This textbook offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the digital transformation reshaping the financial sector. Bridging academic insight and industry practice, the book examines how financial technologies are redefining banking, payment systems, investment management, and insurance, while discussing innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and open banking.

Structured to support graduate-level teaching and professional development, the book integrates theoretical foundations with real-world case studies from banks, neobanks, and fintech startups. It addresses organizational change, regulatory challenges in AI and cybersecurity, and emerging financing models for fintech ventures, including venture capital and crowdfunding. The book also explores digital marketing, brand management, and financial communication in the context of fintech hype and reputational strategy.

With contributions from leading scholars and practitioners, this textbook equips students, instructors, and professionals with the tools to understand and navigate the evolving fintech ecosystem. It is particularly suited for courses in finance, innovation, and digital transformation, and serves as a core text for postgraduate programs in banking and financial technology.

Cristina De Silva is a postdoctoral researcher in Corporate Finance at LIUC University, Italy and co-coordinator of the Master’s in Fintech and Digital Payments. Her research explores fintech, venture capital, and entrepreneurial finance. She teaches financial innovation, venture capital, and corporate finance and has published in international journals such as Research in International Business and Finance.

Chiara Conte is a contract lecturer and co-coordinator of the Master’s in Fintech and Digital Payments at LIUC University, Italy. Her teaching and research focus on fintech innovation and venture capital, informed by experience at TIM Ventures and AIFI.

Anna Gervasoni is Rector and Full Professor of Business Economics at LIUC University, Italy. A leading expert in alternative finance, she is Director General of AIFI and author of more than 50 publications. Her research focuses on private capital and entrepreneurial finance.

Aurelio Ravarini is Full Professor of Organization and Information Systems at LIUC University, Italy and Director of the Digital Transition Hub. His research spans digital transformation and information systems with more than 200 publications and international appointments at institutions including Cornell University.