LFU:online

The course introduces students to two potentially disruptive digital phenomena in the finance industry: Cryptofinance, and the broader emergence of various new FinTech business models.

The first part is dedicated to Cryptofinance, in particular cryptocurrencies.

The development of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) has potentially profound implications for the financial ecosystem. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge about applicability of DLT in financial markets. Emphasis will be put on an assessment of the economic viability of DLT solutions. The most prominent example of cryptofinance to date are cryptocurrencies. The course will analyze its role as asset class as well as means of exchange. Students will acquire a critical assessment of the economic role of cryptocurrencies.

In the second part, the impact of digitalization on the finance industry and especially the emergence of new, digital based business models is discussed. Within the course these new FinTech business models are critically assessed against the background of standard financial intermediation theory. Chances and risks are analyzed from the viewpoint of firms, households, and incumbent financial institutions.

Interactive lectures and discussion, online part based on webinar.