Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and Financial Services
Blockchain, cryptoassets, and artificial intelligence protocols continue to change, at a fundamental level, the roles of accounting and financial services professionals. This book examines the impact and influence of these technologies in the financial sector. In particular, this second edition examines the impact of these technologies on megatrends such as ESG reporting, remote workforces, real-time reporting, and a shift to a virtual and digital world. This book presents professionals with the knowledge and action plans to integrate these ideas and tools into practice within accounting and finance organizations. Ranging from the implications of blockchains among various organizations, to the rise of cryptoassets for transactions and investing activities, the author provides grounded and action-oriented recommendations for financial practitioners.
At the same time, automation of all stripes – highlighted by AI – are changing how transactions and other information is handled by accounting and financial professionals. In this realm, the book breaks down these topics and trends, and presents insights – reinforced by market examples – that can be of immediate assistance to professionals. It is written in a conversational style that is unbiased and objective, replacing jargon and technical details with real world case examples.
Sean Stein Smith is an Associate Professor in the Business and Economics Department of Lehman College—City University of New York (Bronx, NY, USA). He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, where he chairs the Accounting Working Group. Dr. Stein Smith has developed and presented courses on artificial intelligence, cryptoassets and blockchain for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA; Durham, NC, USA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA; New Jersey, USA) and has delivered presentations, trainings and lectures at multiple accounting societies, colleges and universities.
Dr. Stein Smith has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and is a past winner of the New Jersey Society of CPA’s Ovation Award for Innovation. He was also awarded the Outstanding Young CPA of the Year Award by the AICPA in 2022.