Trade fairs, gallery owners and auction houses are closely interlinked in the art trade. "Each of these channels has its specific challenge - and collectors benefit," explains private-wealth art expert Florian Mercker.

Automaton. More than 150 years ago, talented mechanics began to recreate living beings in artistic automatons. These songbirds, humans and dogs master the most complicated movements and patterns. However, their performance only knows one direction - upwards.

Art fair TEFAF. Patrick van Maris has made a name for himself at Sotheby's auction house. Since 2015 he has been CEO of TEFAF, which will take place from 10 to 18 March in Maastricht. The fair has long been known for its concentration on old masters and antiques. How does he succeed in opening up to a wider range of styles? And how is he preparing for the collectors of the future?

Philanthropy. With a sub-foundation to the Merck Finck Foundation, people oriented toward the common good can achieve everything that would be possible in a legally independent foundation - only easier, cheaper and more efficient. A very special model.

Some crypto currencies will establish themselves as means of payment in the long run, says Uwe Zimmer of Fundamental Capital. "An investment in the leading digital computing units is therefore worthwhile."