Cryptocurrency adoption and continuance intention among Indians: moderating role of perceived government control

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of perceived government control (PGC) on cryptocurrency adoption and continuance intention among Indians through an integrated model of the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with the Information System Success Model (ISSM). Design/methodology/approach This study examined the items of cryptocurrency adoption, continuance intention and PGC adopted from the information systems and cryptocurrency literature. The survey was administered to 391 Indians through an online questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Findings Results have shown that social influence, effort expectancy and perceived trust are the major drivers for cryptocurrency adoption. All paths leading to cryptocurrency adoption were found to be significant in the hypothesized directions. The study also found that PGC moderates the relationship between adoption and continuance intention. Originality/value This study advances existing literature by empirically verifying the integrated UTAUT and ISSM in the context of cryptocurrency adoption for investment purposes. The findings offer crypto-developers and crypto-exchange insight into how adoption is diffusing in emerging markets. The findings provide policymakers with meaningful insights into the role of government regulations in cryptocurrency continuance intention.