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 societys 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 U¸ík 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.

Preface.- Note of thanks.- Contents.- Contributors.- Part I The Key Prerequisite of Digitalization: Money.- Chapter 1: Digital Gold and Gold-Backed Crypto Currencies: The Return of the Gold Standard.- Chapter 2: Crypto Currencies: Speculative Bubble or Disruptive Technology?.- Chapter 3: Theoretical Basics of Distributed Ledger Technologies.- Chapter 4: Qualitative Comparison of Selected Token Standards for Asset Tokenization.- Chapter 5: Legal Requirements in the Field of Virtual Currencies.- Part II Value Creation in the Digital World- Chapter 6: The Social Network Value of Professional Soccer Players.- Chapter 7: Creating Value in the Digital World.- Chapter 8: The Digital Magic of Value Creation: Digital Platforms in Networked Economics.- Chapter 9: The Value of Digital Dominance: Why the Silicon Valley Outperforms Industrial Giants.- Chapter 10: The Economic Impact of Open Data as Liquid Information for Unlocking Potential