ValueWeb: How Fintech Firms are Using Bitcoin Blockchain and Mobile Technologies to Create the Internet of Value

by Chris Skinner

The next generation internet, the Internet of Things, cannot work without an Internet of Value. The Internet of Value or ValueWeb, for short allows machines to trade with machines and people with people, anywhere on this planet in real-time and for free. The problem is that our old system cannot work that way, as it takes days to process and costs a fortune. Using a combination of technologies from mobile devices, wearables and the bitcoin blockchain, fintech firms are building the ValueWeb regardless. What does that mean for financial institutions, governments and citizens? This book provides the answers. Chris Skinner one of the most authoritative voices on FinTech anywhere has provided us another timely and thoughtful look into the fascinating convergence of technology, e-commerce, and finance that is changing the world. - Seth Wheeler, Former Economics Advisor to the US President and The White House Skinner s ValueWeb is a sweeping and well-researched analysis of the big technology trends that will shake the windows and rattle the walls of the industry -Don Tapscott, Best Selling Author This book will be an invaluable read for all interested in the way business works.-Sir Roger Gifford, Former Lord Mayor of London Best insight into money in the 3rd industrial revolution, aka the digital revolution, you will read.-Lawrence Wintermeyer, CEO Innovate Finance This is another must-read, not only for those interested in the world of FinTech, but anyone wanting to get a glimpse of a future where monetary and non-monetary transfers occur instantaneously across mobile and digital networks.-Jim Marous, The Financial Brand/Digital Banking Report Chris has a great eye for the case studies and practical examples of innovation that help you to really reflect on where banking is going.-David Birch, Director Consult Hyperion"

Genres: Technology, Business, Nonfiction

424 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel angry with myself that I bought this as I should have known what to expect. A very corporate book clearly designed to cash in on the current blockchain buzz in financial services. Low on genuine insight and intellectual challenge and half of the book was just reprinted interviews from the guy's blog, or something. Figures not properly labelled and the same nuggets of info were repeated all the way through. A few targeted google searches would give just as much insight as this book.

[Warren Mcpherson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a survey of innovation in the financial sector. Clearly aimed at encouraging bankers to innovate. It anticipates the force that transformed the travel industry, book stores now beginning to impact the financial industry. It has some good insight about the significance of moving value over the network. There is an extensive collection of interviews of people active in developing new business models. It particularly focuses on the role of mobile phones and takes a broad view of value exchange that includes facebook likes and linden dollars from Second Life.
There is a strong case for a modern approach to software development that focuses on the user. The significance of mobile phones is well developed. The story on m-pesa is a wonderful one, I have seen several renditions of it and the topic is always fascinating. The link to bank innovation and development is clear and well developed.
The book stumbles when it comes to cryptocurrency. "Crime as a service" is important to understand, but there is more that needs to be understood. The book repeatedly and erroneously refers to email addresses being used for bitcoin. It cites the failure of banks on Second Life as a key reason for regulating Bitcoin, which is a trivial analysis.
I felt the interviews gave me a sense of what people in the industry are looking at. With the emphasis on bank licences and bank branches the reader might come away with the impression that change will be more quantitative than qualitative.
There are a handful interesting examples. But I felt the facts presented were unreliable and the central arguments were not fully developed. A strong case was made for mobile banking apps but that doesn't establish the transformational impact of network enabled value transfer.

[Sami Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected tear-down of FinTech, focusing primarily on transfer of value (money) via incumbent banks, challenger banks and cryptocurrencies.

[Joao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different approach at looking at blockchain technology, kind of repetitive.
I most like the interviews more than the book.

[Vedat Guven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Çok sağlam bir kitap. Yazar konuları güzel derlemiş, Fintech'ler, startup'lar, kripto paralar ve dijital kimlik ile yakın geleceği ve de günümüzdeki çok yeni uygulamaları güzel anlatmış.

[Igor Kuznetsov · Rating 1 out of 5]

Говно мамонта

[Ronald J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good review of how traditional banks need to adjust. Includes some skeptics with respect to Bitcoin, which are compelling arguments against it as a currency. Can banks adapt? The historical evidence says they can. Interesting look at why and how.