Certificate Programme in Blockchain and FinTech

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Blockchain

The first module provides an overview of blockchain technology and explains both the basic concepts and its functions with the help of application examples. For example, using the still most prominent application, Bitcoin, it is shown how the proof-of-work approach ensures that manipulations of the Bitcoin blockchain are virtually impossible. At the beginning, an overview of stable coins and CBDC, crypto applications in the monetary system, is also gained.

In the second part of the module, after an introduction to computer science, various types of blockchains, their functioning and consensus mechanisms are extensively discussed, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are presented. The applicability of blockchain technologies in companies, so-called enterprise-grade blockchains, is also discussed.

Module 2 – Tokenisation

The second module first examines current digital innovations and changed business models of financial intermediaries as well as crowdfunding and crowdlending. Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to the field of the token economy, Initial Coin Offerings and Security Token Offerings are also covered.

The tokenisation of assets is considered in the second block, before in the last, technical section the way in which a token is generated and which characteristics it carries are the focus.

Module 3 – Legal and Tax Aspects

In the third module, the focus shifts. The legal and tax aspects of the instruments and markets covered are discussed. The main focus is on the legal situation in the Principality of Liechtenstein and the EEA, as well as the effects of recent European regulatory initiatives. Selected current regulatory approaches from neighbouring countries are also addressed, and still open regulatory questions are discussed from a legal perspective.

Subsequently, the tax implications of financial processes based on blockchain technology are discussed. A particular focus is placed on the taxability of different tokens.

Module 4 – Innovation Driver FinTech and Artificial Intelligence

For a long time, the financial industry was dominated by only a few different types of intermediaries, such as banks or asset managers. In recent years, however, FinTechs have increasingly been entering this market. This module covers the key areas in which FinTechs and InsurTechs operate.

At the beginning of the module, innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, API Banking and Machine Learning are examined – technologies that are highly relevant for future digital and financial innovations.

Module 5 – Decentralized Finance and Asset Management in the Crypto World

In the final module, participants acquire the necessary skills to successfully apply the knowledge gained in asset management. As an essential foundation, Decentralized Finance applications are examined, and the trading venues for cryptocurrencies are analysed, highlighting their differences from traditional stock exchanges. Building on this, the various financial instruments already available in this field are addressed.

FinTechs often offer specialised, high-quality services in asset management at a low cost. Therefore, in the second part, which focuses on risk and portfolio management, both blockchain-based investment opportunities are analysed and FinTech-based solutions discussed that can complement traditional approaches.