This paper provides a systematic review of empirical literature on cryptocurrencies, focusing on major topics such as the asset class trilemma, pricing bubbles, regulatory disorientation, and cybercriminality. Despite the significant price appreciation, cryptocurrencies face accusations of pricing bubbles, regulatory challenges, and increased cybercriminality. The paper highlights the unique issues in cryptocurrency markets, including sustainability, market correlations, and regulatory alignment. It also discusses the diversification benefits and market efficiency of cryptocurrencies. The review aims to aggregate existing knowledge and identify gaps in the literature, emphasizing the need for more diverse research approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the cryptocurrency field.This paper provides a systematic review of empirical literature on cryptocurrencies, focusing on major topics such as the asset class trilemma, pricing bubbles, regulatory disorientation, and cybercriminality. Despite the significant price appreciation, cryptocurrencies face accusations of pricing bubbles, regulatory challenges, and increased cybercriminality. The paper highlights the unique issues in cryptocurrency markets, including sustainability, market correlations, and regulatory alignment. It also discusses the diversification benefits and market efficiency of cryptocurrencies. The review aims to aggregate existing knowledge and identify gaps in the literature, emphasizing the need for more diverse research approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the cryptocurrency field.