In an era where traditional investment paradigms are being constantly redefined by technological innovation and the global push towards sustainability, Themes in Alternative Investments emerges as a seminal volume designed to guide investors, finance professionals, and scholars through the complex terrain of non-traditional financial vehicles. This volume presents a thorough exploration of the interconnections between cutting-edge technology, dynamic market forces, and the intricate regulatory landscapes shaping the future of finance. With a spotlight on burgeoning investment mediums such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), private equity, and fine wine, it provides a critical analysis of the burgeoning domain of sustainable finance solutions amidst the digital revolution.

The contributors to this volume undertake a meticulous examination of alternative investments, presenting a nuanced narrative that spans from the infamous Tuna Bonds scandal to the high-profile downfalls of Silicon Valley Bank and the FTX exchange. This narrative delves into the profound implications of technological advancements on market infrastructures, scrutinising the shifting contours of financial fraud and the paramount importance of robust regulatory frameworks in upholding market integrity.

Themes in Alternative Investments not only dissects the allure and pitfalls of these emergent investment avenues but also casts a critical eye on the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping investment strategies and market operations. The discussion transcends the mere identification of opportunities and challenges, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms by which technology and AI are becoming pivotal in the detection and prevention of market manipulation and fraud.

As the landscape of alternative investments expands, driven by investor appetite for innovation and higher yields, this volume serves as an indispensable resource. It equips stakeholders with the analytical tools and insights needed to discern the complexities of these investment strategies, navigate their risks, and harness the potential of financial markets evolving under the influence of digital transformation and sustainability imperatives.

Shaen Corbet is Full Professor of Finance at Dublin City University, Ireland, and Visiting Professor of Finance at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Prof. Corbet's main research interests include financial economics, financial econometrics, the study of financial crises, and FinTech. Shaen is also working on a number of funded projects that investigate the role that finance can play when combatting climate change. Shaen has published more than 100 refereed journal articles and has won several prestigious awards in the categories of best young researcher, best researcher, and best paper. He is currently serving in various editorial roles across several leading international journals. He has previously worked as an equities trader, and as an economist with the Central Bank of Ireland. Shaen has acted as an expert witness in multiple high-profile international court cases and has provided expert reports to a variety of international government departments and regulatory authorities. In 2021, Shaen was added to the Clarivate list of the Top 1% of Scientists Worldwide.

Charles Larkin (Discip. Schol.), B.A., Ph.D. [TCD] is Director of Research at the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath. He was previously special advisor to the Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Dr. Michael Harty, TD (Ind.) and to Senator Sean Barrett (Ind.) of the Irish Senate. Dr. Larkin is also an adjunct assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, Johns Hopkins University, and the Institute of Public Administration (Dublin). He also holds non-executive director positions as member of the governing authority of Technological University Dublin and the board of Accounting Technicians Ireland. Dr. Larkin has authored several items of Irish legislation and over 60 scholarly articles, most especially in the areas of finance, cryptocurrencies, and public policy economics. Charles has made multiple media appearances, including on RTE, Virgin Media and the BBC.