The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the value of remote transactions, with many micro-enterprises facing significant setbacks. Recognising this shift, the adoption of mobile financial services (MFS) is now seen as crucial for economic resilience, especially for economies where banking participation boosts national savings. This study uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to assess factors shaping the perception of Bangladesh’s entrepreneurs towards mobile financial services (MFS) changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to rank the importance of these factors and explore what micro-entrepreneurs value in MFS adoption to identify desired reforms that may increase financial inclusion. The analysis of the study is primarily quantitative involving Structural Equation Modelling with Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM). Findings indicate a generally positive shift toward MFS adoption among micro-entrepreneurs due to the pandemic, though the results lack strong statistical significance due to sample limitations. Notably, educated, middle-to-upper-income female entrepreneurs reported higher ease and intention to use MFS, challenging initial UTAUT hypotheses. As profitability and operational efficiency remain a primary concern for micro-entrepreneurs, MFS providers should market these benefits. Additionally, digital literacy and female-focused MFS initiatives could foster greater adoption.