Fintech and AI for Business Development

Dear Colleagues,

Fintech, short for financial technology, has become an increasingly important player in the global economy. Fintech companies leverage technological advancements to offer innovative financial services, ranging from mobile banking and peer-to-peer lending to cryptocurrency and blockchain-based solutions.

By harnessing digital technologies, fintech firms have extended financial services to previously excluded populations. This has enabled individuals to access credit, insurance, and savings products that were previously unavailable to them. By providing alternative sources of financing—such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding—fintech has empowered small businesses to access capital beyond traditional banking channels. This has led to increased investment, innovation, and job creation, all of which are essential for economic growth. Moreover, fintech has improved the efficiency and transparency of financial markets, reducing costs and enhancing accessibility for investors. Consequently, new financial instruments, such as cryptocurrencies and digital securities, have emerged, offering greater flexibility and transparency than conventional financial products.

Alongside fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the financial and business landscape. AI-driven tools—such as algorithmic trading, robo-advisory platforms, and credit scoring models—are reshaping how financial decisions are made, risks are assessed, and services are delivered. From fraud detection and customer engagement to predictive analytics and automated compliance, AI enhances operational efficiency and strategic agility across financial institutions and businesses. Importantly, AI also plays a growing role in public policy design, institutional benchmarking, and innovation-led development, raising critical questions about data governance, algorithmic fairness, and ethical deployment.

In conclusion, fintech and AI together are redefining the contours of financial inclusion, economic development, and institutional performance. As the world continues to embrace intelligent digital technologies, these innovations are poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of finance, business, and development.

This Special Issue welcomes scholarly contributions in the fields of fintech and AI. Papers that examine the causes and consequences of these technologies across firms, households, individuals, financial markets, and instruments are encouraged. Analyses may be conducted at any level—individual, household, firm, regional, or national. We particularly welcome studies on information technology investment, technological spillovers, financial innovation, blockchain applications in financial services, algorithmic trading, high-frequency trading, innovation-led growth, economics of technology, and risk.

Topics of interest include the following:

Fintech and Financial Innovation

• Fintech
• Cryptocurrency
• Mobile money
• E-payment
• Peer-to-peer lending
• Financial inclusion
• Financial development
• Financial markets
• Financial instruments

AI and Intelligent Systems

• Artificial intelligence
• Algorithmic trading
• High-frequency trading
• Technology and risk
• Technological spillover
• Information technology investment

Business and Development

• Innovation-led growth
• Economic growth and development
• Business model innovation
• Institutional reform
• Digital transformation

Dr. Chandan Kumar Jha
Dr. Chandan Sharma
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• fintech
• cryptocurrency
• e-payment
• financial inclusion
• financial development
• financial markets
• financial instruments
• artificial intelligence and business risk
• high-frequency trading
• technology and risk
• technological spillover
• information technology investment
• financial innovation-led growth
• digital transformation