Course Description

Welcome to the cutting-edge world of digital currency! This intermediate-level course, offered by HKUx, delves into the revolutionary changes happening in the financial landscape. As our world increasingly embraces digital forms of money, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of digital currencies, their functions, and the crucial aspect of ensuring their security for global users.

What You'll Learn

• Define and understand digital currency
• Explore various digital currency infrastructures
• Analyze opportunities and risks associated with Cryptocurrency, CBDC, and Stablecoin technologies
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on CBDCs and electronic payment instruments
• Assess security and privacy regulations of digital currency from both technological and legal perspectives

Prerequisites

This course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in digital currencies and FinTech. However, a basic understanding of financial concepts and computer science would be beneficial.

Course Content

• Introduction to digital currencies and their global adoption
• Functioning of digital currencies and their various forms (Cryptocurrency, CBDC, Stablecoins)
• The role of blockchain technology in digital currencies
• Advantages and disadvantages of national digital currencies (CBDCs)
• Coexistence of Stablecoins and CBDCs
• Privacy protection and security measures for digital currencies
• Regulatory landscape and legal considerations for digital currencies
• e-Money and e-Payment technology infrastructures

Who Should Take This Course

• Finance professionals looking to expand their knowledge in digital currencies
• Computer science students interested in FinTech applications
• Legal professionals focusing on financial regulations
• Entrepreneurs and business leaders exploring digital currency opportunities
• Anyone curious about the future of money and financial transactions

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world scenarios:

• Developing or improving digital currency systems for businesses or governments
• Advising on regulatory compliance for digital currency projects
• Creating innovative FinTech solutions leveraging digital currencies
• Conducting risk assessments for financial institutions adopting digital currencies
• Participating in policy-making discussions related to digital currencies
• Enhancing cybersecurity measures for digital financial systems

Syllabus Overview

1. Introduction to digital currencies
2. Types of digital currencies (Cryptocurrency, CBDC, Stablecoins)
3. Blockchain technology and its role in digital currencies
4. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): advantages and challenges
5. Stablecoins and their coexistence with CBDCs
6. Security and privacy considerations in digital currencies
7. Technological infrastructure for e-Money and e-Payments
8. Legal and regulatory aspects of digital currencies
9. Future trends and implications for the global financial system