The first part addresses the impact of policy changes on banks and financial institutions, particularly the impact of recent changes in European policy. The authors explore how policy has been, and is, communicated and how it shapes new incentives and challenges for the banking sector and institutional and individual investors. The book touches upon the debate on the 'bail-in' vs 'bail-out' options and reviews new opportunities for investors on covered and subordinated bond markets in Europe, covering the new regulatory structure provided by the European authorities.The second part explores new financing tools besides the traditional banking sector available to firms and individuals, examining financing options for firms and individuals, and describing the role that alternative capital-market tools such as mini bonds and crowdfunding are playing within the landscape of SME financing. Arguing that financing decisions can ultimately affect the survival rate of startups, this edited collection will be valuable to those researching both finance and business, but particularly to those studying banking, financial institutions and entrepreneurial finance.