The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how...Show moreThe thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how these frameworks have adapted to technological innovations and assesses their impact on the development and stability of the fintech sector. The study reveals a transition from initial regulatory leniency to increased oversight in P2P lending and details the evolving regulatory environment of crowdfunding. By examining these sectors, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between regulation, technological innovation, and the broader economic and political context, contributing to both academic research and practical policy-making in the fintech field.Show less
The CRUKS exclusion register has been activated as of October 2021 by the Kansspelautoriteit, the gambling regulatory authority in the Netherlands. The register is aimed at tackling gambling...Show moreThe CRUKS exclusion register has been activated as of October 2021 by the Kansspelautoriteit, the gambling regulatory authority in the Netherlands. The register is aimed at tackling gambling addiction and protecting consumers. This study forecasts the likely success of CRUKS in meeting these public policy goals by way of comparison with the ROFUS self-exclusion register in Denmark, where a similar gambling regulatory environment exists, but which has also had its register in place for longer than in the Netherlands. Gambling exclusion registers such as CRUKS and ROFUS are examples of digital public sector innovation, with clear theoretical roots in behavioural economics, whereby the vulnerable gambler is offered a ‘one stop shop’ facility for (temporary) removal from gambling channels, while not prohibiting the less vulnerable and recreational player. The extension of the ROFUS register to land-based casinos in Denmark in late 2016 is employed as a cut-off point at which to test its effect on gambling activity in that sector. This policy intervention is shown to have a significant but steady downward effect on gambling activity, suggesting that such a register will likely have a similar effect on the gambling market in the Netherlands. This is particularly important to Dutch gamblers in light of the recent regulation of online gambling in the country, in light of the potential intensifying effects this channel has on problem gamblers.Show less
After the financial crash of 2008 the intellectual thought of the Austrian-Hungarian scholar Karl Polanyi (1889-1964) has seen a resurgence in academic research to explain the origins of the crisis...Show moreAfter the financial crash of 2008 the intellectual thought of the Austrian-Hungarian scholar Karl Polanyi (1889-1964) has seen a resurgence in academic research to explain the origins of the crisis. His notions of the (dis)embeddedness of markets and the double movement have proven to be useful concepts in the analysis of the origins and effects of the financial crash of 2008. However, currently there is an intellectual debate going on between so called hard- and soft-Polanyian scholars on the understanding of the notion of (re)embedding the market. Soft-Polanyians believe in the possibility of embeddedness and see in this Polanyian idea a call for the social-democratic ideal. Hard-Polanyians on the other hand do not understand Polanyian thought in this way and argue that Polanyi has never believed in the possibility of (re)embedding the market, since attempts to do so can only backfire societally. In addition to an analysis of this ongoing debate Polanyi’s moral and ethical approach in the conceptualization of the economy will be addressed in this thesis, with special attention to the notions of market dependency and human livelihood. Ultimately, the different perspectives present in this discussion are used to make an assessment of the potential(s) of the imposition of the financial transaction tax as it is currently underway in the legislative process of the European Union.Show less
Cryptocurrencies, although in their infancy, are becoming increasingly important for the global economy. Bitcoin was the first invented cryptocurrency, created by a group or person under the...Show moreCryptocurrencies, although in their infancy, are becoming increasingly important for the global economy. Bitcoin was the first invented cryptocurrency, created by a group or person under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2007, allowing for the exchange of economic value by use of its verifiable and cryptographically secure blockchain. While many countries still don’t even know how to define cryptocurrencies, China has been regulating them for years. The Chinese tech industry also often exemplifies that it is at the forefront of global blockchain technology development with its numerous fast-growing companies and tokens such as DeepBrain Chain, Ontology Network, NEO, Tron, and QTUM, thus suggesting that the tech must be succeeding in certain areas, perhaps either as a result of government regulation, or in spite of it. This paper has contextualised the state of the Chinese blockchain industry in regards to a new type of blockchain political economy and in terms of the Chinese regulatory climate.Show less
This thesis looks at the case of Jordan and argues that corporatisation and privatisation efforts lead to improved success in economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social equity...Show moreThis thesis looks at the case of Jordan and argues that corporatisation and privatisation efforts lead to improved success in economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social equity for water management when sufficient regulatory capabilities exist. The success of water privatisation is disputed, both politically and academically. So far, evidence is inconclusive. This thesis develops an analytical framework for examining how privatisation may contribute to success in water management. Jordan is running dry, both financially and in terms of water. Given these circumstances, efficient water management is important. Jordan aims to solve its problems by involving the private sector. In applying the framework to Jordan, this work both establishes the validity of the framework and simultaneously shows that involving the private sector can be an appropriate approach for Jordan to tackle its water management issues. This insight has concrete policy implications: smaller scale private partnerships may be more appropriate than larger projects where less regulatory capacity exists. Even as they may have less impact, they can improve efficiency and are easier and less controversial to implement.Show less
This thesis aims to explain diverging democratic transitions in two Post-Communist states. The degree and manner of party system institutionalization and party regulation is presuppossed to have a...Show moreThis thesis aims to explain diverging democratic transitions in two Post-Communist states. The degree and manner of party system institutionalization and party regulation is presuppossed to have a major impact on both democratization as the way party democracy is functioning. The study uses a time-series method of analysis to identify changes in party system regulation and links these changes to the stability of a party system such as electoral volatility and party strength. By doing so, this thesis delivers a valuable insight in the pivotal role party system institutionalization plays in democratization and the stabilization of young party systems.Show less
