Digital Currencies and Business Models
Certificate Course - Financial Engineering - FE.1.3.I26
| Date | Nov 26 - 27, 2026 |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Location | On campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | Upon request |
| Cost | 1,550 € |
Fundamentals
Understand blockchain, trustless distributed systems, and digital currencies including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and CBDCs.
Technology
Analyze smart contracts, their logic, applications, and limits, as well as the architecture and risks of decentralized finance DeFi.
Applications
Evaluate blockchain-based business models such as asset tokenization and their economic impact on financial markets and commerce.
What you´ll explore
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Explore how digital currencies function, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies, through the core roles of money.
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Understand blockchain technology, trustless distributed systems, and how they reshape financial markets and business models.
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Learn the principles of smart contracts, their applications, limitations, and real-world use cases.
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Analyze the architecture of decentralized finance (DeFi), including its opportunities, interoperability, and emerging risks.
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Examine blockchain-based business models such as asset tokenization, fundraising, and decentralized organizations.
Your key takeaways
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Understanding of blockchain technology and trustless distributed systems
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Ability to distinguish between cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and CBDCs
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Knowledge of smart contracts, their applications, and limitations
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Insights into DeFi architecture, opportunities, and associated risks
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Evaluation of blockchain-based business models and economic implications
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Awareness of tokenization, decentralized organizations, and new financial structures
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Skills to assess the impact of digital currencies on financial markets and commerce
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Practical perspective on innovation using blockchain-based business concepts
Taught by recognized experts in Digital Currencies and Business Models
Benefit from the knowledge of leading specialists with extensive experience in research and industry. Their deep expertise guarantees a course of outstanding academic and practical quality.
Prof. Dr. Philipp Schuster
Prof. Dr. Philipp Schuster is Professor of Finance at the University of Stuttgart and a guest researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His work focuses on asset pricing, liquidity risk, and bond and derivatives markets. He previously held positions as postdoctoral researcher and junior research group leader at KIT, where he also completed his habilitation.
His research combines empirical analysis with financial modeling to better understand market frictions and financial innovation.
Who should attend
This course is particularly beneficial for professionals in the following fields:
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Fintech and digital finance innovators
Professionals designing or implementing digital currency solutions, blockchain-based business models, or decentralized financial systems. -
Corporate treasurers and financial strategists
Executives managing digital assets, payment systems, or exploring blockchain applications for corporate finance and treasury. -
Bankers and payment specialists
Professionals in banking, payment processing, or digital banking seeking to integrate cryptocurrencies or CBDCs into financial products. -
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Founders or innovators building ventures around digital currencies, DeFi, NFTs, or blockchain-based business models. -
Regulators and policy analysts
Government officials, central bankers, or policy advisors evaluating the impact of digital currencies and regulatory frameworks. -
Investors and asset managers
Professionals in venture capital, asset management, or investment roles analyzing digital currencies and blockchain-based investment opportunities. -
Academics and researchers in finance and technology
Researchers, PhD candidates, or academics studying digital currencies, economic models, or blockchain applications in finance.
Advance your career with KIT-level expertise
Benefit from the reputation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) while gaining practical skills, flexible learning opportunities, and a recognized certificate to support your long-term professional growth.
Flexibility
Gain focused expertise in a specific field without committing to a full degree program, allowing you to build relevant knowledge efficiently and integrate learning seamlessly into your professional routine.
Relevance
Benefit from high-quality academic content combined with practical insights, delivered by experienced experts, supporting continuous, lifelong learning while ensuring direct applicability in real-world scenarios.
Advancement
Enhance your professional profile with a recognized certificate, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing development and supporting your career with tangible, verifiable credentials.