Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain & FinTech

4.0 credits

This course provides an overview of the current state of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and “FinTech”, which is generally defined as using technology (such as artificial intelligence) to transform the financial industry. The course combines aspects of many disciplines, including computer programming, mathematics, finance, economics and exotic fields like quantum physics. As computing power increases, there is an increasing use of cryptocurrency blockchains to provide platforms for trading assets and derivative contracts, as well as increases in the use of artificial intelligence in traditional finance areas such as payments, loans and insurance. Both AI and blockchain advances raise numerous questions about legal rules and enforcement and, more generally, long-term economic success (e.g., how many of the hundreds of different payment systems and cryptocurrencies will survive? Are DeFi loans a “safe” way to earn from pledging your crypto? Are AI solutions biased? Will financial markets need humans in the future?). Pre-Requisite: FIN 205