Eleni Koutrouli, Polychronis Manousopoulos, John Theal, Laura Tresso
As crypto assets become more widely adopted, crypto asset markets and traditional financial markets may become increasingly interconnected. The close linkages between these markets have potentially important implications for price formation, contagion, risk management and regulatory frameworks. In this study, we assess the correlation between traditional financial markets and selected crypto assets, study factors that may impact the price of crypto assets and identify potentially significant events that may have an impact on Bitcoin and Ethereum price dynamics. For the latter analyses, we adopt a Bayesian model averaging approach to identify change points in the Bitcoin and Ethereum daily price time series. We then use the dates and probabilities of these change points to link them to specific events, finding that nearly all of the change points can be associated with known historical crypto asset-related events. The events can be classified into broader geopolitical developments, regulatory announcements and idiosyncratic events specific to either Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Swiss banks are at a pivotal moment as digital assets gain traction, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This study examines how Swiss banks can leverage their internal resources and capabilities to establish a competitive advantage in the digital asset ecosystem. Using the Resource-Based View and the VRIO (Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization) framework, this study investigates the strategic importance of key services such as custody, staking, and tokenization. Drawing on expert interviews with Swiss banking leaders, this research identifies these services as vital for maintaining Switzerland’s financial leadership. Findings suggest that Swiss banks’ established reputation for trust, combined with regulatory clarity under the Distributed Ledger Technology Act, creates a strong foundation for digital asset adoption. While digital asset custody services address the growing demand for security, tokenization presents significant growth potential, particularly in real-world asset markets. This study concludes that Swiss banks can sustain their competitive edge by investing in blockchain expertise, fostering fintech partnerships, and enhancing educational initiatives. By combining traditional banking strengths with innovative digital asset services, Swiss banks are well positioned to capitalize on this evolving financial landscape.
Dan Lin, Ziye Zheng, Jiajing Wu, Jingjing Yang · 8 authors
Cross-chain technology enables seamless asset transfer and message-passing within decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems, facilitating multi-chain coexistence in the current blockchain environment. However, this development also raises security concerns, as malicious actors exploit cross-chain asset flows to conceal the provenance and destination of assets, thereby facilitating illegal activities such as money laundering. Consequently, the need for cross-chain transaction traceability has become increasingly urgent. Prior research on transaction traceability has predominantly focused on single-chain and centralized finance (CeFi) cross-chain scenarios, overlooking DeFispecific considerations. This paper proposes ABCTRACER, an automated, bi-directional cross-chain transaction tracing tool, specifically designed for DeFi ecosystems. By harnessing transaction event log mining and named entity recognition techniques, ABCTRACER automatically extracts explicit cross-chain cues. These cues are then combined with information retrieval techniques to encode implicit cues. ABCTRACER facilitates the autonomous learning of latent associated information and achieves bidirectional, generalized cross-chain transaction tracing. Our experiments on 12 mainstream cross-chain bridges demonstrate that ABCTRACER attains 91.75% bi-directional traceability (F1 metrics) with self-adaptive capability. Furthermore, we apply ABCTRACER to real-world cross-chain attack transactions and money laundering traceability, thereby bolstering the traceability and blockchain ecological security of DeFi bridging applications.
This study, conducted in 2024, explores the potential of blockchain technology to enhance data integrity in space communications and operations. With the growing complexity and reliance on satellite networks for global connectivity, Earth observation, and deep space exploration, ensuring tamper-proof and secure communication is critical. The research proposes a blockchain-based framework that integrates satellites, ground stations, and spacecraft as decentralized nodes, addressing existing security challenges such as data tampering, unauthorized access, and signal jamming. Based consensus combining Proof of Stake (PoS) algorithm with Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) processes is introduced to optimize security and latency in space environments. The feasibility of the framework is evaluated through simulations and case studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating space-specific threats, with practical implications for missions such as NASA's Artemis program. The study concludes that blockchain offers a transformative solution for securing space communications and urges stakeholders to pilot such technologies for future space operations.
