Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

This course will examine cryptocurrencies and the new roles blockchains play in currencies, banks, and the real economy. Since the creation of Bitcoin in 2008, digital currencies have grown rapidly and are challenging governments as potential competitors to fiat currencies. Blockchain technology is now being applied to facilitate asset exchanges in stock and bond markets, payments using stablecoins, and raising capital using token sales. While the technology has the potential to greatly improve the productivity of financial services around the world, regulators are facing new issues related to taxation, money laundering, privacy, and securities registration. We will examine these and other issues and feature guest speakers from the digital asset community.