Examining Islamic capital market adoption from a socio-psychological perspective and Islamic financial literacy

This study aims to explore the Islamic capital market adoption model, based on the construct of Islamic financial literacy (IFL), the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and past behavior (PBR) in the context of a Muslim-majority country (Indonesia).

To test the conceptual model, this study used data from 251 respondents with a diverse spectrum, and the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used to test the forecasting of the model.

Overall, IFL and TPB dimensions (i.e. attitudes and perceived behavioral control) have a significant positive effect, either directly or indirectly, for investment intentions in the Islamic capital market. Also, the findings recommend the construct of PBR as an important predictor of investment intentions in Islamic capital markets.

The study can be beneficially used for Islamic financial institutions to participate with the Indonesian government in affirming IFL to broader society, not only Islamic education institutions. It is related to the significance of IFL, where it can be utilized as an indicator that education on the concept and values of Islamic finance can positively establish attitudes in society and stakeholders.

This study is an effort to strengthen IFL as a key construct using a good measurement scale, in the context of the Islamic capital market investment. In addition, this study also provides the necessary impetus to analyze the relationship between the dimensions of TPB and PBR, either directly or indirectly.