Franklin Allen & Meijun Qian 
Research Handbook on Alternative Finance [PDF ebook] 

Promoting a comparative perspective, this comprehensive Research Handbook aids in the understanding of alternative finance and its values in a global setting. Readers are encouraged to view alternative finance through the lens of economic mechanisms rather than terminology.Providing a holistic review of alternative finance, this timely Research Handbook emphasizes the development dynamics between financial practices and industry, financial structures, economic considerations and technology development. Chapters examine each individual type of alternative finance and explain their network advantages, such as their responsiveness to cultural structures and business conditions, bringing to light how significant modern developments such as technological advancements may lead to dramatic changes in financial systems. Ultimately, they expand on the great variation of alternative financial practices worldwide.Balancing theory, practice and policy considerations, this Research Handbook will be essential for academics and researchers pursuing the study of finance, banking, and international business. It will additionally be highly beneficial for policymakers involved in the development of financial systems and financial regulators.