Fintech and the IMF
Emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence to distributed ledgers, are transforming the financial services landscape, creating opportunities as well as challenges for consumers, service providers and regulators alike. These technologies could drive substantial efficiency gains in the financial sector, including in the areas of payments, financing, investments, asset management and insurance. However, they could also pose risks to the stability and integrity of the financial system, in particular where they operate outside of the purview of financial regulation and supervision.
Recognizing these potential benefits and risks, the IMF has been closely monitoring developments in the field of finance and technology (“Fintech”).
This page is dedicated to gathering the various strands of work by IMF staff research on the implications of emerging technologies for financial stability, regulation, and monetary policy. In line with its mandate, the IMF will continue to foster international cooperation among different stakeholders on effective responses to developments in Fintech.
Staff Discussion Notes
Staff Discussion Notes showcase the latest policy-related analysis and research being developed by individual IMF staff and are published to elicit comment and to further debate. These papers are generally brief and written in nontechnical language, and so are aimed at a broad audience interested in economic policy issues.Recent Fintech Staff Discussion Notes (SDNs):
Virtual Currencies and Beyond: Initial Considerations, January, 2016
Fintech and Financial Services: Initial Considerations, June, 2017