The Impact of Mobile Wallet Adoption on Bank Profitability: Evidence from a Longitudinal Analysis (2021–2025)

This study examines the impact of mobile wallet adoption on the profitability of a banking institution in Peru during the period 2021–2025, in a context of rapid digital transformation in financial services. The research adopted a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal, and explanatory design based on a single-bank case study. Mobile wallet adoption was measured through a synthetic index (IAD) constructed from five indicators using principal component analysis, while profitability was assessed through return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and aggregate monetary profitability. The effect of the IAD on profitability was estimated using generalized estimation equations with HAC-type robust standard errors. The results show that mobile wallet adoption exerts a positive and statistically significant effect on all three profitability indicators, with the strongest effect on aggregate monetary profitability, followed by ROE and ROA. These findings contribute to the literature by providing longitudinal evidence from an underexplored emerging economy and by showing that the financial effects of digital adoption differ according to the profitability measure considered. Overall, the study highlights the relevance of mobile wallet adoption as a strategic digital factor in banking performance within emerging financial contexts.