The Future of Alternative Finance

From 5 to 6 June 2024, IMC Krems hosted the third International Conference for Alternative Finance Research. This forward-thinking scientific event brought together over 60 leading researchers and practitioners from around the globe to discuss the latest research, developments, and trends in the field of alternative finance.

The conference was organised by Anna Fornalska, Christopher Schwand, Christina Balan, and Tina Langthaler in collaboration with the University of Agder’s School of Business and Law and the European Centre for Alternative Finance at Utrecht University. The venue, Piaristengasse, provided a fitting backdrop to blend culture and tradition with new ideas.

Focusing on alternative finance, the conference offered a platform for exchanging ideas and research findings on topics such as crowdfunding, digital finance and lending, microfinance, prosocial lending, invoice financing, and crypto-assets and currencies.

From Microfinance to Inclusive Growth

Notable highlights of the conference included two panel discussions on “Blockchain Applications in Crowdfunding” and “Alternative Finance and Financial Inclusion.”

Renowned Speakers from Around the World

Dr Clara Guerra, Deputy Director of the Office for Financial Market Innovation and Digitalisation (SFID) of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein and Professor Armin Schwienbacher from SKEMA Business School were amongst the top-speakers.

The conference provided scientists from the fields of information systems, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing with an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and initiate new research collaborations. Additionally, outstanding contributions were considered for rapid publication in the prestigious Journal of Alternative Finance.

For more information about the conference and its programme, please visit the official event website:

to the website of Alternative Finance Conference 2024