The fourth edition of the book Finance: The Basics offers a clear and practical introduction to the world of finance. It thoroughly explains the basic financial statements, tools, and concepts, as well as the fundamental financial mechanisms and transactions, along with the players, markets, and systems of global finance. This fully revised edition includes significant aspects of a changing financial landscape, such as:

• A new chapter dedicated to the emerging world of digital currencies, with a review of digital finance and a detailed discussion on regulated and unregulated digital currencies (including cryptocurrencies).
• New sections dealing with social issues that directly affect finance, such as sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives, socially responsible investing (SRI), microfinance, and impact investing.
• Twelve updated real case studies ('Finance in Action' studies) and nine new case studies focusing on annuities, sustainability, green finances, digital currencies, fintech/decentralized finance, ESG and SRI investments, quantitative easing, and tightening, and the financial emergence of China.
• A concise and comprehensive glossary containing significant terms discussed in the book.
• Supplementary digital resources, including PowerPoints for instructors and a question bank for students.

Each chapter is accompanied by an overview and summary, illustrations and tables, real case studies, and recommended readings. Finance: The Basics is essential reading for anyone interested in the exciting world of finance.