The global evolution of fintech: a historical overview, key trends, and their impact on innovation management in high-tech enterprises

Abstract

The article examines the historical stages of financial technology development in a global context, from the late 19th century to the present day. It traces the evolution of financial instruments and infrastructures under the influence of key technological breakthroughs, including telegraph communication, payment automation, data digitization, and the spread of the Internet. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of banking operations under the influence of internet banking, mobile applications, electronic payment systems, and cryptocurrencies. The role of fintech as one of the key drivers of innovative changes in management of high-tech companies and financial organizations is considered. The authors analyze the impact of the introduction of biometric technologies, artificial intelligence, block-chain, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things on the processes of digital transformation and business model optimization. It is shown that modern fintech provides integration of financial services into non-financial digital ecosystems, which transforms the principles of customer interaction and intensifies competition between traditional banks and IT companies. The paper also analyzes promising trends for further development, including the growth of e-commerce, expansion of platform ecosystems, and in-creased sustainability of financial structures. It concludes that the global evolution of fintech is shaping new mechanisms for managing innovation and opening up broad opportunities for monetizing technologies, while taking into account technological, economic, and regulatory factors.