This study investigates the factors underpinning strategic cooperation between Iran's banking system and fintech startups, shedding light on the dynamic landscape of the financial sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research unfolds in two phases: qualitative and quantitative. In the qualitative stage, 14 experts from both the banking system and fintech enterprises participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was facilitated by Atlas.ti software, employing open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques. For the quantitative phase, questionnaires were distributed to 320 managers and experts, with data analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The study identifies eight categories: managerial acumen, science and technology infrastructure, structural elements, organizational facets, cultural dimensions, digital transformation, trust-building mechanisms, and legal considerations. All significantly influence strategic cooperation, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding collaboration within Iran's financial landscape. The findings highlight that all eight identified factors significantly influence the strategic cooperation between the banking system and fintech startups. While this study focuses on Iran, its insights are widely applicable. It emphasizes harmonizing managerial, technological, and cultural components as stakeholders navigate the ever-evolving fintech landscape, benefiting policymakers, researchers, and industry actors. Further the research can inform public policy and enhance corporate social responsibility. It may also influence public attitudes and improve the quality of life through innovative financial services and products. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of collaboration within Iran's financial landscape, offering valuable insights for comprehending and navigating the transformative crossroads of traditional banking and fintech innovation. Manuscript profile

This study endeavours to present an innovative prognostic framework and evaluate the future prospects of strategic cooperation between fin-tech startups and the banking sector in Iran. Employing a descriptive survey approach, extensive research was conducted through comprehensive literature reviews, field investigations, and insights gathered from interviews and questionnaires administered to 14 experts affiliated with both financial institutions and fin-tech companies. By identifying six key factors encompassing 31 unique indicators, including motivations for strategic cooperation, effective factors on cooperation, diverse levels of cooperation, external organizational factors, and barriers to strategic cooperation, and outcomes of strategic cooperation, a comprehensive conceptual model was developed. Employing advanced fuzzy inference techniques and MATLAB software, this model was employed to meticulously evaluate the viability and efficacy of strategic cooperation within the banking sector and fin-tech startups. The findings underscore the paramount significance of barriers to strategic cooperation while emphasizing the vital role of external organizational factors, effective factors on cooperation, diverse levels of cooperation, outcomes of strategic cooperation, and motivations for strategic cooperation of banking institutions and fin-tech startups. Additionally, the study gauges the level of strategic cooperation between the banking system and fin-tech startups, which yielded a commendable rating of 7.06, signifying a substantial medium-to-high range. Furthermore, the designed model showcases remarkable validation and predictive capabilities, rendering it an invaluable tool for forecasting future cooperation scenarios. Manuscript profile