The emergence of convertible decentralized virtual currency schemes confronts tax authorities with unprecedented questions, among them are the status of virtual currency for tax purposes, which virtual transactions may bene?t from a VAT exemption and determining the most optimal method of tax regulation. This ?rst book-length treatment of this major current topic provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the tax implications of virtual currency transactions. Seeking to ascertain whether virtual currency requires additional regulation or whether the law as it stands is adequate to administer its usage, the analysis not only thoroughly explains the nature of the underlying blockchain technology and its regulatory and judicial treatment so far but also identi?es best practices for virtual currency transactions and makes recommendations for the improvement of the existing tax systems. Among the aspects of the phenomenon covered are the following: – particular aspects of virtual currency use such as smart contracts and initial coin offerings; – comparative review of income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States; – VAT/sales tax treatment of transactions involving virtual currency in the European Union and the United States; – methodology for creating an effective regulatory framework for the taxation of virtual currency; and – the future of blockchain. The book has three parts and an annex that describes tax regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions concerning virtual currency in twenty countries. In its in-depth analysis of tax implications of virtual currency transactions in major economies, detailed overview of recent tax developments that affect virtual currency transactions and evaluation of tax policies related to virtual currencies, this book has no peers. Especially in view of the OECD's examination of the tax challenges presented by the digital economy as part of its base erosion and pro?t shifting (BEPS) project, this clear and comprehensive explanation of the functioning of virtual currency and blockchain technology will be welcomed by tax administration of?cials and by persons mining and transacting in virtual currencies needing to know their compliance obligations.

This book focuses on the legal aspects of virtual currencies from the perspective of financial and economic law. It establishes a typology of virtual currencies and assesses whether they can be considered as money. The author analyzes whether the EU legal frameworks on electronic money, payment services, anti-money laundering, and markets in financial instruments can be applied to virtual currencies.

This paper analyzes the legal foundations of central bank digital currency (CBDC) under central bank and monetary law. Absent strong legal foundations, the issuance of CBDC poses legal, financial and reputational risks for central banks. While the appropriate design of the legal framework will up to a degree depend on the design features of the CBDC, some general conclusions can be made. First, most central bank laws do not currently authorize the issuance of CBDC to the general public. Second, from a monetary law perspective, it is not evident that “currency” status can be attributed to CBDC. While the central bank law issue can be solved through rather straithforward law reform, the monetary law issue poses fundmental legal policy challenges.

Due to the emergence of innovative technologies, various professional fields are transforming their traditional business practices. Specifically, the financial and legal markets are experiencing this digital transformation as professionals and researchers are finding ways to improve efficiency, personalization, and security in these economic sectors. Significant research is needed to keep pace with the continuous advancements that are taking place in finance. Fostering Innovation and Competitiveness with FinTech, RegTech, and SupTech provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of technologically innovative mechanisms and applications within the financial, economic, and legal markets. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as crowdfunding platforms, crypto-assets, and blockchain technology, this book is ideally designed for researchers, economists, practitioners, policymakers, analysts, managers, executives, educators, and students seeking current research on the strategic role of technology in the future development of financial and economic activity.

New technologies are driving transformational changes in the global financial system. Virtual currencies (VCs) and the underlying distributed ledger systems are among these. VCs offer many potential benefits, but also considerable risks. VCs could raise efficiency and in the long run strengthen financial inclusion. At the same time, VCs could be potential vehicles for money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and fraud. While risks to the conduct of monetary policy seem less likely to arise at this stage given the very small scale of VCs, risks to financial stability may eventually emerge as the new technologies become more widely used. National authorities have begun to address these challenges and will need to calibrate regulation in a manner that appropriately addresses the risks without stifling innovation. As experience is gained, international standards and best practices could be considered to provide guidance on the most appropriate regulatory responses in different fields, thereby promoting harmonization and cooperation across jurisdictions.

The book highlights the rise of Bitcoin, which is based on blockchain technology, and some of the many types of coins and tokens that emerged thereafter. Although Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have made national and international news with their dramatic rise and decline in value, nevertheless the underlying technology is being adopted by both industry and governments, which have noted the benefits of speed, cost efficiency, and protection from hacking. Based on numerous downloaded articles, laws, cases, and other materials, the book discusses the digital transformation, the types of cryptocurrencies, key actors, and the benefits and risks. It also addresses legal issues of digital technology and the evolving U.S. federal regulation. The varying treatment by individual U.S. states is reviewed together with attempts by organizations to arrive at a uniform regulatory regime. Both civil and criminal prosecutions are highlighted with an examination of the major cases that have arisen. Whether and how to tax cryptocurrency transactions both in the U.S. and internationally are analyzed, and ends with a speculative narrative of future developments.