Innovation in Banking and Financial Intermediaries

This volume provides a thorough examination of the drivers of recent innovations in the financial sector. The book's distinctive feature lies in its unique integration of two subjects of particular relevance in the fields of finance and banking: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies and Fintech innovations. This integration provides a comprehensive perspective on their interdependent influence and implications for financial intermediaries and the financial sector. The book offers an analysis of the theoretical and empirical essentials behind these transformations, including empirical analyses of the bank-specific impact of ESG factors on ratings, loan quality and internal control systems. While facilitating broader research regarding sustainable finance and providing essential findings for those hoping to comprehend and implement the aforementioned strategies into practice, the volume showcases the increasing significance of environmental issues in financial decision-making. Finally, the book addresses the way financial technology innovations are causing disruption to so-called "traditional" credit markets and affecting banking stability in general. It offers a comparison of green and brown Fintech, examining their safety and sustainability dimensions, and discuss the trade-off between progress and the need for responsibility. This work serves to bridge a significant gap between theoretical and practical approaches, providing findings and implications for researchers and academics studying finance, technology and sustainability. Through multiple methodologies, the authors explore changes related to ESG and Fintech, facilitating deeper understanding of their operational implications and significance.