INFORMS Open Forum

INFORMS Service Science Online Forum Series Episode 2

  • 1.  INFORMS Service Science Online Forum Series Episode 2

    Posted 05-13-2025 06:52

    Dear Colleagues and Students,

    🚀 You are invited to join us for "The Digital Future of Financial Services" with Columbia professor Agostino Capponi-Editor at Management Science & Operations Research and expert in systemic risk, tokenomics, and market microstructure. From robo‑advisors personalizing your portfolio to blockchain‑powered lending and trading, Prof. Capponi will unpack the thrills and potential spills of decentralized finance-balancing reduced frictions (think faster settlements, lower costs, and radical transparency) against new operational and systemic risks. Discover how these innovations ripple beyond Wall Street, reshaping marketplaces and supply chains worldwide. Don't miss this deep dive into the digital finance revolution-your roadmap to staying ahead of the curve! 📈

    Website: https://sites.google.com/view/service-science-online-forum/
    Speaker: Prof. Agostino Capponi, Columbia
    Moderator: Prof. Yuqian Xu, UNC Chapel Hill
    Time: May 20, 2025 10:00 AM-11:00 AM EST
    Zoom link: https://kenan-flagler.zoom.us/j/98223239269?from=addon
    Service Science Online Forum Email List Sign-up: https://forms.gle/k5L52JZbW8kpLYrf7

    Title: The Digital Future of Financial Services

    Abstract: We examine the ongoing transformation of financial services, with a focus on new sources of risk and market design challenges posed by digital financial infrastructures. First, we discuss the challenges faced by robo-advisory firms in tailoring personalized financial  advice to meet individual client goals while enhancing their overall satisfaction. Next, we analyze the operational, systemic, and technological risks that arise when traditional lending and trading services are decentralized using blockchains, smart contracts, and digital assets. We balance these risks against the benefits of reduced market frictions, including faster settlement, lower intermediation costs, and greater transparency. Finally, we highlight how these digital innovations extend beyond the financial sector, offering potential to mitigate risk and improve efficiency across various types of marketplaces and supply chains.

     
    P.S., you may access the recording of Episode 1 with Prof. Guillaume Roels at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSbWy9txVKg and all other past episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCn8oCTLj5JEeIiA3_ATZp8gtlkWJCRpO



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    Renyu Zhang
    Associate Professor
    The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
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