This book aims to fill the literature gap on digital instruments and
FinTech in enhancing green finance. Technological innovation can
increase transparency, accountability, and speed, decentralize the
financial system, improve risk management, increase competition, lower
costs, improve efficiency, increase cross-sectoral collaboration and
integration, and scale up green finance. Artificial intelligence (AI),
distributed ledger technologies (DLT) or blockchain, peer-to-peer
lending platforms, big data, Internet-based and mobile-based payment
platforms, Internet of Things (IoT), matchmaking platforms including
crowdlending, tokenizing green assets are potential means to scale up
the green finance for achieving the SDGs.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturns, and the uncertainties
shrank the new investments in renewable energy projects globally. Low
investment in renewable energy projects could threaten the expansion of
green energy needed to provide energy security and meet SDG7 and SDG13.
Investments in renewable energy projects are scarce because of several
risks and a low rate of return. Although several new green financing
solutions such as green bonds, green banks, green credit guarantee,
carbon taxation, carbon trade, village funds, and community trust funds
have been established in different countries, these are insufficient,
and alternative ways to finance projects are required. The book provides
several high-quality studies on utilizing digitalization, FinTech,
financial innovations, and other new technologies to fill the finance
gap of green projects to meet the SDG goals. The chapters are written by
scholars in diverse countries and regions and include practical policy
recommendations.