Matin Farhoumandi, Sheida Bahramirad, Mohammad Shahidehpour, Ahmed Alabdulwahab
ABSTRACT The proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the large‐scale electrification of transportation are driving forces behind the ongoing evolution for transforming traditionally passive consumers into prosumers (both consumers and producers) in coordinated power distribution network (PDN) and urban transportation network (UTN). In this new paradigm, peer‐to‐peer (P2P) energy trading is a promising energy management strategy for dynamically balancing the supply and demand in electricity markets. In this paper, we propose the application of Blockchain (BC) to electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) operations to optimally transact energy in a hierarchical P2P framework. In the proposed framework, a decentralised privacy‐preserving clearing mechanism is implemented in the transactive energy market (TEM) in which BC's smart contracts are applied in a coordinated PDN and UTN operation. The effectiveness of the proposed TEM and its solution approach are validated via numerical simulations which are performed on a modified IEEE 123‐bus PDN and a modified Sioux Falls UTN.
Milad Shojaiyan, sona bairamzadeh, Abbas Ali Hajikarimi
Objective: As a nascent financial technology, cryptocurrencies are experiencing growth, development, and adoption across multiple economic sectors. This study aimed to identify the essential Iranian stakeholders in the field of cryptocurrencies and to assess their behavior. The findings are intended to provide policymakers with valuable insights that will assist them in formulating strategic plans and establishing a structured framework for the nation's cryptocurrency industry.Method: The analysis of cryptocurrencies poses challenges due to the innovative and uncertain nature of several ideas, the involvement of multiple players, and the influence of diverse political, economic, social, and technical variables. Consequently, quantitative approaches alone may not provide a full understanding of this topic. The study paradigm is interpretive, employing a qualitative approach, content analysis technique, and stratified analysis of the causes.Results: Significant findings have been identified in the private three-level patterns of actors and activists in the field of cryptocurrency in Iran, and in the first tables of each of them, a three-level statement and analysis for the communication between the actors has been presented.Conclusions: The results obtained in this research show the reasons for the creation of the current environment governing the cryptocurrency industry in Iran, which shows the need to compile laws and regulations in the field of cryptocurrency and draw a framework for the activities of actors in this field, in order to develop this industry in the country and benefit the country from the advantages of cryptocurrencies are essential.
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a disruptive financial technology, offering decentralized and borderless transactions. However, the regulatory landscape in India remains uncertain, with evolving policies and debates on its legality and impact on the economy. This study explores the challenges and opportunities in Cryptocurrency regulation in India, analyzing the government’s stance, RBI policies, and global best practices. The research is based on qualitative and quantitative data, providing insights into how regulations can be structured to foster innovation while mitigating risks. The study concludes with policy recommendations to create a balanced regulatory framework.
تهدف الدراسةُ إلى بيان رصد دور الفتاوى الإلكترونية الاقتصادية الصادرة عن الجهات المتعددة مثل دور الإفتاء، والمجامع الفقهية، والعلماء في مجال الفقه الإسلامي في توجيه الاقتصاد الرقمي، لتعزيز التنمية المستدامة، من خلال نموذج العملة الرقمية المشفرة البتكوين (BITCOIN)، وذلك بتحليل تلك الفتاوى ومقارنتها مقارنة فقهية، وتقديم رؤية فقهية متوازنة، وقد احتوت الدراسة على أربعة مباحث، خصصت الأول منها للفتاوى الإلكترونية والتنمية المستدامة، وتناولت فيه بيان حقيقة الفتاوى الإلكترونية، وأهميتها، وأثرها على الجانب الاقتصادي، والتنمية المستدامة، وأبعادها، مع ذكر نماذج من الفتاوى الإلكترونية وأثرها على التنمية المستدامة، في محاورها الاقتصادية والاجتماعية والبيئية، وجاء المبحث الثاني لبيان حقيقة العملة الافتراضية البتكوين (BITCOIN)، ونشأتها، وتطورها، ومزاياها، والتكييف الفقهي للعملة الرقمية البتكوين وحكمها الشرعي، والمبحث الثالث في الإشكالات الشرعية الواردة على التعامل بالعملات الرقمية، والمبحث الرابع جاء في أثر العملات الرقمية غير القانونية على التنمية المستدامة، وتناولت فيه المخاطر الاقتصادية والقانونية والتقنية للعملات الرقمية غير القانونية، ثم ذيلت البحث بأهم النتائج والتوصيات. The study aims to demonstrate the role of electronic economic fatwas issued by various bodies such as fatwa houses, jurisprudential assemblies, and scholars in the field of Islamic jurisprudence in guiding the digital economy to enhance sustainable development, through the model of the encrypted digital currency Bitcoin (BITCOIN), by analyzing and comparing these fatwas in a jurisprudential comparison, and presenting a balanced jurisprudential vision. The study included four chapters, the first of which was devoted to electronic fatwas and sustainable development, and dealt with explaining the reality of electronic fatwas, their importance, and their impact on the economic aspect, sustainable development, and their dimensions, with mentioning examples of electronic fatwas and their impact on sustainable development, in its economic, social, and environmental aspects. The second chapter came to demonstrate the reality of the virtual currency Bitcoin (BITCOIN), its origin, development, and advantages, and the jurisprudential adaptation of the digital currency Bitcoin and its legal ruling. The third chapter dealt with the legal problems arising from dealing with digital currencies. The fourth chapter dealt with the impact of illegal digital currencies on sustainable development, and dealt with the economic, legal, and technical risks of illegal digital currencies. Then it concluded. Research with the most important results and recommendations.
