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This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the multifaceted realm of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), delving into their unique characteristics, analyzing their far-reaching influence, and uncovering broader implications within the ever-evolving financial landscape. By addressing the research gap concerning the impact of team diversity on ICO success, we contribute nuanced insights to the existing discourse. Through meticulous data collection and econometric modeling, our purpose is to unravel the intricate dynamics at play, offering valuable perspectives on the transformative role of ICOs and the potential significance of team diversity in shaping their outcomes.

To explore the impact of team diversity on the success of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), we compiled a comprehensive database comprising 3,082 profiles and 309 projects from LinkedIn, ICOBench, and Coindesk. This dataset facilitated the creation of diverse variables for our econometric model, enabling a nuanced analysis of interactions and dynamics in the context of our research question. Through this methodical approach, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the role of team diversity in shaping the outcomes of ICO campaigns.

Our analysis of 3,082 profiles and 309 projects sheds light on the intricate dynamics of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Team diversity emerges as a pivotal factor, significantly impacting the success of ICO campaigns. The econometric model, enriched with variables derived from our extensive dataset, reveals nuanced interactions. Teams characterized by diverse profiles exhibit a tangible influence on campaign outcomes, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in shaping the transformative potential of ICOs. These findings contribute valuable insights into the evolving landscape of financial innovation, emphasizing the role of diverse teams in navigating the complexities of decentralized, inclusive investment paradigms.

This study contributes to the evolving discourse on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) by pioneering an exploration into the uncharted territory of team diversity and its impact on campaign success. While previous research has delved into ICO performance and success variables, our focus on team diversity as a critical determinant presents a novel perspective. By methodically assembling a substantial dataset and applying an intricate econometric model, we offer a unique lens through which to understand the nuanced interplay of diverse teams in shaping the outcomes of ICOs. This fills a significant research gap and provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of contemporary financial innovation.

Each company, large or small, starts with a dream and an idea for a new product or service. Companies can succeed or fail for a wide variety of reasons, including inexperienced managers, failure to build or sell the desired product, launching products into highly competitive environments, and a lack of capital. This chapter reviews the traditional methods of capital formation, including funding by angel investors and venture capital firms. These funding methods are only available to relatively large firms, leaving millions of small firms without reliable debt and equity funding sources to scale their business. The growth of the internet, blockchain technology, and fintech firms has introduced innovative funding methods, such as crowdfunding and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). While these structures have been successful in raising capital for smaller firms, changes in the regulatory environment, such as the JOBS Act, are needed for these new forms of capital formation to reach their full potential.

The study aims to shed light on the concepts most addressed in scientific research, which blockchain topics are of most interest, how relevant are these tools for academia, and how relevant are they?

The authors have developed a bibliometric study of scientific publications on blockchain made since 2016. For the analysis, the VOSViewer software version 1.6.19 has been used, which allows a statistical analysis of scientific publications on the subject.

The study manifest the relevance of Initial Coin Offering, growth of research interest in this field and the relevance of blockchain technology in the development of entrepreneurial projects.

This study provides a complete and updated picture of the scientific research on blockchain for the subsequent transfer of knowledge to the business world.

In recent years, new and technologically innovative financial products and services, generally subsumed under the fintech umbrella, have permeated all areas of capital markets at an exponential rate. Primarily driven by developments in Web3 and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech solutions offer valuable benefits to all existing markets and participants and are the basis for introducing wholly new segments to classic capital market ecosystems. However, this increasing fintech adaptation does not come without challenges. Due to the technologies' nascent nature and often unregulated status, many products are susceptible to manipulation and fraud. The result can be sizable investor losses and excessive regulatory and public scrutiny. This chapter highlights the most essential and prominent fintech solutions used in capital markets today, along with their features, value additiveness, and degree of adaptation.

The case describes a hypothetical hedge fund manager who is examining whether to invest in bitcoin. The case discusses potential risks and rewards of investing in bitcoin, the role of bitcoin and digital currencies more broadly, and financial innovation in the space, such as ICOs. It can be taught as part of a second-year MBA elective course in investments, financial institutions/capital markets, or fintech.

This chapter focuses on how alternative data can change the nature of financial forecasting through improved short-term forecasting techniques and decreased informativeness from longer term sources. Increased use of social media data leads the charge in transforming this transition. Alternative data are data not from standard financial statements or formal reports. This chapter looks at alternative data from new sources (e.g., social media, Internet of Things [IoT], and digital footprints) and alternative data from new collection methods like web scraping for textual analysis, image analysis, and vocal analysis). It first discusses standard data in financial forecasting. Next, this chapter examines alternative data in financial forecasting. Finally, it discusses alternative data used in studying finance more broadly.

This paper aims to unveil the darker side of cryptocurrencies by delving into its role as an obstacle to investments in Middle East and African (MEAs) countries, unravelling the challenges involved. Indeed, despite the rise of blockchain-related technologies, specifically cryptocurrencies, having undeniably unlocked new avenues for business and society, crypto for venture funding purposes may exhibit a “dark side” due to their use for unethical purposes, for example, money laundering or terrorism financing, largely diffused in certain areas of MEA countries.

Through an explorative research design, using a mix of techniques based on both qualitative and interpretive methods, we conducted in-depth interviews among 33 European managers of companies engaged in MEA markets or aspiring to invest in such foreign markets, to analyse their thoughts, perceptions and possible strategies concerning the management of the “dark side” of cryptocurrencies in MEAs.

