AI and FinTech for ESG and Sustainable Finance: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of how artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (FinTech) are driving the advancement of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and sustainable finance. As the global financial sector undergoes a profound transformation, the integration of AI and FinTech is playing a pivotal role in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and corporate accountability. This book explores how these technologies are reshaping financial practices, enabling data-driven solutions that enhance transparency, optimize decision-making, and promote inclusive access to financial resources.
The book begins by demonstrating why ESG principles matter to finance today followed by evidence of widening interest in sustainable investment strategies together with responsible financial practices. The text investigates how AI along with FinTech technologies transforms the integration process for ESG factors into decision systems in the financial sector. A key focus of the book is on the innovative applications of AI and FinTech in sustainable finance. It explores how machine learning algorithms analyze large datasets to improve ESG performance metrics, enabling more accurate and timely investment decisions. It explains how machine learning helps analyze large amounts of data to improve ESG performance, allowing for better and faster investment decisions. However, using AI and FinTech in sustainable finance also comes with challenges. The book discusses important ethical concerns, such as bias in algorithms and risks to data privacy. It highlights the need for strong regulations to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. Additionally, it looks at how decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain can improve trust and traceability in sustainable finance while also addressing cybersecurity risks.
The book presents a future outlook of finance through research compiled from experiences and perspectives of industry experts, academics, and policymakers.

Dr. Munish Gupta is Associate Professor at Chandigarh University's University School of Business, I focus on behavioural studies, particularly in technology adoption. My research navigates people's and organisations' intricate decisions when encountering new technologies. I blend psychology, sociology, and economics to unravel these complex processes. Central to my studies is the cognitive aspect of adopting technology. I explore how people's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs shape their readiness to embrace new technological tools. My multidisciplinary approach combines information systems, psychology, and marketing knowledge to offer a well-rounded view of the factors influencing technology adoption. My work, documented in various studies, underscores the significance of usability, perceived benefits, and social influence in guiding decisions to adopt technology.
Dr. Nasima M. H. Carrim is Associate Professor at the Department of Human Resource Management at the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on gender in management, culture, religion, and minorities in the workplace from an intersectionality and identity perspective. She was the recipient of the Emerald African Management Research Fund Award in 2014 for her study related to Indian male managers’ upward mobility in corporate South Africa. In 2014, she also received the Certificate of merit for teaching excellence and innovation at the University of Pretoria for her undergraduate course in diversity management. In 2017, Prof Carrim received the 2016 Best Junior Researcher in Management Sciences in the Economic and Management Sciences Faculty at the University of Pretoria.
Dr. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga is distinguished Researcher with a focus on the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), financial technology (FinTech), and the integration of artificial intelligence in finance. Holding a doctoral degree from the University of Latvia, she has contributed extensively to the field through her leadership in various international research projects, including the COST Action on FinTech and Artificial Intelligence in Finance (FinAI). Her work also explores the digital transformation and sustainability challenges faced by SMEs, particularly in the context of the Latvian economy. Over the years, she has led and participated in several high-impact projects, including innovations for enhancing the competitiveness of Latvian enterprises in the globalized market.
Dr. Nitin Pathak is an experienced Academician with over 22 years of expertise in Accounting and Finance. He has contributed significantly to academic research, publishing extensively in national and international journals on topics such as financial inclusion, artificial intelligence in banking, and the role of fintech in economic sustainability. His research has been featured in reputed journals like the Indian Journal of Commerce and the Journal of Critical Reviews, and he has presented papers at numerous conferences globally. As an active member of various professional bodies, Dr. Pathak has supervised Ph.D. candidates and has been involved in curriculum development for new programs.
Dr. Mehul Miglani is dedicated Assistant Professor with a profound commitment to the higher education industry, demonstrated through continuous academic and professional achievements. Currently serving at Chandigarh University. He has been significantly involved in research and teaching since December 2019. Mehul holds an M.Com. and a Ph.D. degree in Commerce from the Punjabi University. He is a certified UGC NET JRF recipient, highlighting his expertise in commerce. Mehul’s accolades include leading various academic workshops and seminars and contributing research papers focused on sustainable development goals and labor welfare. His strengths lie in communication, leadership, and maintaining high professional competence, which make him an asset to his institution and his students.