Despite regulatory advancements, insider trading remains a persistent challenge, particularly when linked to organized crime, which exacerbates financial fraud, money laundering, and market manipulation. This study explores the regulatory gaps that allow criminal organizations to exploit financial loopholes and collaborate with corporate insiders to evade detection. The primary research question examines the extent to which insider trading is facilitated by organized crime and the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms in countering these threats. Using a comparative legal analysis, this study evaluates enforcement frameworks across jurisdictions, focusing on the U.S. SEC’s stringent policies, the EU’s Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), and India’s SEBI Regulations, 2015. It examines whistleblower protections, AI-driven surveillance, and international regulatory cooperation as critical tools in mitigating insider trading risks. Findings indicate that while robust regulatory structures exist, enforcement challenges, jurisdictional disparities, and technological advancements continue to create vulnerabilities. Strengthening cross-border cooperation, enhancing AI-based financial monitoring, and reinforcing corporate governance are essential to improving market integrity. This research contributes to financial crime prevention by providing policy recommendations and emphasizing the need for future studies on the impact of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technologies in insider trading regulation.
Jishnu Patlola, Rishitha Manyam, Himakar Chappidi, K Suvarchala
This paper investigates the application of CodeBERT, a pre-trained transformer model, to improve the detection of vulnerabilities in smart contracts.Smart contracts, while central to blockchain technology, are susceptible to security flaws that can result in significant financial and operational risks.By fine-tuning CodeBERT on labeled datasets specifically curated for smart contracts, our approach enhances the precision and efficiency of identifying various security issues.This method not only offers a robust solution to the existing challenges in blockchain security but also contributes to the broader efforts to secure decentralized systems and ensure the reliability of blockchain applications
The foundation of rural local self-governance in India was laid post-independence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Swaraj. The Indian Constitution institutionalized this vision through provisions like the 73rd Amendment Act, which established the Panchayati Raj system as a three-tier structure for decentralized governance. Articles 243G and 40 emphasize empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for economic development and social justice, while Articles 243D, 243E, and 243I provide for reservation, periodic elections, and financial autonomy.Despite these constitutional provisions, challenges persist in rural governance. Villagers often lack awareness about government schemes and their legal rights, leading to underutilization of available resources. Administrative inefficiencies, limited participation in decision-making bodies, and issues of transparency undermine the effectiveness of rural governance. Additionally, inadequacies in the selection and training of government personnel hinder productive interactions with elected representatives and villagers.Reforms are needed to address these issues and enhance rural governance. Strengthening awareness campaigns, reforming recruitment and training of personnel, and institutionalizing mechanisms for greater villager participation are essential steps. Leveraging technology through e-governance can promote transparency and accessibility, while robust financial empowerment through State Finance Commissions can ensure PRIs have the resources necessary for development. Accountability mechanisms, such as social audits, can further improve trust and performance in rural governance.The role of new actors like civil society organizations and private sector collaborations is also crucial in bridging gaps in service delivery and promoting participatory governance. While India has achieved significant milestones in its 75 years of independence, consistent efforts and structural reforms are vital to realizing the constitutional vision of Swaraj and ensuring effective rural governance that empowers communities and fosters inclusive development.
Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies, yet inefficiencies in financial access, supply chain governance, and transaction transparency continue to hinder its full potential. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of agricultural producers globally, often face barriers such as limited credit availability, lengthy payment cycles, high transaction costs, and dependency on multiple intermediaries. These constraints perpetuate cycles of debt and reduce overall productivity. The advent of blockchain technology, particularly smart contracts, has the potential to transform agri-finance and supply chain ecosystems by introducing automation, transparency, and trustless agreements. Smart contracts, executed without intermediaries, can enforce payment settlements, credit disbursement, and delivery confirmation in a secure, immutable, and real-time manner. This study investigates the integration of smart contracts into agricultural finance supply chains through a multi-layered approach combining literature synthesis, statistical analysis, and simulation modeling. The findings reveal that smart contracts can reduce transaction costs by up to 35%, cut settlement time from weeks to mere minutes, and lower default risks by nearly 50%. Simulation-based experiments demonstrate enhanced resilience in supply chains by reducing disputes and fraud while fostering greater access to microfinance and insurance services. The study further emphasizes that smart contracts are not merely technological add-ons but strategic enablers of inclusive financial ecosystems that empower marginalized farmers, enhance trust among stakeholders, and facilitate sustainable agri-value chains. However, scalability, regulatory compliance, and digital literacy emerge as critical challenges requiring coordinated policy and infrastructure interventions. This research contributes to the discourse on agricultural digitalization by positioning smart contracts as a cornerstone technology for future-ready, efficient, and equitable agri-finance supply chains.
ABSTRACT IoT is a rapidly developing technology with a wealth of creative application possibilities. However, IoT wireless sensor networks are vulnerable to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks due to their insecure nature. Although network integrity and security have been ensured through the use of distributed ledger and blockchain technologies, privacy preservation concerns frequently arise with traditional approaches. So, deep learning‐based Physics‐informed neural networks (PINN) and Honesty‐based Distributed Proof‐of‐Authority (HDPoA) are developed to enhance transaction security and detect intrusions. Initially, the mobile nodes were deployed in different regions to gather transactions and an intrusion detection system to analyze attacks. First, the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) uses a deep learning approach for detecting the intrusion in the network. For that, the collected data from the deployed nodes are pre‐processed using Variational auto‐encoder and min‐max normalization to standardize input dataset values. Then the features are selected using wild horse optimization and classified using PINN to predict data attack or non‐attack. After that, Homomorphic variable tag generation is used for normal transactions with multiple copies in the same document, which are then converted into hash values using the Keccak hashing function. The miner validates transactions based on rank‐based priority. Honesty‐based Distributed Proof‐of‐Authority (HDPoA) was used for network security, making it suitable for deployment in blockchain‐based IoT applications. The proposed deep learning‐based PINN classifier reached 97.2% accuracy and 96.52% specificity. Homomorphic variable (HV) tag generation takes 0.4 s, while the Keccak algorithm takes 0.3 s for hash generation, and the HDPoA protocol has 420 s for block generation time.
Abstract This chapter argues that, although political finance rules should be normatively assessed in tandem with the party system, in order to develop more precise recommendations for political finance design and reform, tailored to specific political systems, we need to consider a number of contextual factors. These include electoral institutions, institutions of decentralization, form of government, and party organization. Some of these factors may directly impact on a country’s party system. But even when they do not, they should still be considered in the analysis at this stage as they can help to qualify the evaluation of party system/political finance combinations and thereby formulate more nuanced judgements that are well suited to the design of rules in a practical setting.
ABSTRACT The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is a critical component of the smart city. Various nodes exchange sensitive data for urban mobility, such as identification, position, messages, speed, and traffic statistics. Along with developing smart cities come threats to privacy and security through networks. Security is of the highest priority, considering various security‐privacy risks from the wellness, safety, and confidentiality of men and women inside the vehicle. This survey presents a detailed analysis of state‐of‐the‐art and evolving security challenges to IoV systems. It handles security challenges, such as data integrity and privacy. It also includes a critical review of the literature to identify gaps in current security mechanisms. It uses complete mathematical modeling and case studies to show the practical effectiveness of the proposed solutions. It aims to guide future development and implementation of more secure, efficient, and resilient IoV systems, particularly in smart city environments. It also introduces a novel Intrusion Detection System (IDS) with Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart contracts, and blockchain technology. These smart contracts ensure instant security with the utmost level of vulnerability through blockchain technology. In addition, we proposed a hybrid multi‐layered framework using Fog to conserve the resources at the vehicle level. We used mathematical proof to assess this framework. Merging blockchain, smart contracts, and AI into IoVs could increase human security by removing significant vulnerabilities.
