RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, Royal Geographical Society, London, 1-4 September 2020
Unpacking Geographies of FinTech
Sponsored by: Economic Geography Research Group
Session convenors:
Karen Lai (Durham University) karen.lai@durham.ac.uk
Reijer Hendrikse (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) reijer.hendrikse@vub.be
FinTech, short for ‘financial technology’, operates at the intersections of the financial and technology sectors where big technology firms and start-ups are creating new platforms, products, and services beyond those currently provided by the traditional finance industry. Topics and applications cover a wide range – from blockchains, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence to robo-advising, mobile platforms and big data analytics. Instead of being threatened by the ‘disruptive’ potential of FinTech as such, many large banks and financial institutions are becoming more aggressive in the adoption and development of FinTech through the acquisition of technological capabilities, partnerships with technology firms, and setting up specialist FinTech platforms. Meanwhile, regulatory attention has shifted towards the (unregulated) technology giants (BigTech) and their endeavors into the realm of financial services and even monetary policy, such as Facebook leading a consortium to develop a global cryptocurrency (Libra). There are also potential geopolitical implications in these developments, as American BigTechs and financial regulators are increasingly challenged by major Chinese players, amidst broader trade tensions relating to technology and security issues. This raises the increasingly significant role of FinTech in surveillance capitalism and concerns over the rights of data ownership and utilisation.
We are particularly interested in papers that examine how FinTech is reshaping existing relationships, practices and structures for firms, consumers, financial centres, and state actors. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Changing relationships between financial institutions and technology firms in the development of FinTech
- The rise of BigTech in financial services, and their geopolitical implications
- Strategic Fin-Tech-State interactions and reconfigurations
- Potential impacts of Open Banking (UK) and PSD2/Second Payment Services Directive (Europe) on financial services
- Impacts of FinTech on financial centre development and financial centre networks
- Digital financialization and new modes of accumulation
- Impacts of FinTech on financial consumption and practices
We welcome submissions from scholars at all career stages. Please send proposed title, abstract (maximum 250 words), affiliation and contact details to Karen Lai (karen.lai@durham.ac.uk) or Reijer Hendrikse (Reijer.Hendrikse@vub.be) by 7th February 2020.
Karen P.Y. Lai 