Fintech Explained: How Technology Is Transforming Financial Services

Fintech Explained: How Technology Is Transforming Financial Services

Fintech Explained provides a rigorous, accessible introduction to the landscape of fintech. Michael R. King explains the customer focus, innovation strategy, business model, and valuation of leading fintechs in cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi), crowdfunding and online lending, robo-advice and digital wealth management, payments and insurtech, digital banking, and bigtech. The book profiles the successes and failures of over thirty high-profile fintechs, combining insights from founders, early-stage investors, financial incumbents, and other stakeholders in this dynamic ecosystem. Combining clear descriptions and case studies with the latest findings from academic research, Fintech Explained provides a complete course for educating undergraduate and graduate students, executives, and interested professionals. "This is the most comprehensive book on fintech that I have ever read! Whether you are a neophyte or a seasoned veteran, the book has something for you. With practical examples of known fintechs and extrapolating lessons, this is truly an educational and entertaining journey." ―Peter Misek, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Framework Venture Partners " Fintech Explained is a thrilling exploration of how fintech is revolutionizing the financial services industry, with a unique focus on entrepreneurship and disruption. Any student or professional looking for a comprehensive grounding in fintech business strategy and applications should start here." ―Darrell Duffie, Adams Distinguished Professor of Management and Professor of Finance, Stanford Graduate School of Business "Michael King succeeds in making the complex topic of fintech accessible and highly relevant for the next generation of financial professionals. This book is a must-have asset regardless of your viewpoint, be it investor, entrepreneur, or future leader. As the president of one of Canada’s largest and most successful bigtech fintechs, I can personally attest to the power of King’s insights." ―Dubie Cunningham, President, Banking Group, Zafin " Fintech Explained brilliantly deciphers the complex fintech landscape, making it accessible to everyone. King’s astute observations and innovative thinking make this book a beacon for anyone looking to understand and leverage the disruptive power of fintech. It’s an unparalleled guide in an era of rapid change, and essential reading for anyone interested in the future of finance." ―Craig Asano, Founder and CEO, National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada "Fintech companies are transforming the financial industry by offering a diverse range of financial services and products, including payment solutions, financial advice, loans, and digital currencies, using cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. Fintech Explained serves as an invaluable resource to understand this evolution, presenting a clear, pedagogical, and systematic account of this process, drawing upon the latest academic research. I highly recommend this textbook to instructors seeking to develop a course on Fintech 3.0, students eager to enhance their knowledge of the fintech industry, and professionals aiming to stay abreast of the fintech revolution." ―Will Cong, Rudd Family Professor of Management and Professor of Finance, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University "Few people know fintech as well as Michael King. Fintech Explained provides a comprehensive overview, complete with many colourful examples, of the fintech trends that are driving disruptive change today." ―Andrew Graham, Co-founder and CEO, Borrowell "The most impressive feature of Michael King’s Fintech Explained is its breadth of scope. While so many others focus –often exclusively – on digital assets, blockchain technology, dominant players in the cryptocurrency realm, and DeFi, this book goes well beyond. Fintech, we learn, is just as much about robo-advising, online lending and crowdfunding platforms, insurtech, and bigtech financial services. Michael’s analytical strengths shine through as he deconstructs the business models and economic foundations underlying the value propositions in fintech world. And all of it is done in an accessible, everyday language that ensures it is worthy for all eager to build up their fintech bona fides." ―Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean and Professor of Finance, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University " Fintech Explained provides an incisive peek into the technological forces and dynamic innovators currently reshaping every corner of the financial system. From brokerage to bitcoin, the text provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand view of the problems fintech innovators (whether incumbent or entrepreneur) are seeking to fix and the hurdles they must overcome to achieve those goals." ―R. Jesse McWaters, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Regulatory Advocacy, Mastercard "Michael King is a leading academic expe