UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

BLOCKCHAIN AND DIGITAL CURRENCY:
THE FUTURE OF MONEY

Leverage blockchain's potential by developing a deeper understanding of how it works and exists within the financial system.

Duration

6 weeks, excluding
orientation

Effort

7–9 hours per week,
entirely online

Learning Format

Weekly modules,
flexible learning

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:

1

In-depth knowledge of how blockchain technology fits into the financial system, and how blockchain applications such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets can be used.

2

The ability to take advantage of the economic opportunities in the South African and emerging market context with the expert insight into cryptocurrencies that this course provides.

3

An introduction into central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) that will help you stay ahead of the latest developments shaping the financial system of the future.

4

An understanding of the ethical implications created by the rise of the crypto asset industry, enabling you to move beyond first order thinking in the world of digital currencies.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:

MODULE 1 Blockchain Principles
Learn about the fundamental components that enable blockchain technology.

MODULE 2 Applying Blockchain Technology
Discover the ecosystem around blockchain technology.

MODULE 3 Crypto Assets and the Future of Financial Instruments
Explore crypto assets, how they are traded, and manage the risks involved.

MODULE 4 The Evolution of Financial Markets
Discover how central bank digital currencies facilitate the financial system of the future.

MODULE 5 Programmable Money
Explore how blockchain facilitates the evolution of money.

MODULE 6 Ethics and Governance of a New Financial System
Develop a new ethical grounding for finance.

Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.

COURSE CONVENOR

Allan Davids

Lecturer, School of Economics, Faculty of Commerce, UCT

At UCT, Davids teaches econometrics, public economics, and policy analysis at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level. He has also held the position of visiting researcher at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford’s Institute for New Economic Thinking. During his doctorate, Davis spent time as a visiting PhD student at the Stern School of Business at New York University. Beyond academia, Davids has industry experience as a data scientist, and is the co-founder of an edtech start-up which helps university graduates find employment opportunities.

GUEST LECTURERS

Kungela Mzuku
Subject Matter Expert
Naomi Snyman
Emerging Technology and R&D Innovation Lead, Standard Bank Group
Anushka Soma-Patel
Co-Chair, Identity Working Group: South African Financial Blockchain Consortium

 

Illana Melzer
Lead Consultant; Engagement Manager, 71point4
Daniel Bloch
CEO, Seso Global
Julian Kanjere
Blockchain and Data Privacy Researcher

 

Farzam Ehsani
Co-founder and CEO, VALR
Tanya Knowles
Business Manager, Adhara
Chris Maree
Software Engineer, UMA Protocol

 

Arif Ismail
Head of Fintech, South African Reserve Bank
Peter Munnings
COO, Adhara
Michael Lee
Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

 

Silvio Micali
Founder, Algorand
Pietro Grassano
Business Solutions Director - Europe, Algorand
Gabriella Razzano
Legal Consultant

 

Nolwazi Hlophe
Regulatory Program Lead, Digital Frontiers Institute
Chris Becker
Blockchain Lead, Investec Bank
– Ruan Malan, Joint CEO, Kineto Mobile and 2D Transact image

“I am active in the fintech industry, and the contents and subjects covered on this course provoked much more thought and re-evaluation of my preconceived ideas than I could have ever imagined. The professional structure of the content, as well as the golden thread of the ‘message’ running from the beginning to end, is clear and precise. I loved the way this course gripped me and kept my interest throughout the various modules. The value I personally received in terms of expanded knowledge and insight is far beyond the cost of this course. This course created a renewed energy in me to keep on pushing into the development of solutions systems to achieve greater financial inclusion with a focus on digital currencies. I enjoyed the diversity of the classmates, and group members in particular, in conveying their personal experiences and ideas. Much of the content and replies stimulated my own thought processes and broke down quite a few walls built through preconceived ideas. The online experience was most excellent, and I did not find it too difficult to manage my work and study time.”

– Ruan Malan, Joint CEO, Kineto Mobile and 2D Transact

AN ONLINE EDUCATION THAT SETS YOU APART

This UCT course is presented in collaboration with GetSmarter, part of edX. GetSmarter collaborates with the world's leading universities to select, design, and deliver premium online short courses through a people-mediated model with a data-driven focus on learning gain.

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Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.

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Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.

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Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.

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