Blockchain technology revolutionizes the financial sector and brings unprecedented transparency, efficiency, and security.Its decentralized and immutable nature holds fantastic potential in light of the green finance domain to provide full transparency and accountability.The purpose of this paper is to explore the multidimensional impact blockchain solutions have on transparent and sustainable financing practices.This would make easy all the funds going into a project green because it cuts across the risks of fraud and mismanagement.Blockchain technology can also make easier the smart contracts that deal with the loan approvals and disbursement of funds so that funding would be based on predefined ESG criteria.Moreover, blockchain will also allow real-time monitoring and reporting of project outcomes that may enable stakeholders to get an accurate measurement of the environmental impact of the project.Blockchain innovates carbon credit trading in that its basic mechanism to cut down on emissions allows for the secure and transparent tracking of transactions.It excludes risks about double counting, thereby enhancing market trust and participation.The decentralized finance, DeFi, built on blockchain unlocks further accessibility to green investments that were hitherto restricted to small-scale investors vis--vis large-scale sustainable projects.Despite tremendous headwinds in terms of energy consumption and regulatory barriers, the tide of progress on advances of green blockchain protocols and positive policy reinforcement is helping overcome those challenges.It concludes that blockchain is an enabling factor which helps make financing greener and more transparent, not only for a more sustainable but also accountable financial ecosystem.Therefore, it is from these all-rounded interests of governments, businesses, and technology providers that collaboration work would be realized in driving the full potential toward a greener future.
This study investigates return spillovers among the 15 most capitalized cryptocurrencies during the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were extracted from the Coin Market Cap database to ensure a comprehensive analysis of market behavior, covering a daily series from January 2020 to December 2023. The research employs three autoregressive techniques (TVP-VAR, LASSO VAR, and Ridge VAR) to verify the robustness of findings regarding market fragility influenced by non-economic shocks. The study identifies extensive return spillovers primarily driven by Bitcoin and Ethereum, with considerable influences from Cardano, Litecoin, and Polkadot. The results show Ethereum as a primary spillover transmitter in the cryptocurrency market, taking that position formerly held by Bitcoin. Despite the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies, there is potential for diversification through two stablecoins, Tether and USD Coin, which exhibit limited spillover effects from other cryptocurrencies and negative correlations with one another. As a stablecoin, DAI served as a potential diversifier during the COVID-19 pandemic but not during the Ukraine war. The study offers practical insights for investors on managing crypto portfolios during geopolitical and global health crises and the strategic use of stablecoins. Societally, the study examines the need for enhanced regulatory frameworks to reduce systemic risks in the highly interconnected cryptocurrency market. JEL Classification: G01, G11.
This study aims to determine factors that influence Mongolian customers’ intention to use cryptocurrency, which is a virtual currency created by fast-growing technology. For the theoretical framework, the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) along with received risk and financial literacy was used. Data in this study were collected by conducting survey questionnaires from cryptocurrency users of cryptocurrency platforms in Mongolia. Analyzing the data which consists of 720 valid datasets was accomplished by using SmartPLS software. The results of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that behavioral intention to use cryptocurrency is significantly and positively influenced by performance expectancy, price value, perceived risk, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions. In contrast, financial literacy has a significant negative impact on the behavioral intention to use cryptocurrency. The other two variables, effort expectancy and social influence, have no impact on cryptocurrency use. The proposed model explains 59.3% of the total variance in intention to use cryptocurrency among Mongolian customers. The outcomes of our study hold noteworthy implications for policymakers, individual users, and stakeholders within the cryptocurrency domain, as well as researchers engaged in scholarly investigations within this field. JEL Classification : G4, G11.
