The regulation of fintech and cryptocurrencies

This chapter provides an insight into the potential usage of fintech in the banking landscape and issues faced by bankers and regulators in regulating the usage of fintech and cryptocurrency, and what the potential areas are where the technology can be misused. It considers how the regulation of technology usage in the financial services landscape is important to avoiding financial crime. The chapter also provides case studies from countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, who are taking a lead in regulating fintech and digital currency usage. It examines an example from Malaysia to demonstrate how a central bank is taking the lead by issuing a fintech regulatory sandbox. Fintech powered by blockchain technology has huge importance for the financial services industry and can come in handy to solve problems such as delays, cost, duplication and reconciliation. Fintech describes financial services using innovative or disruptive technology to enhance customer’s experience.