Dear readers,

the second issue of the special edition “Ri-nova“ focuses on two main topics: the automation of legal relationships and developments in both European and German money laundering regulation. Both represent, in a way, cures to pains. We have learnt that innovation begins with a problem, i.e. with a situation that needs to be changed. In the case of so-called crypto assets, the question arises as to what the real innovation is: their creation or the new rules relating to them?

With their article “Enforcing Law Through Information Technology“ Dr. Anna K. Bernzen and Dr. Roman F. Kehrberger provide an overview and discuss, using selected examples, the questions that arise when the often proposed automated enforcement of private and public law becomes a reality. In order to show that there are legally possible alternatives in contrast to the often proposed, rather unrealistic and unlawful automation projects, a Ri-contribution from 2017 is revived: the concept of an automated apartment rental agreement.

Mirjam Steinfeld examines the genesis of European anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and discusses, including the Sixth Directive (EU 2018/1673) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on combating money laundering by criminal law, L 284/22, what is alarming about the ongoing developments.

Dr. Holger Schelling and Valeria Hoffmann describe changes to German law based on the European AML-legislation and what is important to bear in mind with regard to the crypto asset business in Germany.

Last but not least, I would like to thank you, all of our amazing contributors of the 2019 issues, our partners Steady Media GmbH, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden and the public libraries.

Happy holidays and a happy new year!

Claudia Otto

Editor