I received the BEng degree in computer systems engineering from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, in 2004, the MS degree from the University of Paris XI, Paris, France, in 2008, and the PhD degree from the University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, in 2011. I am currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Munster Technological University (MTU), Ireland, since January 2019. Prior to this, I worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG), Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), Waterford, Ireland, from 2017 to 2018. I also served for 5 years as an Assistant Professor at COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Wah Cantt., Pakistan. Before joining COMSATS, I worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at PASNET, LIGM, Université Paris Est Marne La Vallée, France in 2012. Over the last two decades, my research focused on wireless networks, smart grid, Internet of Things, cognitive radio networks, energy harvesting, privacy preserving algorithms, renewable energy systems, Terahertz communication, cybersecurity—protecting critical infrastructure, biomedical image analysis, generative artificial intelligence, blockchain, non-fungible tokens, tokenization, tokenomics, decentralized finance, metaverse, and cryptocurrency. Initially, I was in doubt that I didn't do anything extraordinary in teaching and learning. Thanks to my MTU colleagues, who motivated me to think and write about my leadership role and how I influenced others in teaching and learning. These few words of appreciation and motivation from colleagues boosted my confidence and now I am proud to share that I have achieved the status of Senior Fellowship from Advance HE, United Kingdom. I am serving in various academic leadership positions to shape the future of teaching and learning and participate in policy making for higher education. I am a member of the Academic Council, MTU, and a member of the Research and Innovation Committee, MTU. I extensively serve in international scientific community in various roles and capacities. I am currently an Area Editor of the IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials and IEEE Open Journal of Communications Society. I am also serving as an Editorial Board Member of NATURE Scientific Reports. Additionally, I served for 3 years (from 2015 to 2017) as an Associate Editor of the IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials. I served both as Column Editor for Book Reviews and Associate Editor in IEEE Communications Magazine. I am currently serving as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Green Communication and Networking and IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking, Elsevier Journal of Network and Computer Applications (JNCA), the Journal of Communications and Networks (JCN), and several other journals. I served as Lead Guest Editor and Co-Guest Editor for more than 40 special issues which were published in top leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, Elsevier Future Generation Computer Systems, Elsevier Physical Communications, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications—Series on Network Softwarization and Enablers, Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies, Elsevier Ad Hoc Networks, IEEE Communications Magazine, and Elsevier Pervasive and Mobile Computing. I served as Chair, Co-Chair, and Technical Program Committee Member of prestigious international conferences and workshops such as IEEE ICC, IEEE Globecom, IEEE PIMRC, Infocom, IEEE VTC, IEEE WCNC, and so forth. I served as Industry Exhibits Co-Chair (Industrial Forum and Exhibition) in the IEEE Conference on Communications (ICC) 2020 held in Dublin, Ireland. My research profile is well established and recognized nationally and internationally. I am leading research by developing multi-disciplinary, industry-focused research with national and international partners. It focuses on United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals encompasses “sustainable cities and communities,” “affordable and clean energy,” and “industry, innovation and infrastructure.” I have authored/edited total 10 books—published by international publishers such as Springer, IGI Global, USA, CRC Press—Taylor and Francis Group, UK, and Wiley, UK. I have published 130 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals/transactions/magazines and international conferences. My total Accumulative Impact Factor is more than 600, H-Index = 50, i-10 index = 115, Citations = 13,163—according to Google Scholar. I received “Best Researcher of the Year 2015 of COMSATS Wah” award in 2015. I received the certificate of appreciation, “Exemplary Editor of the IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials for the year 2015” from the IEEE Communications Society. I received Best Paper Award from IEEE ComSoc Technical Committee on Communications Systems Integration and Modeling (CSIM), in IEEE ICC 2017. I consecutively received research productivity award in 2016–2017 and also ranked # 1 in all Engineering disciplines from Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST), Government of Pakistan. I received Best Paper Award in 2017 from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Government of Pakistan. I am the recipient of Best Paper Award in 2018 from Elsevier Journal of Network and Computer Applications. I am the recipient of Highly Cited Researcher award thrice in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by Clarivate, USA. My performance in this context features in the TOP 1% by citations in the field of Computer Science and Cross Field in the Web of Science citation index. I am the Only Researcher from Ireland in the field of “Computer Science” who received this International prestigious award. In Oct 2022, I received Science Foundation Ireland's CONNECT Centre's Education and Public Engagement (EPE) Award 2022 for my research outreach work and being a spokesperson for achieving a work-life balance for a career in research. The author declares no conflicts of interest.
