The paper aims to analyse the impact of the COVID outbreak on the currency market. The study considers spot rates of seven major currencies (i.e., EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, USD/CHF, and CHF/JPY). To capture the impact of the outbreak on returns and the volatility of returns of seven currencies during pandemic, the study has segregated in two window periods (i.e., pre- [1st Jan 2019 to 31st Dec, 2019] and post-outbreak of COVID-19 [1st Jan, 2020 to 22nd Dec, 2020]). The study has applied various methods and models (i.e., econometric-based compounded annual growth rate [CAGR], dummy variable regression, and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity [GARCH]). The result of the study captures the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on three currencies—USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and USD/CHF—and positive significant impact on EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CAD, and CHF/JPY. Investors can take short position in these while having long position in other currencies. The inferences drawn from the analysis are providing insight to investors and hedgers.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a paramount role in economic and social growth of every country. FDI acts as a source of external capital and helps in economic growth of the host country. Making decision for FDI during uncertain business environment is a challenge for all stakeholders. Therefore, in this study, we are proposing a decision making framework for FDI. Through literature review, we have identified the factors, on which FDI depends. A process‐based, multi‐criterion, integrated hierarchical approach for deciding about FDI, has been illustrated. In this study, five sectors are considered, that is, petroleum and natural resource, retailing and e‐commerce, healthcare, information technology, and road and highways for illustrating the proposed framework. It is observed that information technology sector has got top priority for FDI followed by retailing and e‐commerce and health care sector. Findings will help in taking appropriate decision by stakeholders for FDI. Ultimately it will also help in creating employment, economic growth, and welfare of society at large in the host country.

Meeting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards is becoming an essential goal for businesses, one that is supported by both investors and customers. FinTech can help companies evaluate and reduce their environmental effect, as well as investors channel their operations toward more sustainable assets. Embracing sustainability has become one of the priorities for many fintech companies today. Green fintech innovations have provided technologically enabled solutions for financial services that help in increasing the flow of financial resources for sustainable development. Recognizing the importance of green fintech in today's scenario, this chapter will initially focus on the components of the fintech ecosystem and IoT and AI-enabled fintech innovations in India, drivers of green fintech potentials of green fintech IoT, and AI-enabled green fintech from global perspective and has highlighted the green fintech solutions provided by the topmost companies.

The study is extending the ongoing discussion on Bitcoin as a diversification asset with the stock market. Some studies analysed cryptocurrencies as a diversification asset, and few challenged the same. During times of turbulence, it is crucial to gauge further diversification opportunities. Henceforth, the study revisits the opportunities of hedging and diversification with the crypto market from a broader perspective. The study captures the spillover from MSCI World Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index to Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW). The study has contributed methodologically to the existing literature by applying DY with symmetric and asymmetric dynamic conditional volatility models. The results provide in-depth shreds of evidence that BITW is insulated, neither taking volatilities from other countries nor contributing to the volatilities of other countries. The study provides insight to policymakers and investors.

Financial inclusion is a crucial factor in mainstreaming the low-income population with the formal financial system. It provides access to credit and provides a broad range of financial services. However, factors like illiteracy, inadequate income, and lack of awareness limit the poor people to utilize services offered by the bank. The study examines the Financial Attitude (FA), Financial Behavior (FB), and Financial Knowledge (FK) among the people of Rajasthan and interprets the effect on financial inclusion. This research is segregated based on aspects leading to financial exclusion like age, gender, income, education level, occupation, demographic, etc. The comprehensive research in studying the impact of socio-economic and psychographic factors on financial inclusion reveals that people are concerned about saving money for their future but still, there an enormous scope of better utilization of savings.