Programme overview
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a growing ecosystem offering financial services in a fully decentralized fashion – that is, without intermediaries like banks, brokerages, or exchanges. Users of DeFi applications can lend or borrow, trade cryptocurrencies, purchase derivatives, earn interest from savings, and buy insurance. All of this is made possible by leveraging on blockchain technology and smart contracts, which provide decentralized trust.
This course introduces the foundations of DeFi, starting from blockchain technology and smart contracts, and provides a practical overview of the main decentralized applications. Furthermore, it discusses the main uses of blockchain technology in the financial sectors and the potential challenges for the business models of established firms. In-depth case studies and interactive workshops will push participants to think about blockchain-related challenges and opportunities for their own business.
Contact person
Learn more about the programme in a personal conversation.
Dr. Tobias Trütsch Managing Director Center for Financial Services Innovation
Programme details
Programme type
Format
Language
Duration
Location
Price
Target group
Next date
| Start date: | 31.01.2025 | |
| Application deadline: | 17.01.2025 | |
| places available | ||
Target Audience
The main target audience includes finance professionals such as managers and executives working in the financial industry and any other interested people.
Professionals in (not exhaustive):
Learning Objectives
The course aims to provide a working knowledge of the most important applications, such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, NFT marketplaces, and it will provide a practical account of the most important technical features of blockchain and smart contracts.
Moreover, the course aims to provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can potentially affect different types of established companies in the financial sector and for which types of applications companies can use blockchain technology.
Working Knowledge of Blockchain Applications
Disruption Potential of Blockchain Technology
Use Cases for Blockchain Technology
Your Benefits
Technology is moving fast and being on top of the latest developments is challenging. This course will help participants navigate successfully through the unfolding DeFi revolution by:
Equipping participants with an in-depth understanding of the current blockchain ecosystem and its implications for the financial sector.
Providing participants with the tools required to understand current and future developments.
Allowing participants to recognize possible disruption risks and pointing out potential countermeasures.
Guiding participants in identifying potential blockchain-related business opportunities that allow them to grow their business.
Structure
Faculty: Lecturers
Andrea Barbon works as Assistant Professor in Financial Technology at the Center for Financial Services Innovation at the University of St.Gallen (FSI-HSG), where he teaches “Mathematics for Finance” to Ph.D. students and “Financial Technology” to Master students. He was born in Venice and holds a Bachelor’s degree in pure and applied mathematics from the University of Padua, a Master’s degree in pure mathematics from the University of Amsterdam and a PhD in finance from the University of Lugano. His research interests revolve around financial technology with a focus on decentralized finance (DeFi), NFT markets, asset prices, market microstructure, and monetary policy. He has published in the Journal of Finance and the Review of Asset Pricing Studies.
Lukas Etter is an expert in Blockchain Technology, Crypto, Web3, entrepreneurship, and VC investing, with over 14 years of international experience in Venture Capital, Tech Investment Banking, M&A, and Strategy at companies like Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and LGT Capital Partners. He is a Partner & Deputy CIO at CV VC, an early-stage VC focusing on Blockchain Technology, Crypto, and Web3, where he has been one of the key drivers building up the firm since its beginning in 2017/2018, and meanwhile conducted over 60 early-stage investments. He holds an M.A. and B.A. in Finance and Accounting, and Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, and has a strong network in the Swiss and international Startup and VC ecosystem.
Andra Maute works as strategist and enterprise architect at Zurich Versicherungs-Gesellschaft AG. Technology, blockchain and financial services are her passion. She is a strategist and manager with extensive experience in large-scale digital transformation projects in the financial services industry. She led diverse IT teams in Europe and Asia. She is the co-director and head of DLT of the Swiss Fintech Innovations Association with focus on digital assets and tokenisation. She is also a part-time lecturer at the University of St. Gallen for tokenisation and digital assets.
Tim Meyer is Assistant Professor at the Center for Financial Services Innovation (FSI-HSG) and the Institute for Management and Strategy at the University of St.Gallen (IfB-HSG). Previously, he was a postdoc at the Institute for Strategy, Technology and Organization (ISTO) at LMU Munich and a Ph.D. student at Bocconi University. His research focuses on how digital platforms affect firms’ performance and competitive relationships, and how digital platforms can benefit from the products and services that complementors provide on them. He studies these issues in the context of financial services as well as in several other areas, such as news media or the hotel industry.
Your Registration
Applications
You can register via the “Register” button on this homepage. The number of participants is limited. Registrations will be considered according to the date of receipt. No prerequisites are necessary.
Costs
The course fee includes all course materials, personal supervision of the case studies, lunch, and meals during breaks. The participants bear travel, accommodation, and other catering costs. Course fees already paid will not be refunded.
Degree
You will receive a participation certificate at the end of the course.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations up to 90 days before the start of the course are free of charge, between 89 and 30 days before the start of the course 50% of the costs will be charged, later cancellations will be charged the full course costs.
Schedule
The programme starts at 10 am until 6 pm including lunch break on the first day (9 until 4.45 pm on the second day).
Organizer
This executive education programme is organized by the Center for Financial Services Innovation.
Do you require further information?
I am gladly available for you and look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Tobias Trütsch Managing Director Center for Financial Services Innovation
Why University of St.Gallen
At the University of St. Gallen (HSG), you can choose from one of the largest executive education portfolios in the German speaking region – the right programme for your needs and career objectives. The renowned quality and practical relevance of the learning experience convinces more than 6000 participants per year. Profit from an Executive Degree from St.Gallen – the best business school in the German-speaking world – and get ahead in your career!
