This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

From ancient bartering to digital banking—how did finance shape the world? The history of banking and finance is a fascinating journey of wealth, power, and innovation. Early civilizations traded goods using barter systems before the rise of coins and currency revolutionized commerce. The first banks emerged in Mesopotamia, while medieval Europe saw the birth of financial institutions like the Medici Bank. The modern banking system evolved through stock markets, credit cards, and online transactions. Today, cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) challenge traditional banking norms. This book explores the evolution of finance, major financial crises, and the innovations that continue to shape the economy. If you want to understand the forces behind global wealth and trade, this book is a must-read.