This book showcases research, theoretical, and validated work associated with digital finance to enhance the quality of a more sustainable environment. The primary objective of Fintech for ESG and the Circular Economy is to evaluate how fintech advancements and sustainable practices effectively drive transformative and sustainable change. It aims to motivate individuals with ideas and discussions to promote financial technology and foster creativity for a more sustainable and equitable future. The book delves into the intersection of technology and sustainability, offering insights into how big data, machine learning, and blockchain technology are transforming ESG practices and the circular economy. It highlights the potential of FinTech to drive sustainable finance, explores the current role of cyber ecosystems and digital currencies in sustainable finance, and examines the intricate legal landscape surrounding green finance in India. The book also discusses the influence of ESG factors on financial decision-making and the integration of sustainability metrics into financial analysis, supported by examples of how companies and investors are adopting these practices. Additionally, the book explores the role of financial institutions in enabling crowdfunding platforms, particularly in African markets, and provides case studies that demonstrate their impact on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. It also analyzes the legal implications of blockchain and smart contracts within FinTech, the convergence of digital business models with ESG principles, and the role of digital currencies in promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth, particularly in India. The book concludes with an exploration of tokenomics and its potential to incentivize sustainable behaviors, and examines how digital finance innovations in Tanzania are improving financial inclusion by overcoming barriers to financial services for the unbanked population. Audience This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, academicians, and students of commerce, banking, finance, sustainability, and financial technology. This book is helpful for business professionals, researchers, and technical industry workers in finance and artificial intelligence.

In the field of finance, the pervasive influence of algorithms has transformed the very fabric of the industry. Today, over 75% of trades are orchestrated by algorithms, making them the linchpin for trade automation, predictions, and decision-making. This algorithmic reliance, while propelling financial services into unprecedented efficiency, has also ushered in a host of challenges. As the financial sector becomes increasingly algorithm-driven, concerns about risk assessment, market manipulation, and the ethical implications of automated decision-making have taken center stage. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-Powered Smart Finance, meticulously examines the intersection of computational finance and advanced algorithms and the challenges associated with this technology. As algorithms permeate various facets of financial services, the book takes a deep dive into their applications, spanning forecasting, portfolio optimization, market trends analysis, and cryptoanalysis. It sheds light on the role of AI-based algorithms in personnel selection, implementing trusted financial services, developing recommendation systems for financial platforms, and detecting fraud, presenting a compelling case for the integration of innovative solutions in the financial sector. As the book unravels the intricate tapestry of algorithmic applications in finance, it also illuminates the ethical considerations and governance frameworks essential for navigating the delicate balance between technological innovation and responsible financial practices.

The concept of circular economy is based on strategies, practices, policies, and technologies to achieve principles related to reusing, recycling, redesigning, repurposing, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recovering water, waste materials, and nutrients to preserve natural resources. It provides the necessary conditions to encourage economic and social actors to adopt strategies toward sustainability. However, the increasing complexity of sustainability aspects means that traditional engineering and management/economics alone cannot face the new challenges and reach the appropriate solutions. Thus, this book highlights the role of engineering and management in building a sustainable society by developing a circular economy that establishes and protects strong social and cultural structures based on cross-disciplinary knowledge and diverse skills. It includes theoretical justification, research studies, and case studies to provide researchers, practitioners, professionals, and policymakers the appropriate context to work together in promoting sustainability and circular economy thinking. Volume 1, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Management and Policy, discusses the content of circular economy principles and how they can be realized in the fields of economy, management, and policy. It gives an outline of the current status and perception of circular economy at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels to provide a better understanding of its role in achieving sustainability. Volume 2, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Environmental Engineering, presents various technological and developmental tools that emphasize the implementation of these principles in practice (micro-level). It demonstrates the necessity to establish a fundamental connection between sustainable engineering and circular economy. - Presents a novel approach, linking circular economy concepts to environmental engineering and management to promote sustainability goals in modern societies - Approaches the topic on production and consumption at both the micro and macro levels, integrating principles with practice - Offers a range of theoretical and foundational knowledge in addition to case studies that demonstrate the potential impact of circular economy principles on both economic and societal progress

