Fintech Innovation and Regulation - The Case of Regulatory Sandbox in Hong Kong
Received: 2024-10-21Revised: 2024-11-13Accepted: 2024-11-24Published: 2024-12-31
J. Int. Eco. Glo. Gov., 2024, 1(8), 60-79; https://doi.org/10.12414/jiegg.240417
© The Author(s). Published by MOSP. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.
Abstract: The article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of Fintech on the regulation of financial markets, and the Regulatory Sandbox as a supplement to traditional regulatory methods which helps to respond to new challenges. The rapid development of Fintech has changed the situation of the financial market and brought a certain impact and influence to the traditional” [...] Read More.
Keywords: Fintech, Financial Innovation, Regulatory Sandbox, Financial Regulation, Hong Kong
Keywords: Fintech, Financial Innovation, Regulatory Sandbox, Financial Regulation, Hong Kong
Abstract
Abstract
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of Fintech on the regulation of financial markets, and the Regulatory Sandbox as a supplement to traditional regulatory methods which helps to respond to new challenges. The rapid development of Fintech has changed the situation of the financial market and brought a certain impact and influence to the traditional financial market. Through the case research of Hong Kong’s Regulatory Sandbox, this article comprehensively introduces Hong Kong’s current Fintech Regulatory Sandbox. Moreover, it analyses and summarizes its strengths, such as consumer protection measures, and other points worth learning. At the end of the article, it puts forward an outlook on future financial regulatory trends along with advice and action plans, such as promoting cross-border regulatory cooperation. These proposals aim to help regulators better adapt to the challenges in the Fintech era and protect the health and transparency of financial markets, in parallel with sustainable development of financial innovation.
Keywords: Fintech, Financial Innovation, Regulatory Sandbox, Financial Regulation, Hong Kong
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Funding
Funding
None.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study.
References
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