Submissions

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Submission Preparation Checklist

As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.
  • The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration (or an explanation has been provided in Comments to the Editor).
  • The submission file is in the following Author's Template, including authors' names and full contact details. Refer to Author Guidelines below for uploading submission files. Files will be anonymised prior to sending out for review.
  • The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines and in the Author's Template.
  • Please ensure that Track Changes is turned off in your manuscript and that you submit a clean, final version. And every co-author (if applicable) has reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.
  • Where available, URLs for the references have been provided. And, a Cover Letter should be included.
  • If any portion of your submission was created or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), please include a disclosure statement at the end of your article. This statement must specify the AI tool or model used and identify the specific sections or elements that were generated or supported by AI.
  • Authors are solely responsible for obtaining all required copyright permissions for any images, figures, or other materials included in the manuscript. By submitting the work, authors affirm that, if accepted for publication, the manuscript: 1) Does not infringe copyright or violate any intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties; 2) Fully complies with the journal’s ethical standards, publication policies, and guidelines; 3) Is not restricted by any prior publication rights, licenses, or agreements.
  • If a mistake or inaccuracy is identified during or after the publication process is undertaken, it is the author's responsibility to inform the Editor as soon as possible. Clearly state which part(s) of the article are incorrect, inaccurate or unreliable. We will consult the COPE’s retraction guidelines as to whether a correction notice, retraction notice or removal of a contribution is warranted.

Author Guidelines

A. Types of Contributions Invited by JFDA

The Journal of FinTech and Digital Assets (JFDA) welcomes a diverse range of scholarly and practice-oriented submissions that advance understanding at the intersection of finance, technology, and digital innovation. All submissions must align with the journal’s mission and scope, demonstrating intellectual rigor, originality, and relevance to contemporary issues in FinTech and digital asset markets.

 

The Journal of FinTech and Digital Assets (JFDA) invites the following types of contributions.

     1. Article/Empirical Research Papers (≤ 8,000 words)

Empirical papers present original quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method research. These contributions should offer new theoretical insights, methodological innovation, or applied findings relevant to areas such as blockchain systems, digital payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), AI in financial decision-making, robo-advising, data analytics, and regulatory technology. Authors should include robust research design, data analysis, and policy or managerial implications.

     2. Case Studies (≤ 4,000 words)

Case studies present detailed examinations of real-world applications or innovations within FinTech ecosystems. Submissions may focus on start-ups, partnerships between financial institutions and technology firms, regulatory sandboxes, or adoption of blockchain-based solutions. Each case should include contextual background, problem analysis, implementation strategies, and lessons learned for researchers and practitioners.

     3. Critiques (≤ 3,000 words)

Critiques provide thoughtful, evidence-based analyses of existing literature, theories, methods, or practices within FinTech, blockchain, or digital asset ecosystems. Submissions may highlight gaps in prevailing research paradigms, challenge assumptions, or propose alternative conceptual frameworks. These articles aim to stimulate academic debate and refine current research directions.

     4. Reports (≤ 3,000 words)

Reports summarise emerging trends, pilot projects, or policy developments that hold significance for FinTech practitioners, regulators, and scholars. They may include concise analyses of new technologies, business models, or market regulations, as well as results from funded research or institutional collaborations. Reports should prioritise clarity and actionable insight over theoretical depth.

     5. Dialogues and Interviews (≤ 3,000 words)

Dialogues and interviews capture discussions with thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, or academics who are shaping the FinTech and digital asset landscape. Submissions should contextualise the conversation within broader academic and industry trends, demonstrating how the perspectives shared contribute to understanding ongoing developments or future directions in the field.

     6. Technology Reviews/Notes (≤ 3,000 words)

Technology reviews examine emerging tools, platforms, or methodologies (e.g., blockchain protocols, AI-driven analytics, smart contract frameworks) relevant to financial technology and digital assets. These reviews should be analytical rather than promotional, focusing on capabilities, limitations, and potential applications in the financial sector.

