Assessment of international trade and logistics students' cryptocurrency and financial literacy levels

The global transformation accelerated by digitalization has reshaped financial systems and fundamentally changed individuals' investment behaviors. In this transformation, blockchain-based cryptocurrencies and decentralized financial structures have emerged as powerful alternatives to traditional finance. However, this new financial ecosystem has brought with it significant challenges such as high risk, regulatory gaps, and information deficiencies, alongside the opportunities it offers. In this context, individuals' levels of knowledge about digital financial tools, as well as their financial and cryptocurrency literacy, have become critical skills. This study aims to analyze the financial and cryptocurrency literacy levels of university students in Mersin province within the framework of demographic and experiential variables such as age, gender, financial education status, mobile banking usage, and cryptocurrency investment experience. The research dataset consists of quantitative data collected from 407 students via a survey; analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistics 30.0 and IBM SPSS Amos 26.0 software. The findings reveal that while participants have a certain level of mastery over basic financial concepts, they experience significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding investment instruments, interest mechanisms, and digital finance applications. T-test results showed that demographic factors such as gender led to significant differences in knowledge levels. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and reliability of the measurement tool used, while correlation analyses revealed a positive and significant relationship between general financial knowledge and cryptocurrency literacy. Additionally, contrary to expectations, a weak relationship was found between cryptocurrency investment experience and knowledge level; this emphasizes the importance of conscious and conceptual knowledge-based use rather than mere experience. Multiple regression analyses revealed that financial literacy levels are significantly related to various dimensions such as basic economic knowledge, individual banking practices, understanding financial statements, investment decisions, and mathematical calculation skills. The study aims to contribute to the academic literature and provide guidance to policymakers and implementing institutions. However, it was concluded that individuals need to be supported not only in accessing financial tools but also in developing the competence to use them effectively; this has emerged as an important requirement for building sustainable financial awareness at the societal level.