Blockchain technology could change our financial sector forever. The digital distributed database is perceived as a focal point in the emerging FinTech sector and it is only at its beginning. The disruptive potential on the capital markets is undeniable since it already influenced our economy with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. But what kind of structural transformation can we expect? Which challenges come with such an innovation? And will it work with our existing financial infrastructure? Dominik Campanella unearths the truth. In his book he identifies potential application fields the uprising technology. Campanella evaluates their operational and strategic implications and analyses remaining challenges of the wide adoption of blockchain technology. In this book: - Bitcoin; - cryptocurrency; - financial sector; - innovation; - digitalization

This expert report helps you to gain deep technical and non-technical insights of blockchain technology with a focus on capital markets.Blockchain technology is perceived as a focal point in the emerging FinTech sector with the potential to disrupt financial markets. The objective of this report is to explore the impact of blockchain technology on capital markets. To do so, this report identifies potential application fields of the technology in capital markets, evaluates their operational and strategic implications and analyses remaining challenges of the wide adoption of blockchain technology. The following questions are getting answered:What are the possible fields of application of blockchain technology in capital markets?Which operational and strategic implications arise from the adoption of blockchain technology in these applications? Which challenges must be faced for the wide adoption of blockchain technology in capital markets? How will blockchain technology affect the key players in capital markets? The paper includes an in-depth literature review and interviews with 12 experts from the industry, academy and consulting companies.A special focus will be given to the following application fields identified as the most impactful:1. Equity Post-trade Processes2. Equity Financing3. Syndicated LoansFor each of the application fields the current status, the pain points and a blockchain-based solution is described. In addition, strategic and operational implications, as well as challenges for adoption, are explained.Furthermore, this report looks into new possible blockchain-based uses cases in the future and looks in detail into the challenges which have to be solved before a wide adoption can happen.Keywords: Blockchain, Blockchain Technology, Distributed Ledger Technology, Bitcoin, Financial Markets, Capital Markets, FinTech, R3CEV, R3, Hyperledger, ICO, Digital Asset, Synaps, CCPs, CSDs, Investment Banks, Equity Post-Trade Processes, Equity Financing, IPO, Syndicated Loans, Clearing & Settlement

Handbook of Blockchain, Digital Finance, and Inclusion, Volume 2: ChinaTech, Mobile Security, and Distributed Ledger emphasizes technological developments that introduce the future of finance. Descriptions of recent innovations lay the foundations for explorations of feasible solutions for banks and startups to grow. The combination of studies on blockchain technologies and applications, regional financial inclusion movements, advances in Chinese finance, and security issues delivers a grand perspective on both changing industries and lifestyles. Written for students and practitioners, it helps lead the way to future possibilities. - Explains the practical consequences of both technologies and economics to readers who want to learn about subjects related to their specialties - Encompasses alternative finance, financial inclusion, impact investing, decentralized consensus ledger and applied cryptography - Provides the only advanced methodical summary of these subjects available today

Due to the emergence of innovative technologies, various professional fields are transforming their traditional business practices. Specifically, the financial and legal markets are experiencing this digital transformation as professionals and researchers are finding ways to improve efficiency, personalization, and security in these economic sectors. Significant research is needed to keep pace with the continuous advancements that are taking place in finance. Fostering Innovation and Competitiveness with FinTech, RegTech, and SupTech provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of technologically innovative mechanisms and applications within the financial, economic, and legal markets. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as crowdfunding platforms, crypto-assets, and blockchain technology, this book is ideally designed for researchers, economists, practitioners, policymakers, analysts, managers, executives, educators, and students seeking current research on the strategic role of technology in the future development of financial and economic activity.

FinTech is a major force shaping the structure of the financial industry in sub-Saharan Africa. New technologies are being developed and implemented in sub-Saharan Africa with the potential to change the competitive landscape in the financial industry. While it raises concerns on the emergence of vulnerabilities, FinTech challenges traditional structures and creates efficiency gains by opening up the financial services value chain. Today, FinTech is emerging as a technological enabler in the region, improving financial inclusion and serving as a catalyst for the emergence of innovations in other sectors, such as agriculture and infrastructure.

This paper discusses the impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the financial sector. It highlights the benefits these technologies bring in terms of financial deepening and efficiency, while raising concerns about its potential in widening the digital divide between advanced and developing economies. The paper advances the discussion on the impact of this technology by distilling and categorizing the unique risks that it could pose to the integrity and stability of the financial system, policy challenges, and potential regulatory approaches. The evolving nature of this technology and its application in finance means that the full extent of its strengths and weaknesses is yet to be fully understood. Given the risk of unexpected pitfalls, countries will need to strengthen prudential oversight.

New technologies are driving transformational changes in the global financial system. Virtual currencies (VCs) and the underlying distributed ledger systems are among these. VCs offer many potential benefits, but also considerable risks. VCs could raise efficiency and in the long run strengthen financial inclusion. At the same time, VCs could be potential vehicles for money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and fraud. While risks to the conduct of monetary policy seem less likely to arise at this stage given the very small scale of VCs, risks to financial stability may eventually emerge as the new technologies become more widely used. National authorities have begun to address these challenges and will need to calibrate regulation in a manner that appropriately addresses the risks without stifling innovation. As experience is gained, international standards and best practices could be considered to provide guidance on the most appropriate regulatory responses in different fields, thereby promoting harmonization and cooperation across jurisdictions.