Journal of Economic Policy Reform

The past few years have been marked by high global uncertainties triggered by incessant “black swan” events such as the financial and economic crises from 2007, the COVID-19 pandemic, BREXIT, etc. Especially, the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia has led to more terrible turbulence. Due to the high global uncertainty triggered by the shocks from these events, many firms and individuals have experienced a sharp plunge in income while their costs continue to accrue, thereby escalating financial difficulties among individuals and firms and the consequential likelihood of bankruptcy.

Digital Finance refers to the digitization of the financial industry. It comprises all electronic financial services and products, including all mobile and app services. Particularly, digital finance integrates information technology with traditional financial services, allowing individuals and businesses to access financial services through electronic channels. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns obstruct affected firms’ and individuals’ access to financial services through in-person contact with financial services providers. However, contactless and digital methods make access to financial services possible and also subside the risks associated with physical contact during such events. Therefore, the espousal of digital finance can be particularly valuable in improving the scope and penetrability of financial services during such uncertain events, hence a great means to resilience and facilitating stability.

This special issue aims to analyze the global uncertainties in economics, policy risk, and the role of digital finance in surmounting these global uncertainties. To further discover how digital finance helps to deal with global uncertainties, the special issue also discusses and clarifies the expected effects of global uncertainties on financial markets.

The special issue welcomes papers relating to the following topics (not exhaustive):

• Digital finance and economic resilience
• Blockchain and corporate performance
• Digital finance and risk
• Idiosyncratic volatility and stock returns
• Tax regulations under economic uncertainty
• Digital financial services and pandemic
• Fintech and economic resilience
• Sustainable digital finance

Submissions should be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available at:   https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/gpre

Please follow the author guidelines. Please see:   https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?show=instructions&journalCode=gpre20

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else.

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