In recent years, the world of finance has undergone a major transformation driven by both technological innovations and global developments. The acceleration of digitalization, the rise of financial technologies (FinTech), the increasing prominence of sustainability-focused approaches, and the impact of macroeconomic shocks have led to changes across a wide range of areas, from financial management to investment strategies. The global pandemic has also been one of the most significant factors accelerating this transformation. COVID-19 tested the resilience of the global financial system, forced businesses and individuals to redefine economic security, and once again highlighted the importance of risk management. In this context, financial analyses and performance evaluations have become more critical than ever.

The transformation in the world of finance has also been strongly interconnected with other sectors, particularly energy, banking, and insurance. Fluctuations in energy markets, evolving credit policies within banking systems, and risk assessments and profitability calculations in the insurance sector have added complexity to financial decision-making. Today, finance plays a crucial role not only in regulating capital flows but also in achieving sustainable development goals, minimizing societal risks, and maintaining economic growth.

This book brings together significant studies aimed at better understanding this complex and constantly evolving financial ecosystem. Topics such as the comparison of energy companies' financial performance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis of factors affecting profitability in the insurance sector, and the impact of bank loans and innovation on economic growth aim to shed light on current economic challenges. Additionally, the intricate relationships between financial indicators, such as the causality between profitability ratios and the interaction between credit volumes and profitability, are examined in detail. With growing awareness of sustainability, the analysis of how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risk ratings impact financial performance also emerges as a key focus area. These studies not only illuminate some of the most pressing debates in today’s financial world but also provide valuable contributions to the literature.

The studies in this book have been prepared by academics with different interests and specialisations in the field of finance, and each of them offers in-depth knowledge and experience in their own field. Our authors are esteemed academics who have academic studies in different fields of finance and work at reputable universities. Their devoted efforts enable this book to make a significant contribution to the finance literature.

On this occasion, we would like to extend our gratitude to all the authors who contributed to the creation of this important work. We are confident that their valuable contributions to the academic world will offer readers new perspectives and serve as a guide in the dynamic realm of finance. With the belief that you, our esteemed readers, will greatly benefit from these studies, we wish you a pleasant and insightful reading experience.