Blockchain for Decentralized Finance
Description
The evolution in financial practices over the past decades has paved the way for a more open, autonomous technology called DeFi that has the potential to shift the entire framework of finance at a macroeconomic level. DeFi (or “decentralised finance”) is an umbrella term for financial services on public blockchains. DeFi disintermediates traditional banking gatekeepers and replaces them with peer-to-peer blockchain protocols which enable new financial business models such as the lending and borrowing of cryptocurrencies sans traditional know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Understanding DeFi protocols requires an understanding of the definition, protocols, uses cases and characteristics of decentralised finance. The objective of this module is to equip students with this understanding. The module will also explore how DeFi can be used by incumbent financial institutions to leverage the benefits of blockchain.
Learning Outcomes
Explain the key principles and concepts of decentralized finance, such as smart contracts, tokens, and decentralized exchanges
Analyze different blockchain platforms and protocols used in decentralized finance and compare their features and capabilities
Critically review the core facets of the decentralised finance stack framework
Evaluate the risks associated with decentralized finance applications, including security vulnerabilities and potential exploits
Formulate strategies for deploying specific decentralised finance solutions
Critically analyse and propose solutions to regulatory and legal challenges surrounding decentralized finance