Mohammed Hasan Sabbar, Saida Dammak
ABSTRACT
This study aims to analyze the impact of accounting information systems (AIS) on the financial performance of Iraqi banks, while testing the mediating role played by financial technology (FinTech) in strengthening this relationship. The study arises from a realistic problem related to the poor integration between accounting systems and technological infrastructure in Iraqi banks, which negatively affected the efficiency and sustainability of financial performance. To achieve the objectives, a conceptual model was developed that includes three main variables: accounting information systems (independent), financial technology (broker), and financial performance (continued), tested through fourteen main and sub-hypotheses. A descriptive and analytical approach was used, and data were collected from a meaningful sample of account managers, information systems staff and financial specialists in a number of Iraqi banks. A unified scientific questionnaire was developed, its validity and reliability were statistically tested using Cronbach's alpha. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed via AMOS software to analyze relationships and test hypotheses. Sobel's test was used to confirm the statistical significance of the mediating role of fintech. The results revealed a strong and significant impact of AIS on improving financial performance, as FinTech strengthened this relationship through its intermediary role – especially in areas such as electronic payments and digital lending. The results also highlighted the variation in the impact of fintech components, with the greatest impact on operational efficiency and profitability, and less on digital financial control. The integration between AIS and FinTech has emerged as a critical prerequisite for achieving sustainable and stable financial results. Model's suitability indicators (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.045, GFI = 0.93) confirmed the suitability of the structural model. Moreover, comparative analysis with regional studies in Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf states showed consistent patterns in which fintech played a complementary role in maximizing the efficiency of accounting systems. The study concluded that improving the financial performance of Iraqi banks requires a dual strategy: modernizing the information system and expanding the application of financial technologies. The study recommends investing in accounting and information technology capabilities, and establishing a unified digital banking infrastructure governed by reliable supervisory mechanisms.
