This contributed volume provides academic insights into the digital financial world. It illustrates the state-of-the-art research on financial technology and innovation with special focus on the impact in society. Technologies are not only door openers for the digital world, but they are also key drivers of change. These key drivers of digitalization, accelerating the pace, are literally forcing individuals to adapt. The authors discuss these dynamics and reflect on society's adaptability. The first part of the book focuses on cryptocurrencies as disruptive technology. It discusses the status quo, future trends and legal frameworks for virtual money. The second part of the book sheds light on value creation in a digitalized world. The authors discuss digital platforms and economic networks and the impact of digital dominance.

Prof. Dr. Martin Uzík is professor and head of the chair of Corporate Financial and Investment Policies at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Germany). Dr. Christian Schmitz is an IT project manager in the field of software development. He has worked as consultant for financial service solutions at Deloitte and as program director and IT project manager for digital learning systems. Sebastian Block LL.M. is the managing director of the Berlin Institute of Finance, Innovation and Digitalization e.V., an institute of the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Germany). His academic research focuses on finance and law topics.