2014 has seen China's distrust of corporations, banks and the government grow more than ever before. By positioning itself as a cheaper and more trustworthy alternative to intermediary agents, can finance service Rong360 attract customers that don't understand online banking?

Infamous cryptocurrency Bitcoin is renowned for enabling its users to buy illegal goods online. But thanks to a Berlin-based cluster of brick-and-mortar stores, people can buy a beer with Bitcoin now, too. But what do retailers stand to gain from accepting a currency that’s still so underused?

Whether pinging your colleague a PDF or sending a mate an mp3, email attachments are the norm. And Google Wallet now allows UK users to attach cash to their emails, too. But in a financial landscape rife with privacy concerns, do people really want bank transfers to be as easy as sending an email?

There are more than 2.5 million Bristol Pounds in circulation, and it’s accepted at over 800 business across the city. How is this alternative currency developing a sense of community, helping out hip professionals and hard-up locals alike, and even increasing people's self-esteem?