Using evidence from the microfinance sector, which is considered a leading sector of social entrepreneurship, this book attempts to push the boundaries of research in this field. While recent studies consider that commercial enterprises, not-for-profits and social enterprises are formed by entrepreneurs with different personal identities, they do not explain why these personalities may change before they convert their social enterprises, and change further at the stage of transitioning int...

In today’s global society, microfinance affords lower income individuals the opportunity to improve their economic situation through a democratic, market-based process. Advanced Technologies for Microfinance: Solutions and Challenges is the first book to systematically address technology’s impact on microfinance. It discusses a wide variety of technology applications that will define the next generation of the microfinance movement and it addresses the tough questions surrounding technolog...

A school of thought hails microcredit as a social innovation, a messiah to enable people to help themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship. An opposing school of thought considers microcredit as a capitalist demon ensnaring the poor in poverty and debt. The layman and the million professionals working in this industry are at a loss to make sense of the stories that circulate about microcredit. This book provides this sense-making, useful for students, professionals, investors and ...

Your business reputation can take years to build—and mere minutes to destroyThe range of business threats is evolving rapidly but your organization can thrive and gain a competitive advantage with your business vision for enterprise risk management. Trends affecting markets—events in the global financial markets, changing technologies, environmental priorities, dependency on intellectual property—all underline how important it is to keep up to speed on the latest f...

Legal risk covers all areas of business where regulation and the law impact on operations and decisions. From risks arising from contract drafting and management, through to regulators' new focus on conduct, as well as compliance, regulatory and dispute risks, the effective management of legal risk is key for organizations that want to maximise value while minimizing cost and exposure to legal losses. The Legal Risk Management Handbook is a practical guide to maki...

While energy efficiency projects could partly meet new energy demand more cheaply than new supplies, weak economic institutions in developing and transitional economies impede developing and financing energy efficiency retrofits. This book analyzes these difficulties, suggests a 3-part model for projectizing and financing energy efficiency retrofits, and presents thirteen case studies to illustrate the issues and principles involved.

A new wave of technological innovations, often called “fintech,” is accelerating change in the financial sector. What impact might fintech have on financial services, and how should regulation respond? This paper sets out an economic framework for thinking through the channels by which fintech might provide solutions that respond to consumer needs for trust, security, privacy, and better services, change the competitive landscape, and affect regulation. It combines a broad discussion of tr...

This book is your ultimate Benchmarking resource. Here you will find the most up-to-date information, facts, quotes and much more.In easy to read chapters, with extensive references and links to get you to know all there is to know about Benchmarking's whole picture right away. Get countless Benchmarking facts right at your fingertips with this essential resource.The Benchmarking Handbook is the single and largest Benchmarking reference book. This compendium of information ...

In this comprehensive, accessible work, Ross P. Buckley, Douglas W. Arner, and Dirk A. Zetzsche offer an ideal reference for anyone seeking to understand the technological transformation of finance and the role of regulation: the world of FinTech. They consider FinTech technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, BigData, cloud computing, cryptocurrencies, central bank digital currencies, and distributed ledger technology, and provide a unique perspective on FinTech as an in...

We are only in the early stages of a broader revolution that will impact every aspect of the global economy, including commerce and government services. Coming financial technology innovations could improve the quality of life for all people.Over the past few decades, digital technology has transformed finance. Financial technology (fintech) has enabled more people with fewer resources, in more places around the world, to take advantage of banking, insurance, credi...

Launching Your South African Success Story: A Guidebook for Entrepreneurs, Existing Business Owners and Foreign CompaniesEmpower yourself with this guidebook to adeptly navigate the dynamic and intricate South African business landscape. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a current business owner aiming to transition your business, or a foreign firm looking to establish a local footprint, this resource unveils the intricacies, challenges, and prospe...

Managing compliance, operational, digital, AI and sustainability risks has become increasingly critical for businesses in the financial services industry. Furthermore, expectations by regulators are ever more demanding, while monetary sanctions are being scaled up. Accordingly, non-financial risk (NFR) management requires sophistication in various aspects of a risk management system. This handbook analyses a major success factor necessary for meeting the requirements of modern risk managem...