     7. Book Reviews (≤ 2,000 words)

Book reviews offer critical assessments of recent scholarly or professional publications relevant to FinTech, blockchain, or digital assets. Reviews should go beyond summary to evaluate a work’s theoretical contribution, methodological rigor, and practical relevance. Comparative reviews of multiple titles addressing similar topics are also welcome.

     8. Interventions (≤ 2,000 words)

Interventions are concise, provocative essays designed to spark debate or present timely perspectives on pressing issues such as regulatory shifts, ethical challenges in AI-driven finance, sustainability in digital finance, or innovations in tokenization. Submissions should present a clearly argued position supported by evidence or case examples.

     9. Commentaries and Opinions (≤ 2,000 words)

Commentaries and opinions provide reflective or analytical perspectives on topical issues, current events, or research debates. These may include informed viewpoints on policy developments, the evolution of FinTech ecosystems, or responses to previously published JFDA articles. The tone should be accessible yet scholarly, encouraging intellectual engagement across disciplines.

     10. Visual or Spatial Contributions (≤ 2,000 words + visual materials)

These contributions combine visual materials, such as infographics, maps, data visualisations, or design concepts, with analytical commentary. Submissions should explore visual storytelling in FinTech, for example, network maps of blockchain ecosystems, architecture of DeFi platforms, or comparative visualisations of digital market trends. A short accompanying text (up to 2,000 words) should situate the visuals within scholarly discourse.

     11. Extended Reports (≤ 2,000 words)

Extended reports provide concise, critically reflective accounts of significant academic or industry events such as conferences, workshops, or symposia. Unlike descriptive summaries, these reports should highlight key themes, emerging debates, or implications for future FinTech and digital asset research. The emphasis should be on analytical insight rather than event documentation.

     12. Policy and Regulatory Briefs (≤ 2,000 words)

Policy briefs provide concise, evidence-based discussions of regulatory or policy developments in digital finance, including CBDCs, open banking, AML/CFT compliance, or digital asset taxation. The purpose is to bridge academic research with practical policy implications for governments, regulators, and financial institutions.

 

B. Submission Process

Manuscripts for JFDA must be submitted online through the “Make a Submission” portal. The submitting author - typically the corresponding author - is responsible for managing the manuscript throughout the submission and peer-review process. It is the submitting author’s duty to ensure that:

- All eligible co-authors are accurately listed, and

- Every co-author has reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.

To begin the submission process, please register and log in via the “Make a Submission” button. The author’s template is used for submission. The template for Manuscript Preparation can be found here.

Once registered, you may access the JFDA online submission form directly. Click “New Submission” to start submitting a manuscript. And follow all the step to complete your submission process.

 

Cover Letter

A cover letter must accompany every manuscript submission. The letter should be concise, clearly articulating the significance of the study and situating its findings within the context of existing literature. It should also justify how the manuscript aligns with the aims and scope of the JFDA.

Each cover letter must include the following declarations:

- We confirm that this manuscript, in whole or in part, has not been published elsewhere and is not currently under consideration by any other journal.

- All authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and consent to its submission to JFDA.

And

- It should include 03 potential reviewers. 

It is a standard academic practice for authors to suggest potential peer reviewers, but these suggestions serve as recommendations for the editor. The editor is responsible for selecting the final reviewers and may choose to use some, all, or none of the authors' suggestions. 

 

C. Peer Review Process

The Journal of FinTech and Digital Assets (JFDA) employs a rigorous, transparent, and unbiased peer-review procedure designed to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and research integrity. The review workflow is outlined as follows:

 

  1. Manuscript Submission

Authors submit their manuscripts using the official JFDA Author Template through the journal’s online submission system. Upon receipt, the Editor-in-Chief conducts an initial screening and may either manage the manuscript directly or assign it to an appropriate Managing Associate Editor for further evaluation.

  1. Editorial Screening and Compliance Check

The handling editor conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope, academic standards, and submission requirements. At this stage, the manuscript may be:

  • Desk-accepted for peer review,
  • Returned to authors for technical corrections, or
  • Desk-rejected if it does not meet the journal’s criteria.

All manuscripts undergo a plagiarism check (Turnitin) to ensure originality and adherence to ethical standards.

