Bank to the Future: Protect Your Future Before Governments Go Bust

by Simon Dixon

We are in a time like no other. Those who play the game by the new rules understand that seven highly disruptive new technologies are changing the rules of work. Those who understand the rules of money and finance also know that we are sitting on a debt trap that is proving increasingly hard to finance. They are preparing now. So can you. We are also living in a time when technology is replacing jobs at a fast rate. Your career may be next. If you own a business, you need to prepare too. So how do we thrive in such unique times? Those who do not understand the new rules of finance, technology and money will lose out. This book explains the rules, how you can use them to overcome the problems you will face, and how you can prosper, during and after the massive change ahead.

Genres: Economics, Business, Finance, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2012

About the author

Simon Dixon is Sir Bernard Pares Professor of Russian History at University College London.

Reviews

[Martin Yau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I wanted to find out Simon's views on the future of banking & finance and the economy in general.

We definitely know that the economy is not in good shape right now when Sir Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, stated that 'Of all the many ways of organising banking, the worst is the one we have today.'

I bet that not too many people know that any private bank can create money electronically.

Even though the average person may not take a deep interest in economics in general, they should find out the reasons the economy goes through the continuous cycles of boom and bust.

The first part goes how times have changed, people's attitudes to towards to economy across different generations, the 'free economy' we are living in right now and the reasons why the booms and busts happen in the economy. The second part outlines the 7 things that make the 'free economy' possible and the third part basically explores the options we can take based on what we already know.

This book shows that he knows a lot within his area of expertise. I'm not joking because he does back up his opinions with a lot of research. He also explains the concepts in a clear and coherent way.

I would recommend anyone to buy this book.

[Kerem · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a light, nontechnical and informative book about how the current corrupted financial system works and how a number of disruptive technologies (from internet and social media to crowdfunding and microfinance) are impacting this. Dixon avoids technical jargon for almost entirely so it is very accessible to anyone. There's also quite a bit of history on money and finance, which provides a better understanding on how we got here. Future scenarios are always tricky and one might say Dixon is often a bit naive (such as how big tech monopoly and control can impact his scenarios isn't clear) but I think he makes a good attempt in general, and his optimistic tone is certainly different than the usual doom and gloom, making the book more enjoyable to read.

[Sagar Lakhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A must-read!