Algorithm-driven information gatekeepers : conflicts of interest in the digital platform business models

This chapter of the book edited by Joseph Lee and Aline Darbellay explores the increasing adoption of platform business models in the banking and financial sector. Digital platforms operate in two-sided markets where they deal with both users of content and commercial customers that have diverging interests. This study examines how the law and regulation shall apprehend the related issue of conflicts of interest. It is argued that digital platforms perform a gatekeeping function by playing a role as information intermediaries. Challenges are posed to corporate governance. Amending the legal and regulatory framework is necessary to the extent that existing mechanisms fail to protect important stakeholders that are beneficiaries of information.