  1. Double-Blind Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the screening stage are sent for external evaluation.

  • At least two independent experts in the relevant field are invited to review the submission.
  • JFDA follows a double-blind review system, ensuring that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain concealed throughout the process.
  • Reviewers evaluate the manuscript using the standardized JFDA Review Form, assessing originality, theoretical contribution, methodological rigor, clarity, and practical relevance.
  1. Editorial Decision: Acceptance, Revision, or Rejection

Based on the reviewers’ feedback and recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief issues one of the following decisions: Accept, Minor revision, Major revision, Reject.

All communications preserve reviewer anonymity.

  1. Author Revision and Response

Authors invited to revise their manuscripts must:

  • Address each reviewer comment thoroughly,
  • Submit a detailed response letter outlining revisions made,
  • Provide a clean revised manuscript along with a tracked-changes version (if requested).

Revisions must be submitted within the specified timeline.

  1. Re-submission and Secondary Evaluation

Upon re-submission, the revised manuscript follows a similar review route.

  • The handling editor may return the manuscript to the original reviewers or, where appropriate, assess the revisions internally.
  • Additional rounds of revision may be requested until the manuscript meets publication standards.
  1. Final Acceptance

Once the reviewers and handling editor determine that all concerns have been adequately addressed, the Editor-in-Chief issues a formal acceptance notification.

  1. Production, Proofing, and Publication

Following acceptance, the manuscript proceeds to the production stage, which includes: Professional copyediting, Formatting and layout preparation, Author proof review and approval.

After finalization, the article is published online according to the journal’s publication schedule.

  1. Video Abstracts for Accepted Manuscripts

Authors of accepted manuscripts are invited to submit an optional video abstract to enhance the visibility and accessibility of their work. Video abstracts provide an engaging way to:

  • Introduce yourself to readers and build a personal connection.
  • Contextualize your research within its broader academic or practical relevance.
  • Offer a concise summary for readers who may prefer visual content or who may not read the full manuscript immediately.

The journal accepts three types of video abstracts:

  1. Informative Video Abstract

Provides a structured overview of the work, including: Motivation for the study, core research questions, methods and analytical approach, key findings, Implications, recommendations, and potential future directions.

  1. Critical Video Abstract

Offers a deeper evaluative perspective by: Presenting the motivation, assessing existing knowledge, analysing or comparing results, discussing interpretations or debates, highlighting the reasoning behind the study’s conclusions.

  1. Attention-Grabbing Video Abstract

Designed for broad outreach by: Emphasising the importance or urgency of the topic, highlighting what makes the study notable, directing viewers to the full article for more details
(This format focuses on engagement rather than technical explanation.)

Video abstracts follow the same copyright and licensing terms as the written manuscript.

 

Technical Specifications:

To ensure consistency and high quality, video abstracts must meet the following minimum requirements: Length: 2–3 minutes or less, maximum file size: 100 MB, frame rate: 25 fps, aspect ratio: Widescreen 16:9 (landscape mode), file format: .mp4, resolution: minimum 1280×720 (HD); maximum 1920×1080 (Full HD).

 

How to Submit Your Video Abstract:

  • Prepare your video file following the specifications above.
  • Upload your video by creating a new submission in the system.
  • Use a clear and identifiable file name, such as: ArticleID_AuthorName_VideoAbstract.mp4
  • Complete the submission form and confirm upload.

The video abstract will be posted on the JFDA’s social channels. For guidance on how to create an effective video abstract and samples, click here: How to create a video abstract, Video abstract samples.

 

D. Guiding Principles

     1. Trust and integrity

The Journal of FinTech and Digital Assets (JFDA) is committed to serving the public interest and promoting academic freedom while upholding a respectful, independent, transparent, and trustworthy editorial process. These principles are essential to fostering confidence and mutual respect between our readers, authors, and editors.

Authors contributing to JFDA are generally expected to hold a Master’s or PhD degree, or possess equivalent professional experience supported by research-based project work. The journal actively seeks diversity in authorship and editorial participation (across cultural backgrounds, gender, age, professional domains, and geographic regions) to ensure a global and inclusive scholarly dialogue.

