Impact of Fintech on natural resources management: How financial impacts shape the association?

The management of natural resources is utmost importance for achieving sustainable development in both the economic and environmental domains. This topic has been the subject of extensive debate over the past few decades. Considerable discourse has been devoted to examining the role of technology in facilitating the optimal utilization of natural resources. Nevertheless, previous research has not yet delved into the potential contribution of financial technology (Fintech) in the management of natural resources. To address this gap in the existing literature and policy frameworks, this study aims to examine the impact of Fintech on natural resources management in line with different financial impacts in India. Data estimations are performed through cross-quantile correlation and multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression methods on the annual data of selected variables from 2012 to 2022. Results show the negative effects of carbon emission on Fintech, financial development, gross domestic product and natural resource management. Whereas, high positive impacts of Fintech on financial development, GDP and natural resource management are reported over the different quantiles. The results of the study are utilized to develop the policy framework for natural resources management, financial development and sustainable development.