Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies

Shaping the Financial World

Overview

• The Internet and the Payment Riddle
• Money
• Satoshi Nakamoto's Innovation
• Crypto Markets
  
• Blockchain Technology Use Cases
  
• Challenges & Assessing Viability of Use Cases
  
• Central Bank Digital Currencies
  
• Ground Truths
  

Readings

• 'Even if a Thousand Projects Don't Make It, Blockchain Is Still a Change Catalyst' Gensler, CoinDesk
• 'Economics of Money & Blockchain Technology and Evaluating Projects' MIT Cryptocurrency Online Course
• 'Responses from Big Finance' MIT Cryptocurrency Online Course
• 'The technology of retail central bank digital currency' Bank of International Settlement
  

Study Questions

• How does Bitcoin fit within the history of money, the emergence of the Internet and failed attempts of cryptographic payment systems?
• What are the strategic and tactical considerations in assessing the viability and value proposition of a blockchain technology project? How can you separate rigorous analysis from mere assertion and hype in the blockchain ecosystem? 
• What strategic considerations should go into Central Banks thinking of  expanding access to digital reserves through central bank digital currency (CBDC)?