Fintech and Financial Stability Potential Influence of FinTech on Financial Stability, Risks and Benefits

Milena Vučinić

Journal of Central Banking Theory and Practice · 2020 · 148 citations · 5 references

DOIFull text

Open access

Concepts

TL;DR

Since the last global financial crisis, stricter supervisory mechanisms have improved bank resilience, yet the rise of FinTech—especially fast peer‑to‑peer lending and mobile‑based services—has altered consumer expectations and increased pressure on regulators. The study examines how FinTech developments influence financial stability, market structure, and the associated benefits and risks. The paper analyzes FinTech's influence on market structure and its benefits and risks to financial stability. The authors emphasize that international regulator cooperation is essential to preserve financial stability amid technological changes, noting that while FinTech expands financial services, it also introduces micro‑ and macro‑financial risks.

Abstract

Abstract Since the last global financial crisis supervisory mechanisms and regulations have become more stringent which have significantly improved resilience of banks therefore positively affecting financial stability. Apart from traditional financial institutions which have been supervised according to strict regulations and standards technological development in financial services commonly called FinTech have introduced new trends providing fast peer to peer lending which directly matches lenders and borrowers thus putting more pressure to policymakers and supervisors. This paper presents potential implications of FinTech developments to financial stability, while explaining FinTech influence to market structure as well as benefits and risks of technologically driven financial innovations to financial stability. The paper stresses out an importance of international cooperation of regulators in order to preserve financial stability in the recent world of technological changes and innovations. FinTech has changed consumers’ expectations and preferences while increasing the number of users expecting fast and easily accessible services available on mobile phones and other electronic devices. The paper shows that new technology provides the space for expanding financial services but it also poses additional risks to financial system in terms of microfinancial and macrofinancial risks.

References

5