     2. Conflict of interest

Authors and editors are obligated to disclose any affiliation, grant, financial interest or gifts that may be relevant, or perceived to be relevant, to the topic about which they are writing. This disclosure policy is not intended to prevent publication but to safeguard transparency, uphold the author’s credibility, and protect the integrity of the journal.

The views and opinions expressed in articles published by JFDA are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the positions of the editors, the Editorial Board, the relevant university or the publisher.

     3. Mistakes and inaccuracies

JFDA strives for fairness, accuracy, and academic integrity in all published material. If a factual or editorial error is identified, it will be corrected promptly and transparently. Readers are encouraged to notify the editorial team of any significant errors or inaccuracies.

A full retraction will be issued only as a last resort and under one or more of the following circumstances:

- There is a legal requirement for retraction;

- The article contains serious flaws, inaccuracies, or ethical breaches that render it invalid; or

- The internal editorial or peer review process was materially compromised.

Retractions, corrections, and errata will be clearly indicated on the journal’s website to maintain transparency in the academic record.

     4. Complaints

Complaints or concerns should be submitted via email to the Editor through the Contact Us section of the JFDA website. The responsible Editor will review the complaint and discuss it with the author(s) involved.

If both the Editor and author agree that a factual error exists, a correction will be issued. If, after review, no significant error is found, the complaint may be respectfully dismissed. In either case, the complainant will be informed of the outcome.

If the complainant remains dissatisfied, the matter may be escalated to the Chief Editor, who will attempt to resolve the issue impartially. Should the issue remain unresolved, the Editorial Board may be consulted for further consideration. The complainant may be invited to provide additional information or documentation at that stage.

     5. Licensing

JFDA supports the free and open exchange of knowledge. All articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which permits others to share, adapt, and redistribute the material in any medium or format, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the journal.

Readers and researchers are encouraged to republish or cite JFDA content in accordance with the terms of the CC BY license. When republishing or referencing an article, please include the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) provided for each publication to ensure proper attribution and citation integrity.

     6. Data Sharing

In line with best practices for research transparency and reproducibility, JFDA encourages authors to share the data underpinning their research. Authors are recommended to:

- Deposit their research data in a relevant public data repository, such as Data@Lincoln or another domain-appropriate platform;

- Include a Data Availability Statement within their manuscript that clearly describes where and how the data can be accessed. If data cannot be shared due to confidentiality, legal, or ethical restrictions, authors should provide a brief explanation;

- Cite all data sources appropriately within the reference list to acknowledge data creators and promote data reuse.

By encouraging responsible data sharing, JFDA aims to enhance the transparency, reproducibility, and long-term impact of FinTech and digital asset research.

     7. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Authors:

The Journal of FinTech and Digital Assets (JFDA) follows the ethical guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scholarly writing. We recognise that AI-assisted tools are increasingly used to support the research and writing process.

AI tools that assist in improving language, grammar, structure, or readability are considered assistive AI tools and do not require disclosure. However, authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and scholarly integrity of all submitted work. Submissions must meet the highest standards of academic writing, regardless of whether assistive tools were used.

Use of generative AI tools—those that create content such as text, figures, tables, references, or data—must be clearly disclosed at the time of submission. Authors should provide a brief statement indicating:

- The AI tool or model used (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot),

- The purpose and extent of its use, and

- How the generated content was verified and edited for accuracy.

Authors must carefully verify all AI-generated outputs to ensure that they do not contain fabricated data, false claims, or plagiarised material. AI systems must never be credited as authors or co-authors. Authors are responsible for the integrity and validity of the content submitted, including all text, data, and citations.

The manipulation of images or data visualisations using AI is not acceptable, except for basic adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast, or colour balance) that do not obscure or misrepresent information. Authors must cite original sources rather than use AI-generated citations as primary references.

 

To make a submission, Click on the button of “Make a Submission” on the right-hand side menu of this website.

Copyright Notice

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website/social networks) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.

 

Disclaimer/Publisher's Note

The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of JFDA and/or the editor(s). JFDA and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Privacy Statement

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