Wolf Theiss Partner Niklas Schmidt publishes reference book on cryptocurrencies and blockchains

In addition to technical explanations on how the blockchain works and a discussion of the economic and legal aspects (amongst others civil, tax, accounting and regulatory law), numerous practical examples are contained in the publication.

„It is important to me to make readers aware of why Satoshi Nakamoto’s invention of the blockchain ten years ago could fundamentally change the world of business,“ Niklas explains. „Especially in the legal field, many aspects of crpytocurrencies are unclear and subject to change. The answers outlined are not to be seen as final solutions to open legal questions, but rather as first ideas,“ he says.

The German language book answers questions such as: What is the difference between blockchain and distributed ledger technology? What is the difference between Ethereum and Ether? What are the most well-known mobile wallets? What is the basic problem with exchanges? Where does the value of cryptocurrencies actually come from? Are cryptocurrency exchanges efficient markets within the meaning of modern capital markets theory? What are the future prospects of Bitcoin? How does a miner’s acquisition of new units of a cryptocurrency work under civil law work? Do Bitcoins enable money laundering? Can ICOs violate securities laws? When is income from cryptocurrencies realized for tax purposes?

About the book:    
Kryptowährungen und Blockchains. Technologie, Praxis, Recht, Steuern. Publisher: Linde Verlag.

About the author:    
Niklas Schmidt is admitted both as a lawyer and as a tax adviser. He heads the Wolf Theiss tax team and has been interested in technical topics for many years. In 2018, Niklas held about 40 lectures on cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and disruptive innovation.