Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets and the Future of Financial Services

Course overview

Cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, tokenisation, digital banks and open banking are reshaping financial services in Africa, alongside the mobile money systems the region pioneered. Financial institutions, regulators and public bodies need to understand these innovations well enough to adopt what is useful and control what is risky. This digital assets and fintech course provides that understanding without encouraging speculation.

The first week focuses on digital assets: how blockchains and cryptocurrencies work, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies, decentralised finance, tokenisation and NFTs, custody and security, and the evolving legal and regulatory frameworks for virtual asset service providers in the region. The second week turns to digital financial services more broadly: digital banking platforms, mobile wallets and contactless payments, open banking and APIs, data analytics, cyber security and fraud, and regulatory compliance. Throughout, participants assess risks, including money laundering, consumer harm and operational failure, and consider how their institutions should respond.

Participants leave able to evaluate digital asset and fintech developments critically and to advise on their adoption, risk and regulation.

What you will be able to do

• Explain how blockchains, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins work
• Compare central bank digital currencies, stablecoins and mobile money
• Assess decentralised finance and tokenisation and their risks
• Describe regulatory frameworks for virtual asset service providers
• Evaluate digital banking, mobile payments and open banking models
• Identify cyber, fraud and money laundering risks in digital finance
• Recommend an institutional response to digital assets and fintech

Who should attend

For professionals in banks, regulators, payment providers and public bodies who need to understand and respond to digital assets and fintech.

• Bank strategy and innovation staff
• Central bank and capital markets regulators
• Compliance and risk officers
• Payment service providers
• Fintech managers
• Treasury and finance officers
• Policy makers in finance ministries
• Internal auditors

Course outline

Week 1

Week 2

Fees are per participant in US dollars and cover tuition, course materials and your certificate. Travel and accommodation are not included.