The implementation of open banking frameworks together with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) creates significant market changes because they boost financial innovation as well as customer satisfaction while promoting market competition. The research study examines the impact of regulatory movements along with technical advancements which rebuilds conventional banking systems through open banking processes. The security of financial data exchange facilitated through open banking APIs allows financial institutions to link with third-party providers for delivering state-of-the-art personalized services and better access to credit and seamless payments. This analysis focuses on the opportunities along with issues that come from using open banking technology together with the necessity of standardizing API protocols because of privacy threats and digital security vulnerabilities. Open banking serves as a technology that builds financial inclusion by giving consumers full control of their financial data. The findings from industry studies with case examples demonstrate how open banking joint with APIs transitions finance toward a decentralized user-focused system that connects different entities. The research shows that open banking success depends on the teamwork between stakeholders while strong regulatory guides and innovative efforts drive complete exploitation of its potential
The present contribution explores – for the first time in economic literature – the monetary experiment called Lugano’s Plan ₿ and conducted by the City of Lugano (Switzerland) since March 2022 consisting of a public-private partnership with a global player in the stablecoin market such as Tether. In addition to stimulating a vivacious public debate about payment methods and fostering educational initiatives, the City of Lugano has created LVGA, a local payment token based on blockchain technology, which represents de facto a stablecoin pegged to the Swiss franc. The present case study provides further insights into the local experience of Lugano and might represent an example of “best practices” to be further explored by the economic literature in the future.
The accelerating shift toward a digital economy, driven by advancements in technology, has fundamentally transformed the nature of assets, markets, and business models. In this changing environment, Fair Value Accounting (FVA) — which aims to measure assets and liabilities based on current market conditions — faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The emergence of digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized finance (DeFi) products has exposed limitations in traditional valuation frameworks, highlighting issues related to market volatility, illiquidity, and the absence of standardized valuation practices. At the same time, technological innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain technology offer new tools that can enhance the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of fair value measurements. This paper critically examines the future trajectory of fair value accounting in a digitalized world, identifies the major obstacles in valuing digital assets, and explores the role of emerging technologies in addressing these gaps. By analyzing global regulatory responses and proposing strategic reforms, this study provides insights into how accounting standards must evolve to maintain relevance, reliability, and comparability in financial reporting. Ultimately, the paper argues for a proactive transformation of FVA practices, integrating dynamic digital valuation methods while preserving the core principles of accountability, transparency, and investor protection in an increasingly complex economic landscape.
The integration of blockchain , Internet of Things devices, and distributed energy resources is revolutionizing peer-to-peer energy trading by enabling decentralized, efficient, and transparent transactions. However, existing solutions face challenges related to privacy, interoperability, and scalability. This paper presents PrGChain, a privacy-preserving blockchain-enabled energy trading framework within the smart grid, incorporating a decentralized ZKOracle to securely connect blockchain networks with off-chain energy data sources . The proposed ZKOracle employs zero-knowledge proofs to verify energy data without exposing sensitive information , ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, while leveraging a distributed network of oracle nodes for enhanced reliability and interoperability. To improve security and efficiency, PrGChain utilizes smart contracts , decentralized applications (dApps), and leverages stablecoins to mitigate cryptocurrency volatility. Performance evaluations demonstrate that our system achieves improved decentralization and privacy without sacrificing efficiency. This is particularly true when deployed on Layer 2 blockchain networks like Polygon, where transaction latency and costs are significantly reduced.
Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency that has been in existence for some time now. Its value has been volatile, with most of its prices fluctuating significantly, making it difficult to predict its prices when investing. This paper employed a Neural Basis Expansion Analysis Time Serie (N-BEATS) deep learning architecture to predict Bitcoin prices. The model was chosen because of its proven capabilities of modelling intricate patterns in time series data. An hourly Bitcoin price data of 729 days collected from Yahoo Finance extensively assesses the N-BEATS model's performance while comparing it with other machine learning models like the Linear Regression and the long-short-term-memory (LSTM) networks. Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and R-squared (R²) were utilised as performance evaluation metrics. N-BEATS surpassed the others by providing an R² score of 0.00240 and an MAE score of 0.9998. These findings are significant and shed light on how deep learning models can be used for financial forecasting. The result shows that the N-BEATS model is more accurate and reliable for predicting cryptocurrencies' prices, which may be very useful for investors in making decisions and managing risks.