Our investigation unearthed seven pivotal issues, which manifest as significant barriers related to the ambivalent use of crypto for funding projects, encompassing seven important consequential elements: (1) lack of knowledge about the technology’s potentialities; (2) perceptions of crypto technology’s ambivalence; (3) reputation and image consequences; (4) uncertainty about the destination of the invested funds; (5) decreased attractiveness of MEAs; (6) competition and market; and (7) lack of control and regulation. We grouped these into technology-related, business-related and legal- and policy-related barriers. Such findings underline the probable decrease in attractiveness of MEAs in terms of investments, together with the triggering factors and potential strategic solutions to mitigate such circumstances.

Future studies could explore a broader sample of managers since we only considered the perception of European managers operating in companies that invest (or are intending to invest) in MEAs. Moreover, future research may extend the analysis to MEA-native companies or those engaging in reciprocal exchanges with Western countries.

Practically, our findings suggest several elements in which to intervene to mitigate managers’ negative perception of the unethical use of cryptocurrencies in MEAs and to support CEOs’ and CFOs’ strategies, together with requirements to ensure the unaltered attractiveness of investments in an otherwise thriving region of the world, without overlooking the protection and safeguarding of investments and the health of the market and competition. Furthermore, a call for future research in this domain, along with at least minimal regulatory mechanisms, clearly emerges.

Our findings underline the social challenges associated with the perception and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in these contexts, influencing cultural and social dynamics. Moreover, the identification of these barriers could underscore the significance of awareness of and education on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies within society, including implications for policymakers.

Despite prior investigations into the negative effects of cryptocurrencies as a form of venture funding, no studies to date have examined managers’ perceptions by focusing on possible barriers to investment in MEA countries due to the unethical usage of crypto. Importantly, this paper unravels the unexplored complexities of crypto’s impact on ethical investments in MEAs, showcasing an original perspective.

This paper aims to investigate technological innovations within the crypto space that have engendered novel financial crime risks and their potential utilization amidst geopolitical conflicts.

The theoretical paper uses an analysis of recent geopolitical events, with a key focus on using cryptocurrencies to undertake illicit activities.

The study found that cryptocurrencies and the innovations made within the crypto domain are used for both legitimate and illicit purposes, including money laundering, terrorism financing and sanction evasion.

This research contributes to understanding the critical role cryptocurrencies play amidst geopolitical conflicts and emphasizes the need for regulatory considerations to prevent their misuse. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first scholarly contribution that considers the evolving mechanisms afforded by cryptocurrencies amidst geopolitical conflicts in undertaking illicit activities.

This paper aims to explore the transformative influence of social media applications on the digital evolution of banks. Using a multiple case study approach, this study investigates how Italian banks have adopted social media in their digital transformation. The study seeks to uncover strategies used by banks to maximise the benefits of social media platforms and assess the outcomes and challenges faced during this process. The results provide valuable insights for banks navigating digital transformation, emphasising the importance of organisational culture, client engagement, financial innovation and proactive response to fintech disruptions.

This study uses a multiple case study approach to investigate the influence of social media applications on the digital transformation of banks. Six Italian banks that integrated social media into their digital transformation efforts are analysed. The research examines the strategies used by these banks to effectively leverage social media platforms. The outcomes and implications of these initiatives are scrutinised to discern both positive impacts and challenges faced by banks and customers. The research methodology involves in-depth analysis of case studies, incorporating insights from managerial interviews to underscore key aspects essential for successful digital adaptation in the banking sector.

This study reveals profound impacts of digital transformation on the banking sector, emphasising key implementation areas. Insights gleaned from case studies of six Italian banks underscore the transformative influence of social media applications. Results highlight positive impacts, including enhanced customer service, engagement, financial literacy and community building. Managerial interviews underscore five critical aspects: the imperative for a new organisational culture, a focus on millennial clients, understanding and offering new financial instruments and proactive responses to challenges posed by emerging fintech companies. Successful adaptation necessitates attention to organisational culture, client engagement, financial innovation and proactive response to fintech disruptions. The findings contribute to the evolving understanding of the transformative role of social media in reshaping the banking industry.

This paper fills a critical research gap by delving into the challenges specific to banking institutions during the implementation of social media strategies amid digital transformation. While existing literature predominantly highlights positive impacts, this study pioneers a comprehensive exploration of unique hurdles faced by banks. The multiple case study approach, focusing on six Italian banks, contributes original insights into the strategies used to maximise social media benefits. The research provides a nuanced understanding of both positive impacts and challenges encountered, offering valuable guidance for refining social media approaches in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This contributes to the existing body of knowledge and aids banks in navigating their digital transformation journey effectively.

This study aims to examine blockchain's effect on the accounting profession. In other words, this study seeks to answer whether blockchain can affect the accounting profession.

The statistical population of this study comprises two groups. The first group includes accountants and external auditors working for Iranian audit firms, and the second group consists of accounting professors. Finally, 743 participants are selected as the research sample using the Cochran sample selection method. In this study, partial least square tests are used to examine the effect of the independent variable on dependent variables.

The results of this study demonstrate that blockchain has a positive and significant effect on the payroll system, risk management and financial systems. Moreover, the results indicate that blockchain does not affect the audit process.

As no research has yet examined the effect of blockchain on the accounting profession in Iran, the results of this study can provide the public with helpful information and add to the relevant literature.