Table of contents : Contents List of Figures 1 Introduction: The Rise of Fintech References 2 Blockchain Technology: Key Features and Main Applications 2.1 Introduction 2.2 The Fundamentals of Blockchain Technology 2.2.1 Blockchain Technology: Advantages and Disadvantages 2.3 Blockchain Types and Classifications 2.4 Blockchain Applications 2.4.1 Cryptocurrencies 2.4.1.1 The Initial Coin Offerings Mechanism 2.4.2 Smart Contracts References 3 Blockchain Technology and the Banking Industry 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Blockchain as a Potential Risk for Banks 3.3 Blockchain and Banking Efficiency 3.3.1 Loans and Capital Markets 3.3.2 Trade Finance 3.3.3 Payment Systems 3.3.4 Compliance 3.3.5 Know Your Customer 3.4 Blockchain as a Source for New Products and Services 3.5 Blockchain and Financial Inclusion 3.6 Conclusions References 4 Blockchain and Banking Business Models 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Technological Development and Business Model Innovation 4.3 Blockchain and Innovation in the Banking Business Models 4.4 Banks’ Approach to Blockchain’s Challenges 4.5 Conclusions References 5 Regulation of Blockchain Technology: An Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Regulatory Issues and Cryptocurrencies 5.3 Regulation of Cryptocurrencies 5.3.1 US Regulatory Approach to Cryptocurrencies 5.3.2 EU Regulatory Approach to Cryptocurrencies 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific Region’s Regulatory Approach to Cryptocurrencies 5.4 Regulatory Issues and Blockchain’s Distributed Ledger Technology 5.5 Regulators’ Approach to the Adoption of Blockchain Technology 5.5.1 EU’s Approach to Blockchain Technology 5.5.2 US Approach to Blockchain Technology 5.5.3 Asian-Pacific Countries’ Approach to Blockchain Technology 5.6 Conclusions References 6 Final Remarks References Index