How digital transformation affects bank risk: Evidence from listed Chinese banks

In the digital age, the impact of digital transformation on business risk has become significant. This paper utilizes panel data from 36 listed banks in China from 2011 to 2021 to explore the diverse effects of digital transformation on bank risk-taking and its transmission channel. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly decreases bank risk-taking. Additionally, while large and national banks show no substantial reduction in risk-taking, small and medium-sized, as well as regional banks, benefit significantly. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that bank profitability plays a key role in the risk reduction facilitated by digital transformation.