrial Convergence, Technological Innovation and Social Digital Trends on the financial performance of Ecobank measured by ROA. A total of 322 employees at Ecobank formed the target population of the study which adopted a descriptive research design that allowed them to provide as much information about the topic as possible. Data collected through questionnaires was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Demographic results indicate that the study was gender sensitive and that the respondents were of the right age, level of education, working experience and held a relevant working position in the bank as far as the topic of study is concerned. Results indicate that majority of the respondents believe that indeed Digital Competition (with mean of 4.22), Industrial Convergence (with mean of 4.06), Technological Innovation (with mean of 4.08) and Social Digital Trends (with mean of 4.13) affect financial performance at Ecobank Kenya to a great extent. A regression analysis indicates that an increase in industrial convergence, technological innovation and social digital trends increases the financial performance of the bank. However, an increase in digital competition reduces financial performance. Post regression diagnostics indicate that the regression equation adopted by the study is statistically significant (F calculated value of 26.480 < Critical value = 6.38823, p=0.04<0.05). Additionally, an R-Square of 0.687 implies that 68.7% of the independent variables used in the study explain the dependent variable. The study concluded that an increase in industrial convergence, technological innovation and social digital trends increases the financial performance of the bank. However, an increase in digital competition reduces financial performance. The study therefore recommends that commercial banks in Kenya should consider social digital trends as they seek to improve their financial performance. It also points out that banks need to be aware of technological innovations in the banking sector. Moreover, banks should know that the financial industry is converging towards a digital world and respond appropriately.