This book showcases research, theoretical, and validated work associated with digital finance to enhance the quality of a more sustainable environment. The primary objective of Fintech for ESG and the Circular Economy is to evaluate how fintech advancements and sustainable practices effectively drive transformative and sustainable change. It aims to motivate individuals with ideas and discussions to promote financial technology and foster creativity for a more sustainable and equitable future. The book delves into the intersection of technology and sustainability, offering insights into how big data, machine learning, and blockchain technology are transforming ESG practices and the circular economy. It highlights the potential of FinTech to drive sustainable finance, explores the current role of cyber ecosystems and digital currencies in sustainable finance, and examines the intricate legal landscape surrounding green finance in India. The book also discusses the influence of ESG factors on financial decision-making and the integration of sustainability metrics into financial analysis, supported by examples of how companies and investors are adopting these practices. Additionally, the book explores the role of financial institutions in enabling crowdfunding platforms, particularly in African markets, and provides case studies that demonstrate their impact on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. It also analyzes the legal implications of blockchain and smart contracts within FinTech, the convergence of digital business models with ESG principles, and the role of digital currencies in promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth, particularly in India. The book concludes with an exploration of tokenomics and its potential to incentivize sustainable behaviors, and examines how digital finance innovations in Tanzania are improving financial inclusion by overcoming barriers to financial services for the unbanked population. Audience This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, academicians, and students of commerce, banking, finance, sustainability, and financial technology. This book is helpful for business professionals, researchers, and technical industry workers in finance and artificial intelligence.

In the field of finance, the pervasive influence of algorithms has transformed the very fabric of the industry. Today, over 75% of trades are orchestrated by algorithms, making them the linchpin for trade automation, predictions, and decision-making. This algorithmic reliance, while propelling financial services into unprecedented efficiency, has also ushered in a host of challenges. As the financial sector becomes increasingly algorithm-driven, concerns about risk assessment, market manipulation, and the ethical implications of automated decision-making have taken center stage. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-Powered Smart Finance, meticulously examines the intersection of computational finance and advanced algorithms and the challenges associated with this technology. As algorithms permeate various facets of financial services, the book takes a deep dive into their applications, spanning forecasting, portfolio optimization, market trends analysis, and cryptoanalysis. It sheds light on the role of AI-based algorithms in personnel selection, implementing trusted financial services, developing recommendation systems for financial platforms, and detecting fraud, presenting a compelling case for the integration of innovative solutions in the financial sector. As the book unravels the intricate tapestry of algorithmic applications in finance, it also illuminates the ethical considerations and governance frameworks essential for navigating the delicate balance between technological innovation and responsible financial practices.

A holistic view of ESG goes beyond environmental issues, which are closely linked to social issues. Both come from the governance of an organization: the integrity with which decisions are made and implemented, ultimately defining corporate culture. ESG affects the daily lives of everyone in today’s connected world where organizations, companies, and individuals depend on each other at various levels. Lack of sustainability for any entity threatens its future existence, disrupting the entire ecosystem. The use of data to measure ESG outcomes is a young science that is increasingly critical to upholding our very lifestyle. Data clearly presents impact across the entire ESG spectrum, providing the necessary specificity for informed decision making, and ensuring the transparency and accountability, which uphold sustainability.

This book is the first of its kind to provide a critical overview and theoretical analysis of the Circular Economy from Shariah and Islamic Finance perspectives. The book is divided into three parts. The contributing authors pay close attention to Islamic Finance in light of sustainability and value creation. It also includes case studies on the Circular Economy application in Islamic Finance industry. The book is of interest to academics, students, and practitioners on Islamic Economics and Finance who have an interest in understanding the Circular Economy under the lens of Islamic Finance principles and applications.

