Fintech, strategic adaptation in shock of COVID-19: A review of the empirical literature

Abstract

This study is an empirical literature review about the strategic adaptation in the context of COVID-19 that is a cause of economic shock. We reviewed existing publications and determined that COVID-19 is an economic shock; it significantly influences firm strategy. Besides that, the fintech company's characteristics and the firm respondents' experience lessons from the previous crisis are explored, which are the background to propose the two strategic adaptations for the fintech company. Firstly, the consolidation strategy for the time of COVID-19 contains three respondents: maintain frequent operational activities, increase research and development investment, and implement marketing campaigns. Secondly, in the spreading strategy for the post-COVID-19 period, we recommend a product and customer diversification strategy, concentrating on the risk of law and allocating resources efficiently. Besides that, we discuss the trend of an alliance network between the fintech company and the traditional financial institution, like the win-win strategy for both entities. Furthermore, suggestions for the directors of the fintech companies and directions for further research are proposed.