This volume examines how innovation and digital transformation impact the financial and accounting sectors. Featuring selected contributions from the third ‘Finance, Accounting and Law in the Digital Age conference 2024’ held at the University of Salamanca, Spain, the contributions of this book explore the development of digital finance and the complicated equation between financial stability, the security of investors and financial consumers, sustainable finance, and support for innovation. Climate change and the exponential growth of technology have built an explosion of financial innovation. The digital revolution has recently reached the financial sector, protected by a specific regulatory environment. The volume describes how all areas of finance are now invested by new players who are transforming the banking and financial landscape to create a novel digital ecosystem.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the different emerging concepts in the innovative area of sustainability and digital technology. More than 20 leading thinkers from the fields of digitalization, strategic management, sustainability and organizational development share clearly structured insights on the latest developments, advances and remaining challenges concerning the role of sustainability in an increasingly digital world. The authors not only introduce a profound and unique analysis on the state-of-the art of sustainability and digital transformation, but also provide business leaders with practical advice on how to apply the latest management thinking to their daily business decisions. Further, a number of significant case studies exemplify the issues discussed and serve as valuable blueprints for decision makers.

In 2011 the World Bank—with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—launched the Global Findex database, the world's most comprehensive data set on how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage risk. Drawing on survey data collected in collaboration with Gallup, Inc., the Global Findex database covers more than 140 economies around the world. The initial survey round was followed by a second one in 2014 and by a third in 2017. Compiled using nationally representative surveys of more than 150,000 adults age 15 and above in over 140 economies, The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fintech Revolution includes updated indicators on access to and use of formal and informal financial services. It has additional data on the use of financial technology (or fintech), including the use of mobile phones and the Internet to conduct financial transactions. The data reveal opportunities to expand access to financial services among people who do not have an account—the unbanked—as well as to promote greater use of digital financial services among those who do have an account. The Global Findex database has become a mainstay of global efforts to promote financial inclusion. In addition to being widely cited by scholars and development practitioners, Global Findex data are used to track progress toward the World Bank goal of Universal Financial Access by 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The database, the full text of the report, and the underlying country-level data for all figures—along with the questionnaire, the survey methodology, and other relevant materials—are available at www.worldbank.org/globalfindex.

As well as evaluating the role of regulation in regulating innovative technologies, this book: identifies ways in which technology can facilitate innovation in the post-COVID era; illustrates how key actors, such as central banks, can facilitate the transition process to a net-zero based carbon emissions phase; illustrates how innovative techniques and technology can interact with concepts such as green finance to facilitate a smooth transition to a net-zero carbon emissions economy; and highlights challenges which may be encountered during the transition process, and how to address such risks. The topics covered in this volume also include the role of sensor technologies, as well as those technologies which can facilitate a smooth gradual transition to a net-zero carbon emissions economy; digital payments in the post-COVID era (embracing wholesale and retail CBDCs, as well as other technological platforms); the role of central banks, technological innovation, and tech firms in addressing transition risks and enhancing sustainable growth; the feasibility of achieving a net zero based carbon emissions economy; as well as the role of renewable energy in the path towards a sustainable future.

Fintech can improve sustainability, influence policies, and require new regulations. Climate change, water pollution, and non-renewable resources management can all be addressed with fintech innovations. Despite the advantages offered by fintech, opponents warn of potential negative consequences. The application of fintech in sustainability is a double-edged sword requiring further investigation. This book provides an overview of fintech applications and considers their impact on the future of sustainable finance. It explores how financial technologies can enhance the sustainability of investment and corporate decisions and contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By considering practitioner and academic views, it examines whether and how fintech can improve sustainable practices, potential threats with possible solutions, and policies and regulations designed to improve sustainability benefits.

In the face of rapid digitalization and environmental challenges, the world stands at a critical juncture. The relentless pace of technological advancement has brought unparalleled convenience and efficiency but has also contributed to unsustainable consumption patterns, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Despite growing awareness, many industries need help integrating sustainable practices into their operations, hindered by a lack of understanding, resources, and clear guidelines. Moreover, the complexity of the circular economy and the ethical dimensions of digitalization pose significant challenges, requiring innovative solutions and comprehensive guidance. Navigating the Circular Age of a Sustainable Digital Revolution offers a timely and comprehensive solution to these pressing challenges. By exploring the intricate relationship between technology and sustainability, this book provides a roadmap for businesses, policymakers, and individuals to embrace sustainable practices in the digital era. Researchers and scholars gain profound insights from this book into the dynamics between digitalization and sustainable practices while policymakers find nuanced analyses to shape regulatory frameworks. Business leaders and professionals discover practical guidance for sustainable business models and digital transformation, and technology practitioners align their fields with sustainable advancements. Ultimately, the book empowers individuals and organizations to shape a future where technology and sustainability coexist, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous world.

This book aims to fill the literature gap on digital instruments and FinTech in enhancing green finance. ​Technological innovation can increase transparency, accountability, and speed, decentralize the financial system, improve risk management, increase competition, lower costs, improve efficiency, increase cross-sectoral collaboration and integration, and scale up green finance. Artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technologies (DLT) or blockchain, peer-to-peer lending platforms, big data, Internet-based and mobile-based payment platforms, Internet of Things (IoT), matchmaking platforms including crowdlending, tokenizing green assets are potential means to scale up the green finance for achieving the SDGs. The COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturns, and the uncertainties shrank the new investments in renewable energy projects globally. Low investment in renewable energy projects could threaten the expansion of green energy needed to provide energy security and meet SDG7 and SDG13. Investments in renewable energy projects are scarce because of several risks and a low rate of return. Although several new green financing solutions such as green bonds, green banks, green credit guarantee, carbon taxation, carbon trade, village funds, and community trust funds have been established in different countries, these are insufficient, and alternative ways to finance projects are required. The book provides several high-quality studies on utilizing digitalization, FinTech, financial innovations, and other new technologies to fill the finance gap of green projects to meet the SDG goals. The chapters are written by scholars in diverse countries and regions and include practical policy recommendations.