The article discusses the impact of "sectoral" financial sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation on the investment climate of the country and its regions (using the example of the Voronezh region), as well as on foreign direct investment (FDI). Despite the fact that simultaneously with the restrictions imposed on the economy of Russia and its regions, a number of other factors influence their importance for investment activities can be determined reliably. It is concluded that the negative impact of sanctions on the Russian investment climate was in short-term. Using the example of the Voronezh region, the influence of specific features of the region and the investment policy used to attract foreign investors is shown.

The chapter studies the problem of a possible influence of the unregulated use of blockchain technology on financial markets and regulation. The authors proceed from the assumption that development of new technologies used in financial markets is of great importance and, at the same time, see a threat to the stable functioning and regulation of financial institutions, primarily credit institutions. The correct solution of the question of the necessity and the limits of regulation of the blockchain technology usage in financial markets, in the authors' opinion, should be considered a factor of the financial markets' competitiveness improving.

The article discusses the main foreign and domestic practices (techniques) for evaluating a region's investment attractiveness; their heuristic capabilities, features of development and special aspects of use are considered, and their benefits and drawbacks are highlighted. The position of Russian regions in various ratings is shown. The article also identifies the main "consumers" of the results of evaluating regional investment attractiveness.