As we embrace the new normal in the aftermath of Covid-19, the year 2020 also marks the decade of action as we start the 10-year countdown to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In this paper, we attempt to explore the extent to which the hardly won development gains over the last years could be reversed due to the unfolding COVID-19 global pandemic, how do we reboot the global response to accelerate the SDGs in times of uncertainties, and most importantly how to turn the recovery into an opportunity to build back better and more resilient economies. To do so, we examine the case of blockchain as one of the emerging innovative work-streams in development practices that could lead the way forward and pave the path for new developmental narratives as we all navigate the uncharted territories of the new digital age.

As the world is striving to recover from the shockwaves triggered by the Covid-19 crisis, all hands are needed on deck to transition towards a green recovery and make peace with nature as prerequisites of a global sustainable development pathway. In this paper, we examine the blockchain hype and the gaps in data and tools to build promising use cases for blockchain technology to accelerate global efforts in the decade of action towards achieving the SDGs. We attempted to break the hype-cycle portraying blockchain’s superiority by navigating a rational blockchain use case development approach. By prototyping an SDG Acceleration Scorecard to use blockchain-enabled solutions as SDG accelerators, we aim to provide useful insights towards developing an integrated approach that is fit-for-purpose to guide organizations and practitioners in their quest to make informed decisions to design and implement blockchain-backed solutions as SDG accelerators. Acknowledging the limitations in prototyping such tools, we believe these are minimally viable products and should be considered as living tools that can further evolve as the blockchain technology is getting mature, its pace of adoption increasing, and its lessons learned, good practices and standards widely shared and internalized by teams and organizations working on innovation for development.

This article discusses the impact of new financial technologies, such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) on traditional industries such as art, sports, and game, while focusing on the recently formed "Metaverse" market. As a component of the overall blockchain ecosystem, the history of the establishment of NFT is analyzed. The impact of Web3 and intelligent contracts on Fintech are also investigated. This study examines the general trends in the NFTs market, including their price formation, price-influencing factors, and available patterns. Then the paper provides classifications and examples of NTFs. Besides, the technological application and primary technical path are also described. Later, the paper assesses the market's and marketplaces' accessibility. Finally, this study evaluates the management applications of NFTs and analyzes existing platforms, and demonstrates how they can be implemented effectively in various settings. The concluding portion discusses technological obstacles. The study concludes with a discussion of potential applications for the results and prospects for future research.

Blockchain is a path-breaking paradigm, and cryptocurrencies are one of the main application areas of Blockchain technology. Bitcoin leads the cryptocurrency markets, both in terms of market capitalization and in scientific interest. In this paper, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric study of the Bitcoin-related literature. Using the Scopus database, we created a sample that comprises 4495 documents written in the 2011–2020 period. Furthermore, we provided insights about dimensions such as the change in the number of publications over the course of years, the main research areas, types of published documents, most important platforms and sources of Bitcoin publications, highly cited studies, productive authors, author’s countries, and finally main funders of Bitcoin-related research. Lastly, our bibliometric study manifests the current state and future path of Bitcoin literature from distinct perspectives.

This study utilizes the Random Forest technique to investigate risk management practices and concerns in Islamic banks using survey data from 2016 to 2021. Findings reveal that larger banks provide more consistent survey responses, driven by their confidence and larger survey budgets. Moreover, a positive link is established between a country's development, characterized by high GDPs and low inflation and interest rates, and the precision of Islamic banks' survey responses. Analyzing risk-related concerns, the study notes a significant reduction in credit portfolio risk, attributed to improved risk management practices, global economic growth, stricter regulations, and diversified asset portfolios. Concerns related to terrorism financing and cybersecurity risks have also decreased due to better enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations and investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and education. This research enhances our understanding of risk management in Islamic banks, highlighting the impact of bank size and country development. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for ongoing analysis beyond 2021 to account for potential COVID-19 effects and evolving risk management and regulatory practices in Islamic banking.

The main aim of this article is to examine the inter-relationships among the top cryptocurrencies on the crypto stock market in the presence and absence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nine chosen cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Eos, BitcoinCash, Binance, Stellar, and Tron and their daily closing price data are captured from coinmarketcap over the period from 9/13/2017 to 9/21/2020. To determine the order of integration, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP), and Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schmidt, and Shin (KPSS) unit root tests were carried out, and all of the cryptocurrencies were found to be integrated of order 1 i.e. I(1). It has been found that there is strong evidence of a long-run relationship between Bitcoin and altcoins irrespective of whether it is pre-pandemic or pandemic period. Hence these cryptocurrencies' prices and their inter-relationship are resilient to the pandemic.

This paper analyzes the potential strategies for a bank merger from a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) perspective, focusing on three key criteria: profitability, market share, and service quality. In the short-term, the merged bank should prioritize optimizing financial performance through cost management, revenue stream identification, and risk management practices. Market share expansion can be achieved through targeted customer acquisition and retention efforts, market research, and competitive analysis. Service quality can be enhanced through improved customer service, efficient complaint resolution processes, and leveraging technology. These short-term plans align the merged bank's operations with the identified criteria and promote responsible banking practices that contribute towards the SDGs. In the long-term, the merged bank should focus on diversifying revenue streams, expanding its customer base, and optimizing cost structure. Long-term strategies should include establishing a strong brand presence, customer loyalty programs, and continuous improvement in service quality. The paper emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress, making necessary adjustments, and aligning with SDGs for sustained profitability and long-term success in the marketplace. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for banks considering a merger and highlight the significance of considering SDGs in their strategic planning.

This study explores the implications of merging two fundamentally different types of banks: Islamic and conventional banks. The research aims to provide insight into such a merger's unique opportunities and challenges and offer strategic guidance for future mergers. A balanced scorecard-based strategic analysis using Quantum Spherical Fuzzy Decision-Making Approach was used to develop the merged bank's short- and long-term strategic plans. The balanced scorecard included 12 key performance indicators (KPIs) in 4 groups, and the methodology also incorporated several questions to guide the analysis. The study results offer valuable insights into the potential opportunities and challenges of merging these two types of banks and strategic recommendations for stakeholders at all levels. The study is a valuable guideline for future mergers between similar or different types of banks. Overall, the findings suggest that a well-planned merger strategy is essential for avoiding challenges and maximizing the benefits of merging Islamic and conventional banks. By integrating the strengths of both types of banks, a merged entity could create a competitive advantage and potentially improve financial performance. However, this requires careful consideration of cultural differences, regulatory challenges, and other factors that could impact the merger's success.