FNCE 4080 Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies – Speculation or Innovation?

2017 and 2018 have proven to be major years for cryptocurrencies but despite the number of individuals purchasing and using cryptocurrencies, the typical investor’s understanding of the underlying business models of different cryptocurrencies is quite limited. Moreover, general understanding of blockchain applications separate from cryptocurrency application is quite lacking. In addition to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, this course will introduce students to novel fundraising mechanisms like ICOs, the current stance of federal (and international) regulators with respect to cryptocurrencies, and some of the most promising business applications of blockchain unrelated to cryptocurrencies. Given the market capitalization of cryptocurrencies, and the rapidly increasing salience of commercial blockchain applications, a more rigorous grounding in cryptocurrencies and their underlying technology is of increasing importance for many roles in the private sector.