Equity Crowdfunding: characteristics, main players and European regulatory framework. The case of the Italian Energy Social Company Infinity Hub: when Equity Crowdfunding is more than a form of financing.

The aim of this dissertation is to discover and explain the legislation of the Equity Crowdfunding activities, with a focus on the EU regulations, followed by the analysis of the case of Infinity Hub. First, a wide perspective on FinTech and new technologies related to finance will be given, considering the legislative complications that may occur and the actions taken by the EU institutions, in order to avoid lack of regulation in the FinTech system. Second, after having examined the worldwide effect of Equity Crowdfunding, a deep analysis of its characteristics and of the current European regulatory framework will be accomplished. In Chapter n.3, the Equity Crowdfunding system and regulation in Italy will be examined, followed by the case of Infinity Hub, its innovative business model and the benefits the company has achieved through this new form of financing. In conclusions, considerations about the EU regulations will be done, relating to the issues Infinity Hub may have faced and the urge of the Institutions to anticipate the innovation development of the financial activities.