Bridging Digital Confidence and Financial Technology: A Systematic Review of Generation Z’s Mobile Payment Adoption

Abstract

The rapid growth of financial technology (fintech) has reshaped payment behaviours globally, yet the adoption of mobile payment systems among Generation Z remains uneven. Despite being digital natives, this cohort exhibits varied levels of trust, technological readiness, and digital confidence. This study aims to examine the evolution and focus of existing research on Generation Z’s mobile payment adoption, identify key determinants influencing their behavioural intentions, and highlight emerging research directions. Using a systematic literature review supported by Scopus AI data (as of 4 November 2025), the study synthesizes conceptual frameworks, topic experts, and thematic mappings to uncover consistent and emerging factors shaping adoption behaviour. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, trust, ease of use, and financial literacy are core predictors of mobile payment adoption among Gen Z, while new themes such as technostress, AI integration, and omnichannel engagement are gaining prominence. Theoretically, the study extends technology adoption models by incorporating psychological and contextual factors unique to Gen Z. Practically, it provides insights for fintech developers and policymakers to design user-centric, secure, and engaging digital payment ecosystems. These findings underscore the need for future research exploring emotional, social, and cultural influences in Gen Z’s financial technology adoption.