In this keynote presentation, Bob Chakravorti discusses how FinTech and big tech firms are increasing competition in the payments space. Entry into payments, often allows these non-bank providers the ability to offer loans to underserved consumers and small merchants. In the rest of the talk, Chakravorti discusses the effectiveness of...
Using random forest estimation, we identify 14 key predictors out of 190 variables with the largest predictive power for MSMR adoption and usage of digital payments. Using conditional inference trees, we study the importance of sequencing and interactions of various factors such as public sector initiatives, technological advancements, and private...
The adoption of electronic payments and their frequent use is thought of as a first step for broader financial use for traditionally unbanked individuals and merchants. The purpose of this report is to analyze the design, implementation, and efficacy of many incentives implemented by different types of stakeholders around the...
As part of training of Indian senior bankers, the National Institute of Bank Management located in Pune, India, invited Bob Chakravorti to teach three courses. This course is on the evolution of FinTech in India and beyond. Specifically, the presentation focuses on how FinTechs provide greater access to payments, lending...
In this presentation, Sujit "Bob" Chakravorti discusses how new entrants are disrupting payments. Specifically, he looks at how FinTechs are leveraging new technologies and Big Tech firms leveraging their large user bases to provide payment services to underserved segments often at lower prices. He also analyzes the role of the...
In this chapter, the authors study how cryptotoken issuance, also referred to as initial coin offerings and security token offerings, may disrupt funding markets such as venture capital, crowdfunding, and private equity. The authors discuss the necessary infrastructure to support this new asset class. The authors analyze the market evolution...
Bob Chakravorti discusses surcharging and honor-all-cards rules for payment cards. Generally, merchants charge the same price regardless of the type of payment instrument used to make purchases. In many jurisdictions, merchants are not allowed to add a surcharge for payment card transactions because of legal (some states in the U.S...
While payment card usage has increased dramatically, the stock of outstanding currency has not declined as rapidly. Amromin and Chakravorti analyze changes in cash demand for 13 advanced economies from 1988 to 2003 by separating cash into three denomination categories to disentangle its store of wealth and payment functions. Defining...
In this article, Chakravorti and McHugh address why consumers, merchants, and financial institutions are reluctant to embrace electronic payments even though electronic payment networks, such as the credit card and automated clearinghouse (ACH) networks, have existed for more than 25 years. While most Internet-based transactions are primarily processed via credit...
Chakravorti investigates payments system reforms begun by the Bank of Mexico in 1994. The goals of these reforms are to reduce the amount of uncollateralized intraday credit extended by the Bank of Mexico (previously unlimited), to promote a market-based allocation of intraday credit for interbank payments, and to move large-value...