Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (like the US Dollar or Euro), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.
It’s important to note that the cryptocurrency space is constantly evolving, and new technologies and projects are regularly introduced. Additionally, the legal and regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies varies by country and is subject to change.
Here are top five books on cryptocurrency law that will provide a solid, comprehensive, and up-to-date overview on the legal, regulatory, and technical frameworks for those interested in the subject:
This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the legal and regulatory dimensions surrounding cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, addressing the practical challenges that arise from these domains. The analysis extends across a spectrum of advanced economies spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Within these major global economic hubs, the book delves into a detailed description and analysis of cryptocurrencies, as well as the underlying blockchain systems upon which they are built. Additionally, it critically evaluates the pertinent legal and regulatory frameworks, identifying areas that may require refinement or improvement.
Over the past decade, a singular innovation has significantly bolstered digital black markets: cryptocurrency. Crime lords, inhabiting the lawless corners of the internet, have operated with unprecedented freedom, engaging in activities such as drug dealing, money laundering, and human trafficking. They have transcended the limitations faced by their analog counterparts. By conducting transactions not in traditional currencies like dollars or pounds, but in currencies with anonymous ledgers, free from government oversight and independent of banking institutions, these illicit market operators aim to circumvent law enforcement’s primary tool for cracking down on unlawful financial activities: the ability to “follow the money.”
Yet, what if the linchpin of this shadowy economy harbored a concealed, potentially fatal vulnerability? What if their currency, once thought imperviously cryptic, was not as secure as believed? An investigator armed with the right blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and unwavering determination could unveil an entire realm of illicit activities.
Cryptocurrencies and digital assets are now attracting significant attention from institutional investors, adding to the already robust backing from retail investors, particularly in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, this rapid expansion has brought forth a set of intricate operational and regulatory compliance hurdles. These challenges are amplified by the swift progress in technologies like decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization, and the essential blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) underpinning the crypto and digital asset markets. This book stands as a pioneering guide, offering up-to-date and actionable insights on the operational and compliance bedrock of crypto investing and asset management.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: International Legal and Regulatory Challenges by Dean Armstrong KC, Dan Hyde, and Sam Thomas
This book provides a thorough exploration of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the global regulatory landscape, along with the associated challenges. It introduces readers to key topics, including the worldwide regulation of blockchain and cryptoassets, the Internet of Things, the Right to be Forgotten and the right to erasure, environmental, social, and governance metrics, smart contracts, initial coin offerings, data protection regulation, Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (‘DAOs’), and the Metaverse. Authored by leading experts in UK cyber law, this Second Edition encompasses crucial updates on fungible and non-fungible cryptoassets (‘NFTs’), strategies for remedies and tracing, as well as financial hygiene requirements stemming from anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations. By elucidating the core concepts of blockchain and cryptocurrency in an accessible manner, this book not only fosters a deeper understanding but also encourages innovative approaches to age-old challenges. It is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a broader comprehension of this dynamic and evolving area of law. This title is featured in Bloomsbury Professional’s Cyber Law online service.
This book offers an in-depth exploration of how cryptocurrencies, utilizing blockchain technologies, align with established categories of public and private law. While centering its study on the common law systems of the United Kingdom, the book goes further to illustrate how cryptocurrencies might be integrated into legal frameworks in Western European and East Asian jurisdictions that diverge from the common law tradition. By scrutinizing conventional concepts of money within both public and private law, the work assesses the challenges of incorporating cryptocurrencies within these established paradigms.
Crucial inquiries regarding ownership, transfer, conflict of laws, and taxation are thoroughly examined, providing readers with the essential tools to address typical transactional concerns involving cryptocurrencies. The international team of contributors anchors their analysis in the common law systems of the United Kingdom, yet also engages in a comparative exploration of other legal systems within the broader common law and civil law realms, offering a comprehensive examination of the legal intricacies at play.
Here are some key characteristics of cryptocurrencies:
Decentralization: Most cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, which means they are not controlled by any single entity, like a government or a central bank. Instead, they rely on a distributed ledger called a blockchain.
Blockchain Technology: A blockchain is a public ledger that contains a record of all transactions made with a particular cryptocurrency. This ledger is maintained by a network of computers (nodes) and is designed to be secure, transparent, and immutable.
Cryptography: Cryptocurrencies use cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. This makes it very difficult for anyone to counterfeit or manipulate the currency.
