Michele Posa, Domenica Barile, Francesco Cappa, Darren Hayes
Purpose This study examines how national cultural values shape the adoption of mobile point-of-sale payment systems (MPPS), which is a key component of low-carbon financial infrastructure. As digital payments become integral to sustainable development and biodiversity protection, understanding cultural determinants of MPPS adoption offers critical insights for inclusive and environmentally conscious financial innovation. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2022 data from 56 countries. The study operationalises national culture through Hofstede’s six dimensions and employs Ordinary Least Squares regression models to evaluate their influence on MPPS adoption levels. Findings The results show that long-term orientation and indulgence are positively associated with MPPS usage, while uncertainty avoidance has a significant negative effect. These findings highlight culture’s role in enabling or inhibiting sustainable digital payment diffusion. Research limitations/implications The analysis is cross-sectional and limited to one year. Future research should explore longitudinal patterns and incorporate emerging cultural dynamics related to digital ecosystems. Practical implications Policymakers and fintech providers should integrate cultural sensitivity into MPPS deployment strategies. Understanding national value orientations can improve digital inclusion and accelerate the adoption of sustainable financial technologies. Originality/value This paper bridges the gap between digital innovation, cultural theory, and environmental sustainability. It offers novel evidence that cultural profiles significantly mediate the effectiveness of MPPS adoption, thereby linking financial digitalisation to biodiversity-oriented strategies.