Dynamic Spillovers Between FinTech, Blockchain, and Green Finance: A Quantile Connectedness Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores how financial innovation and environmental sustainability intersect by analyzing spillovers between FinTech, blockchain energy use, and green finance. Using a Quantile Vector Autoregression (QVAR) framework, we examine weekly data from 2018 to 2024 across 11 digital, environmental, and macro‐financial indices. Our findings reveal a striking asymmetry: FinTech and equity markets consistently act as systemic shock transmitters, especially during crises and booms, while blockchain energy consumption behaves as a passive shock absorber. Notably, Ethereum's energy profile remains sensitive to market exuberance even after its transition to proof‐of‐stake. Connectedness weakens markedly in tranquil regimes but resurges sharply at market extremes, underscoring the fragility of digital–green linkages. These results advance the literature on climate‐FinTech integration by showing how digital finance volatility propagates to sustainability assets. We call for targeted policy interventions that align blockchain development with climate goals and promote transparency and resilience in digital financial markets.