Blockchain and FinTech: From Theory to Future Assets

Unlock the potential of decentralised finance with our Blockchain and FinTech course. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, this course bridges the gap between traditional economic theory and the cutting-edge digital landscape.

You will gain an understanding of how distributed ledger technology (DLT) is revolutionising global markets, going beyond the hype to examine the operations that power modern financial services.

Blockchain Theory and Operational Fundamentals

The course begins by exploring the blockchain concepts that underpin the digital economy. We will explore the historical antecedents of the ledger and the specific benefits, such as transparency, security, and immutability, that make this technology transformative. By using cryptocurrencies as a primary case study, you will learn to outline blockchain application functions and understand the complex economic theories that sustain these decentralised networks.

Digital Assets: Cryptocurrencies and Tokens

Move beyond simple transactions to explore the diverse ecosystem of digital assets - we will distinguish between native cryptocurrencies and digital tokens, which serve as versatile tools for value storage and asset exchange. We will provide a clear illustration of how these assets are minted and managed, offering a practical perspective on the technical infrastructure of the token economy.

The Evolution of Money: Stablecoins and CBDCs

As the financial sector evolves, the debate surrounding the future of cash intensifies. We will examine the rise of Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), exploring how they differ from fiat money.

By investigating these state-issued assets, you will evaluate their impact on monetary policy and the potential transition toward a fully digital financial system.

Syllabus

Week 1
Blockchain: Introduction, Theory and Operations
- Introduction to the worlds of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
  In this activity the concepts of Blockchain and cryptocurrency will be defined via the use of a range of examples. The benefits will then be outlined and the concept of trust introduced.
- Blockchain theory and operations
  In this activity we will examine how a simple Blockchain transaction occurs. We will then examine the key steps required and how these are underpinned by economic theory.
Week 2
Blockchain: Crypto, Tokens & Uses
- Tokens and crypto
  In this opening activity, we will look at the concept of tokenisation and how traditional currencies and digital currencies are used as stores of value and mediums of exchange.
- Crypto, a deeper dive
  In this activity we take a deeper dive into the benefits, uses and operation of cryptocurrencies.
- Blockchain Challenges
  This activity will explore some of the challenges that digital currencies face.
- Blockchain Applications in Business
  In this, our final activity we will consider some business focused Blockchain applications. The course then concludes with a summary of the main topics covered together with a final, fun quiz.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Identify the core principles and historical antecedents of blockchain technology
Explain the economic theories and operational benefits of distributed ledgers
Distinguish between cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and traditional fiat money
Analyse the role of stablecoins and CBDCs within the global financial ecosystem
Evaluate the impact of emerging fintech applications on the future of currency

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for finance professionals, tech entrepreneurs, and students eager to master the digital economy. It’s ideal for those seeking to understand blockchain operations, cryptocurrency assets, and the future of decentralised finance.

Who developed the course?

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

What's included?

FutureLearn are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn