Contributor(s): Andrew Palmer | Finance distorts behaviour and destroys economies, but it also solves society's biggest problems. A new wave of financial innovation is tackling everything from the threat of pandemics to the retirement crisis, from credit-starved borrowers to recidivism in prisons. Andrew Palmer (@palmerandrew) has worked at the Economist since 2007; as the banking correspondent from 2007-2009, the finance editor from 2009­-2013 and currently as head of data journalism. He has a master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This event marks the publication of his new book, Smart Money. Andrea Vedolin is Assistant Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance and a Research Associate in the Systemic Risk Centre at LSE. The Systemic Risk Centre (@LSE_SRC) investigates the risks that may trigger the next financial crisis and develops practical tools to help policy-makers and private institutions become better prepared. Credits: Tom Sturdy (Audio Post-Production), LSE AV Services (Audio Recording).