Italian Equity Crowdfunding Legislation

This book aims to provide foreign readers an English translation of the Italian equity crowdfunding laws and regulations. It is the first law ever enacted in the world on this subject, so it might be useful for anybody involved in crowdfunding legislation in other countries, as a reference of what Italian legislators and regulators deemed appropriate for this innovative and disruptive financing instrument. The English version might also be useful for companies interested in understanding how equity crowdfunding works in Italy, and wondering to launch a crowdfunding project from an Italian platform. Indeed, Italy is currently the only Country where equity crowdfunding is fully regulated and a clear and definite set of rules is provided for all the players: regulators, crowdfunding websites, proposed companies, broker-dealers and investors. Also investors might take advantage of this book, would they be interested to evaluate an investment through an Italian on-line platform. Nevertheless, this book provides only a free translation of the rules in simple English, as easy as possible; it is not official and it is not to be considered a legal advise. Under Italian law, only the official Italian text is binding and no translation is officially endorsed. Moreover it is highly recommended to ask for the help of an authorized Italian counselor to properly understand the laws and regulations.

This innovative Commentary boasts contributions from internationally renowned experts with extensive and diverse backgrounds, providing a comprehensive, critical, article-by-article and thematic analysis of the EU Regulation No 1503/2020 on European Crowdfunding Service Providers for Business (ECSPR). Chapters analyse Member States’ adaptation of their legal frameworks to the ECSPR, underlying similarities, divergences, additional problematic issues and residual regulatory fragmentation.

This book is an in-depth and timely analysis of the EU Crowdfunding Regulation. Striking a balance between academic scrutiny and practical context, and drawing upon various aspects of financial law, consumer law, and dispute resolution, it is invaluable for practitioners and academics seeking to understand an innovative alternative mode of funding.

This book aims to take stock and systemize existing knowledge on crowdfunding while providing overview of the industry, its regulatory environment and advancing the insight into the role of crowdfunding in the startup lifecycle. It is adopting an exploratory and phenomenon-based approach which is deemed appropriate when investigating rather new phenomena. Furthermore, the research combines survey and interview methodologies to assess the opinion and real-world behavior of different stakeholders in crowdfunding marketplace and identify gaps requiring further academic consideration. Empirical data was gathered using multiple interactive web-based questionnaires distributed to different stakeholders and “informed general public” mainly through the social networks (Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter) and direct solicitation of entrepreneurial associations, networks and online communities. The study conducted relies on both qualitative and quantitative analysis in attempt to find data patterns useful in future research and establish some managerial and policymaker recommendations based on limited evidence collected. The work adds value to this field through a 3-fold contribution: Taking a look at crowdfunding through the prism of SWOT analysis of the practice itself and Porter’s 5 forces analysis of crowdfunding platforms industry. Providing evidence in favor of implementing various degrees of regulation based on different crowdfunding categories, using the Italian case of equity-based crowdfunding regulation as a model. Finally, it yields some interesting findings on relevance of crowdfunding in the venture startup while pointing out key motivators which make entrepreneurs consider this fundraising option. In addition, related policymaker/managerial implications are exposed and academic literature updated with reference to contemporary developments in this dynamic field.

Banks are frequently considered usurers. Is it possible to talk about ethics when you analyse banking activity? This book focuses on this question and starts with the history and the philosophy. Philosophers like Aristotle, Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill proposed different theories about the need for ethics in finance. If we accept Mill's thought, the production of wealth in society is driven by the personal pursuit of profit. But - unfortunately - this does not, on its own, ensure collective well-being. It must be guided by a superior mechanism which transforms it into wealth for all. This introduces the role of financial institutions, which often have to comply with legal obligations. The book focuses on the role that these institutions have in supporting the ‘ethical’ use of money. The author analyses a number of cases in banks and the financial industry and discusses topics like anti-money laundering, anti-usury, islamic finance, microcredit and bank rescue systems, including not only best practices but also examples of unethical financial management.

The aim of this book is twofold: Firstly to focus on the development of new instruments and topics in the financial industry. Secondly to analyze the development of “old” themes applied to different international contexts, such as cross-border banking and the role of government financial resources in China. With these goals in mind, the book explores the investigation of new instruments for the financing of SMEs and new ventures, such as mini bonds and equity crowdfunding. Additionally, it covers the field of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility including financial inclusion, gender roles, disclosure, social media roles and litigation. The book also investigates the choices followed by the Royal Swedish Academy in the selection of Nobel laureates in economics science to analyze their influence on the financial industry. Geared to banking academics, researchers and students, this book uncovers the most prominent issues within the banking industry today.

Crowdfunding: Fundamental Cases, Facts, and Insights presents fundamental knowledge about a maturing economic field. Assembling and arranging datasets, case analyses, and other foundational materials on subjects associated with crowdfunding, it systematically, comprehensively, and authoritatively provides access to a consistent body of crowdfunding research. With the crowdfunding industry now consolidated, this core reference can serve as the basis for research projects and applied work. Acclaim for Crowdfunding"This book provides insightful cases and statistics from around the world on how rewards and equity crowdfunding markets work. It also includes useful information on marketplace lending. It is a great resource for entrepreneurs and investors, as well as for policymakers, academics, and students."– Craig Asano, Founder and CEO, National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association "Crowdfunding offers detailed analyses of rewards and equity crowdfunding markets using statistical methods and case studies. I recommend it for academics, practitioners, and policymakers who seek a rigorous look at crowdfunding markets around the world."– Jay Ritter, Joseph B. Cordell Eminent Scholar Chair, Warrington College of Business, University of Florida Presents a complete scope of crowdfunding areas in the international landscape Combines economics with international business, management, law and finance Enables practitioners and researchers to compare regulatory frameworks, best practices and market opportunities Includes a freely available website of supplementary pedagogical material

Initial public offerings (IPOs), or new listings of companies on stock exchanges, are among the most important form of finance and generate considerable attention and excitement. They are used to raise capital or to monetize investments by the early generation of venture capital and other private investors. They are increasingly international in scope and reach, especially with non-American firms offering on American stock exchanges. This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of why companies list on stock exchanges, how IPOs are regulated, initially valued, and their performance in the short and long run. The first part examines the economics of IPOs, and offers statistics and regulatory insights from the United States and other countries around the world. The volume then covers mergers versus IPOs, as well as reverse mergers and special purpose acquisition companies. Part III analyzes institutional ties in IPOs, including analysts, investment banks, auditors, and venture capitalists. The fourth section provides international perspectives on IPOs from a number of countries around the world. Part V discusses alternatives to IPOs, including private marketplaces, and crowdfunding. Reflecting the range of disciplines that analyze IPOs, the contributors come from the fields of finance, international business and management, economics, and law. The chapters cover the latest information on a range of fundamental questions that are of interest to academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike.