We live in an era where money moves at the speed of light, bouncing from one server to another, orchestrated by algorithms most of us never see. In 'Cloudmoney', Brett Scott offers a guided tour of this new reality, where the nervous system of global finance is increasingly automated, centralized, and opaque.
Fintech hubs like London's Canary Wharf are the new nerve centers where young coders and seasoned bankers collaborate to automate every aspect of finance. Apps and bots now replace branches and tellers, making banking seamless but also impersonal. The convenience is undeniable, but so is the loss of human connection. Every swipe, tap, and click is processed by distant corporations, consolidating power and creating new vulnerabilities.
Automation brings efficiency but also risk. When digital payment networks crash, entire cities can be paralyzed—unable to buy groceries, pay for transport, or access savings. The more we rely on cloudmoney, the more we are subject to the whims of code and the interests of those who write it.
This invisible revolution is not just technological; it’s social and political. As banks and tech giants merge their interests, they shape the rules of the game, often at the expense of local businesses and communities. Scott’s message is clear: if we want a financial system that serves people, not just profits, we must stay alert, question the narrative, and demand transparency and accountability.
References: Cloudmoney by Brett Scott, Amazon listing, Autonomy Work review
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