The concept of circular economy is based on strategies, practices, policies, and technologies to achieve principles related to reusing, recycling, redesigning, repurposing, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recovering water, waste materials, and nutrients to preserve natural resources. It provides the necessary conditions to encourage economic and social actors to adopt strategies toward sustainability. However, the increasing complexity of sustainability aspects means that traditional engineering and management/economics alone cannot face the new challenges and reach the appropriate solutions. Thus, this book highlights the role of engineering and management in building a sustainable society by developing a circular economy that establishes and protects strong social and cultural structures based on cross-disciplinary knowledge and diverse skills. It includes theoretical justification, research studies, and case studies to provide researchers, practitioners, professionals, and policymakers the appropriate context to work together in promoting sustainability and circular economy thinking. Volume 1, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Management and Policy, discusses the content of circular economy principles and how they can be realized in the fields of economy, management, and policy. It gives an outline of the current status and perception of circular economy at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels to provide a better understanding of its role in achieving sustainability. Volume 2, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Environmental Engineering, presents various technological and developmental tools that emphasize the implementation of these principles in practice (micro-level). It demonstrates the necessity to establish a fundamental connection between sustainable engineering and circular economy. - Presents a novel approach, linking circular economy concepts to environmental engineering and management to promote sustainability goals in modern societies - Approaches the topic on production and consumption at both the micro and macro levels, integrating principles with practice - Offers a range of theoretical and foundational knowledge in addition to case studies that demonstrate the potential impact of circular economy principles on both economic and societal progress

The financial sector is witnessing rapid technological innovations, leading to the emergence of Fintech (financial technologies), revolutionizing national and international financial landscapes. Fintech is expanding and enhancing financial products and services, making them more accessible and affordable while transforming customer relationships, payment methods, financing, and transfers. Advances in Emerging Financial Technology and Digital Money provides a platform for collective reflection, bringing together institutions, policymakers, digital and financial service providers, professionals, and academics from various disciplines. The aim is to clarify the challenges, opportunities, and socio-economic impacts of innovations in finance and technology on citizens and businesses in Morocco, Africa, and worldwide. This comprehensive collection offers valuable insights into the current state and prospects of financial technology and digital money. This book covers all the essential topics, including: AI and Machine Learning in Fintech and Beyond Financial Inclusion, Literacy, and Behavior Fintech Ecosystems, Collaboration, and Analysis Blockchain, Security, and Sustainability Fintech Innovations and Applications In this new book, the authors share their experiences to provide a comprehensive and well‐researched overview of the technologies and concepts that will transform the banking industry as we know it. It aspires to be a useful reference for executive managers, CIOs, Fintech professionals, and researchers interested in exploring and implementing an efficient Fintech strategy. The book also presents selected papers from International Fintech Congress (IFC 2022).

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.

The recent unprecedented economic downturn and global supply chain disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the urgency for sustainable financing infrastructure that is agile, adaptable, and transformable. Sustainability and the 4th Industrial Revolution are about more than just technology-driven change; it is an opportunity to help everyone, including leaders, policymakers and people from all income groups and nations, to navigate industry disruptions and transitioning to a new normal by harnessing converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centered future. The edited volume provides critical discussions on reframing the Islamic finance approach to sustainability and socio-economic development in the post-pandemic era. It highlights how selected Islamic finance tools alongside FinTech can not only ensure financial sustainability but also promote socio-economic policies that will aid the much-desired value and impact creation in the economy. The book focuses its analysis on the following three areas: reframing Islamic finance sustainability and socio-economic development; innovative Islamic financial tools for sustainable and socio-economic impact; and the role of FinTech in the road to sustainability. The edited volume will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and students of Islamic finance, sustainability, and financial technology.

Sustainable Banking introduces business leaders and students to the many ways in which financial institutions can manage their environmental and social impact and meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. Olaf Weber and Blair Feltmate go beyond the business case for sustainability: how managing environmental, social, and governance risk can contribute to a bank’s bottom line – to make the sustainability case for banking: how banks and other financial institutions can make a positive impact on society. In their book, Weber and Feltmate discuss the key aspects involved in making a financial institution sustainable: how to manage the direct and indirect impacts of banking activities on the community and the environment, how to minimize and mitigate the environmental footprint of internal operations, and how to account for various types of environmental and social risk in lending and project finance. They also introduce sustainable banking products and strategies being adopted by industry leaders, such as responsible investing, social finance, and impact lending.