Includes Bibliographical References and Index.

Cover
Contents
List of figures and tables
About the author
Foreword by Dr Karen Elliott
Preface
Acknowledgements
Walkthrough of features and online resources
01 Networks, APIs and fintech banking platforms: How technology is decentralizing finance
Learning objectives
Introduction
Harnessing relationships
Open Banking
Feature: Application programming interfaces (APIs)
API-based business models in financial services
The economics of platform banking
Bank-fintech collaboration
Case study: Starling Bank
Networked financial services Case study: Harnessing mobile networks for financial inclusion
Chapter summary
Key takeaways
Suggested answers to discussion points
References
02 Disruption and disintermediation: How financial innovation and cloud computing gave birth to the fintech revolution
Learning objectives
Introduction
Financial disintermediation
Fintech and the financial crisis of 2007-09
Regulation as a driver of fintech?
Virtualizing IT infrastructure
Feature: Cloud computing explained
Banking as infrastructure
Banking as a Service (BaaS) Disruptive innovation in financial services
Case study: TransferWise
Convenience as a business model
Case study: Wealth Wizards
Chapter summary
Key takeaways
Suggested answers to discussion points
References
03 Behavioural economics and experience design: How to optimize user engagement
Learning objectives
Introduction
User experience as a competitive advantage
The drivers of technology adoption
Feature: UI and UX design
The principles of user interface design
How users make decisions
Communities, social norms and culture Engaging customers in the branch
Case study: Lloyds Bank
The ethics of nudging
Case study: Applied nudging
Chapter summary
Key takeaways
Suggested answers to discussion points
References
04 Artificial intelligence and automation in fintech: AI and machine learning in practice
Learning objectives
Introduction
A definition of artificial intelligence
A brief history of artificial intelligence
Big Data vs artificial intelligence
Machine learning vs artificial intelligence
Feature: Machine learning explained
Decision trees and random forests Bayesian classifiers
Case study: Bayesian classifiers and car insurance
Nearest neighbours
Genetic algorithms and genetic programming
Neural networks and deep learning
Practical and ethical issues regarding AI
Case study: Zopa
Chapter summary
Key takeaways
Suggested answers to discussion points
References
05 Bitcoin, blockchain and cryptocurrencies: The applications of distributed ledger technology in finance
Learning objectives
Introduction
The genesis of Bitcoin
A decentralized currency system
Bitcoin transactions in practice

"With the continued success of fintech (financial technology) businesses around the world, financial services are becoming increasingly de-centralized, personalized, and automated. This new textbook strikes a balance between academic depth and commercial relevance in examining the advantages and challenges of these changes through the lens of various analytical frameworks. Financial Technology demystifies key technologies, such as blockchains, APIs, AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, in a clear and accessible style suitable for readers with no technological background. Real-world case studies from a variety of international organizations including Lloyds Bank, TransferWise, Generali, Starling and Stocktwits, bridge the gap between theory and practice and contextualize learning in terms of real businesses, from large incumbents to smaller start-ups. With coverage of robo-advisors, mobile-only banks, open banking and risk and regulation, this book also explores a range of analytical frameworks to critically examine new technologies and emerging business models. Financial Technology enables readers to understand the fintech movement in the context of recent financial history, examine the key drivers of change and form insights about the financial system in a forward-looking and global manner. Online resources include PowerPoint slides for lecturers and additional case studies."