Circular economy can serve as a key building block for the sustainability targets of manufacturing companies. Although the term itself has long been established, we see that proper implementation of a circular economy model across entire manufacturing value chains is still lacking and remains a challenge for companies. However, there are clearly visible and good examples of circular economy standards which have already been applied, generating value among multiple layers. Circular Economy and Manufacturing presents these and more, providing a roadmap of optimized, flexible, efficient, effective, and competitive green production strategies for the manufacturing industry and its multiple stakeholders. The volume proves to be an excellent springboard for further discussion and research into new frameworks of best practices, in view of achieving more socially responsible and sustainable organizations in a not-so-distant future. - Helps readers to easily identify state-of-the-art advances in the circular economy as applied to the manufacturing industry - Adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, offering insights into both engineering and management components of the whole circular economy approach - Includes contributions from an internal group of experts - Presents methodologies and showcases their application through case studies

Every leaf that falls from a tree becomes part of a new circle. In non-human ecosystems, everything is re-used or re-purposed. The natural world is the perfect circular system. Why is the same not true for humankind? Most of the things we possess will ultimately not be used for a long period of time. The current take-make-waste approach is a given fact of our present economy that we have perfected since the industrial revolution. The editors Dr Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna and Nicolas Huras believe that we urgently need to change our ways of producing, consuming and living. It is time to seriously consider circular economy as an alternative model. This book brings together thinkers and innovators from academia as well as business who share their ideas. Does it deliver answers to all our challenges? Probably not, but it is a great place to start. The future must be circular and decentralized! This book was printed according to the Cradle to Cradle® principle. The dust jacket contains flower seeds and can be planted in the ground: watch the flowers grow!

This book compiles and explains technical terms in sustainable finance in an easy-to-navigate A-Z format. The interdisciplinary nature of sustainable finance means that those researching and working in the field often have to turn to a variety of different sources to look up various non-financial terms. Recognizing this issue, Ibrahim Sancak and Elisa Aracil have curated a comprehensive list of the key terms most commonly used in the field. Each entry maps out an important concept or idea and illustrates how it relates more broadly across this growing discipline, such as the changes and innovations required by the financial sector to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Overall, Essential Concepts of Sustainable Finance will enable readers to communicate more effectively about finance within the context of sustainability. With related terms and further reading included alongside the entries, this innovative and accessible volume will be of great interest to students, scholars, and practitioners alike.

The alternative financing space has grown exponentially in the last few decades, namely as a consequence of the financial crisis, technological advancement, niche customer segments, and more recently the pandemic. Now, with the inclusion of Fintech, online lenders, crowdfunding, accelerators, venture capitalists, or angel investors, this funding channel is no longer seen as a substitute for formal financing, but rather a core one. This book is a comprehensive guide to alternative financing methods, offering insights into emerging trends, the role of FinTech, and the intersection of finance with sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It fills a knowledge gap by exploring innovative financing channels such as fintech, green finance, and venture capital as well as other non-traditional ways of raising funds, which have become crucial for startups and businesses. It discusses the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on these methods and their function in supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable business, while also examining the implications of these technological advancements in the wider financial sector. It addresses challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and explores how alternative financing options can support growth and innovation, particularly in the context of environmentally and socially focused ventures, including how to integrate economic, social, and environmental considerations. The emphasis on sustainability and green finance aligns with the growing global concern for responsible business practices and the Sustainable Development Goals. While the primary audience for the book is scholars, researchers, and students, the inclusion of case studies, and the exploration of various financing options, extends practical cues for policymakers and practitioners and contributes to the understanding of how finance, entrepreneurship, and sustainability intersect in real-world business scenarios.