This article discusses the main changes in the field of digital and cryptocurrencies, as well as their interpretation from the standpoint of the common theory of money (e.g. the definition of monetary functions). The consequences of the central banks’ monetary policies as well as their reaction by launching their own digital currency (central bank digital currency/CBDC) have also been dwelt upon. The possible changes in the global currency system have been outlined. Special attention has been paid to the development of higher economic education as a result of the new monetary and financial technologies and the digital economy. These topics have been set forth against the background of the experience of different countries (with a particular emphasis on Russia's practice), as well as by summarizing leading research and publications in the field. © 2019, Bulgarska Akademiya na Naukite. All rights reserved.