FinTech Revolution

Universal Inclusion in the New Financial Ecosystem

By: Sofie Blakstad, Robert Allen

Narrated by: Julie Maisey

This book is a practical guide to the evolving landscape of finance, highlighting how it's changing our relationship with money and how financial technology, together with macroeconomic and societal change, is rewriting the story of how business is done in developing economies. Financial services companies are trying to become more customer focused, but struggling to help huge customer segments, particularly in developing economies. Alternative financial models and tools are emerging, which are being embraced by consumers and incumbents. In large parts of the developing world, alternative services are leapfrogging traditional finance, meaning more and more people have access to finance without ever needing a bank.

Meanwhile, the barriers around financial services companies are crumbling, as they become more reliant on integration with new providers and alternative types of service. Financial products can no longer be viewed in isolation, but as part of a service landscape that supports how people do life. This means rethinking how our businesses are designed, motivated and organised and letting go of the old ways of thinking about supply and demand. With practical steps businesses and, in particular, financial services organisations need to take to participate in a global service ecosystem, this book will be of interest to financial professionals who work in banking, financial technology and development finance.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Sofie Blakstad and Robert Allen (P)2020 Audible, Ltd

Mixed thoughts about this book

If you're already into Fintech, and heavily into blockchain, you'll probably enjoy this book. If you're trying to understand Fintech, it's probably not for you. The author touches on a lot of concepts at a high level, but doesn't bother to explain some of the more critical elements. The book seems a little chaotic in its organization, but that may just be the nature of the subject. There are plenty of self-plugs for Hiveonline, their organization. And they're very optimistic about countries adopting blockchain technology for currency transactions.

At the end of the day, it's an optimistic forecast of the future which may need some revising considering the current COVID crisis, the closing of borders, and the cynical, self-exploiting nature of humanity. I hope that Blakstad & Allen are right, but the pragmatic side of me is more inclined to believe there will be more muddling through then they anticipate, and the future won't be as bright and shiny as they predict.