Ishwarlal, Saiyuri2024-06-212024-06-212023Ishwarlal, Saiyuri. (2023). The influence of fintech share trading and investment platforms on the participation of South African professionals in the South African equity capital market [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38725https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38725A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023Background: The emergence of revolutionary financial technology as a result of the transition towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is transforming the financial services sector. Innovative financial technology, such as fintech share trading and investment platforms has the potential to increase access to the equity capital market, through enhanced user- experience, minimal trading costs and greater convenience. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of fintech share trading andinvestment platforms on the participation of South African professionals in the South African equity capital market. This study contributes to the emerging stream of fintech research, through examining the impact of fintech platforms on participation in the equity capital market. Method: A survey questionnaire was distributed electronically, and responses were received from professionals with various specialisations. The 199 usable responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Findings: The findings of this study reflect a large percentage of professionals would not engage in the trading and investment of shares in the absence of fintech platforms. This suggests that fintech platforms are positively contributing towards the participation of South African professionals in the equity capital market. An individual’s age, level of education and number of years of investment experience show a statistically significant difference in respect of the dependency on fintech platforms for participation in share trading and investment. Data security and privacy concerns, a low level of trust in fintech platforms and lower levels of awareness of financial products and services are factors that inhibit the use of fintech platforms. Greater ease of use, affordability, efficiency and flexibility are elements that encourage the usage of fintech platformsen© 2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Equity capital marketFintechParticipationShare trading and investment platformsSouth African professionalsUCTDSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg