Underdogs in the Fintech Fight
April 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Ever wondered how David (small lenders) stands a chance against Goliath (big-tech) in the financial battlefield? The London School of Economics dives deep into this modern-day saga, exploring how fintech's rise has reshaped the arena where dollars and cents clash. With over a trillion dollars on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher for small and medium-sized bankers and non-bank financial intermediaries. This article isn't just about numbers; it's a thrilling peek into survival, strategy, and the unexpected resilience in the face of tech titans. Dive in to uncover if the underdogs stand a chance or if they're destined to be overshadowed.
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Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Navigating the Financial Future
In a world where technology is king, the way we handle money, from saving to borrowing, is changing rapidly. Imagine a future where getting a loan for your dream project could be as easy as a few clicks on your smartphone, thanks to big-tech companies. This isn't just a dream; it's becoming a reality, and it's shaking up the traditional banking world. Small lenders, like your local bank, are facing a Goliath in the form of big-tech competition. But here's the twist: they're finding clever ways to survive and thrive. This battle isn't just about loans and interest rates; it's about how innovation can drive financial inclusion, making it easier for everyone, even those who've been overlooked by traditional banks, to access financial services. This matters to you because, in this rapidly evolving landscape, understanding how money works in the digital age can empower you to make smarter financial decisions in the future.
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Financial inclusion
Making financial services accessible at affordable costs to all individuals and businesses, regardless of their net worth or company size.

Big-tech credit
Loans provided by large technology companies, often through digital platforms, without the need for traditional banking infrastructure.

Non-bank financial intermediaries (NBFIs)
Institutions that offer bank-like services but do not have a full banking license, meaning they cannot accept deposits from the general public.

Collateral
An asset that a borrower offers to a lender as security for a loan. If the borrower fails to pay back the loan, the lender can take the collateral.

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
A financial term used by lenders to express the ratio of a loan to the value of an asset purchased. It's a measure of risk.

Asymmetric information
A situation where one party in a transaction has more or superior information compared to another. This often leads to an imbalance in power during transactions.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of AI in enhancing financial inclusion
Investigate how artificial intelligence can be leveraged by small lenders to compete with big-tech companies, focusing on personalized lending services.

Impact of big-tech on traditional banking employment
Explore how the rise of big-tech lending platforms affects employment in traditional banking sectors, with a focus on job roles evolving or becoming obsolete.

Digital divide and financial services
Examine how the digital divide, the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, impacts financial inclusion and what can be done to bridge this gap.

Psychological effects of easy access to loans
Study the psychological impacts on individuals of having easy access to loans through big-tech platforms, including aspects of financial management and debt perception.

Green financing through big-tech platforms
Investigate the potential of big-tech platforms to fund environmentally sustainable projects, analyzing how they could change the landscape of green financing.
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