Digital Currency from edX

Our world is witnessing a revolutionary change in the way we perceive money and the way we conduct financial transactions. Numerous prominent cities around the world have adopted digital currency. But what is digital currency exactly? How does it function? And most importantly, how can we guarantee its security for global users?

Would Cryptocurrency, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and Stablecoins constitute the future of money? CBDC is the digital form of a country's central-bank-issued fiat currency; however, only eleven countries have adopted CBDCs to date. Why is CBDC significant, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of instituting a national digital currency? An important type of Stablecoins is privately issued digital currencies that are pegged to a fiat currency (i.e. USD). Can Stablecoins and CBDCs coexist? Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a number of other cryptocurrencies use decentralized blockchain technology to process and record transactions in order to assure transaction immutability and traceability. But is blockchain technology essential for digital currencies? How can users' privacy be protected, and what technologies can be utilized to increase the safety of digital currency?

In this course, you will learn from three prominent FinTech leaders and academics, including Professor SM Yiu of the HKU Department of Computer Science, Professor Douglas Arner of the HKU Department of Law, and Dr. John Yuen of the HKU Department of Computer Science, who will share some great insights on the e-Money and e-Payment technology infrastructures and regulatory landscape that are currently driving digital currency.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define what digital currency is.
After completing this course the learner will be able to:
Understand the possible infrastructures for a digital currency.
Identify opportunities and risks associating with cryptocurrency, cbdc and stablecoin technology.

Discuss the ramifications of technology advances that are relevant to cbdcs and electronic payment instruments as a means of payment and exchange.
Discuss and evaluate the security and privacy regulation of digital currency in the technology standpoint.
Discuss and evaluate the security and privacy regulation of digital currency from a legal standpoint.

Define what digital currency is.
After completing this course the learner will be able to:
Understand the possible infrastructures for a digital currency.
Identify opportunities and risks associating with cryptocurrency, cbdc and stablecoin technology.
Discuss the ramifications of technology advances that are relevant to cbdcs and electronic payment instruments as a means of payment and exchange.
Discuss and evaluate the security and privacy regulation of digital currency in the technology standpoint.
Discuss and evaluate the security and privacy regulation of digital currency from a legal standpoint.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores digital currencies, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in global financial transactions

Provides a multi-disciplinary understanding of e-money, e-payment technology infrastructure, and the regulatory landscape driving digital currency

Taught by industry experts from the University of Hong Kong, ensuring high-quality instruction

Focuses on the practical aspects of digital currency, with an emphasis on security and privacy

Suitable for learners interested in the rapidly evolving field of digital currency

Builds a strong foundation for understanding the concepts and technologies behind digital currency

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Currency with these activities:

Find a Mentor in the Digital Currency Industry

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A mentor can guide your learning and provide valuable insights into the field of digital currency.

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Network with people in the digital currency industry
Attend industry events and meetups
Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their guidance

Review Blockchain Revolution

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Understanding the foundational concepts in blockchain will help your grasp of digital currency.

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-5
Summarize the key concepts of blockchain technology
Analyze how blockchain can be used to create new forms of digital currency

Solve Cryptocurrency Trading Problems

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Solving practice problems will improve your ability to apply the principles of digital currency in the real world.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency Trading

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Find a practice problem set online
Solve the problems using the concepts you learned in the course
Check your answers and identify areas where you need more practice

Three other activities

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Design a Digital Currency Wallet

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Creating a prototype will reinforce your understanding of digital currency infrastructure.

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Research different types of digital currency wallets
Design the user interface for your wallet
Implement the core functionality of your wallet
Test your wallet with different digital currencies

Attend a Workshop on Digital Currency Security

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Attending a workshop will give you practical insights into securing digital currency systems.

Browse courses on Blockchain Security

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Find a reputable workshop on digital currency security
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions
Take notes and ask questions during the workshop
Apply the knowledge you gained from the workshop to your own digital currency projects

Write a Blog Post on the Future of Digital Currency

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Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your understanding of the potential trajectory of digital currency.

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Research the latest trends and developments in digital currency
Develop a thesis statement about the future of digital currency
Write a blog post that supports your thesis statement
Publish your blog post online

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Currency will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design, develop, and maintain blockchain networks and applications. They work on various aspects of blockchain technology, including consensus mechanisms, smart contract development, and security. This course can help aspiring Blockchain Developers understand the concepts of digital currency and its underlying technologies, such as blockchain and cryptography. It can provide a strong foundation for those seeking to enter the field of blockchain development and contribute to the development of secure, efficient, and innovative blockchain solutions.

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Cryptocurrency Trader

Cryptocurrency Traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies for profit. They use their knowledge of the cryptocurrency market to make informed trading decisions. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Cryptocurrency Traders gain a deep understanding of the different types of cryptocurrencies, their underlying technologies, and the factors that influence their value. By understanding the fundamentals of digital currency, traders can make more informed decisions and navigate the cryptocurrency market more effectively.

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Computer Science Lecturer

A Computer Science Lecturer plans and delivers lectures in the field of Computer Science in higher education institutes. They prepare and teach courses, grade assignments and exams, and stay up-to-date in their field of research. With a deep understanding of digital currency and its underlying technologies such as blockchain and cryptography, the Digital Currency course can help build a foundation for aspiring Computer Science Lecturers. The course explores the history and evolution of digital currency, its security and privacy implications, and its legal and regulatory landscape, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Information Security Analysts understand the unique security challenges and opportunities presented by digital currency. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the methods used to secure and protect digital currency, Information Security Analysts can effectively develop and implement security measures to safeguard digital currency systems and transactions.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate and recommend investments for individuals and organizations. They use their knowledge of financial markets, instruments, and regulations to make informed investment decisions. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Financial Analysts gain a deep understanding of the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the factors that influence their value. This knowledge can enable them to make more informed investment decisions and advise clients on digital currency investments.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. They develop and implement trading strategies and provide risk management advice to investment firms and hedge funds. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Quantitative Analysts understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digital currency in financial modeling and trading. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the factors that influence their value, Quantitative Analysts can develop more effective trading strategies and risk management models for digital currency investments.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice and services to corporations, governments, and other institutions. They help clients raise capital, merge or acquire companies, and manage their investments. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Investment Bankers gain a deep understanding of the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the factors that influence their value. This knowledge can enable them to provide more informed advice to clients on digital currency investments and help them navigate the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants provide advice and assistance to organizations on a wide range of business issues, including strategy, operations, and technology. They help clients improve their performance, efficiency, and profitability. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Management Consultants understand the potential impact of digital currency on businesses and organizations. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the opportunities and challenges they present, Management Consultants can provide more informed advice to clients on how to leverage digital currency to achieve their business objectives.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. They use their accounting and investigative skills to uncover financial irregularities and provide evidence in legal proceedings. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Forensic Accountants understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digital currency in financial crime investigations. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the methods used to trace and recover digital currency, Forensic Accountants can effectively investigate and combat financial crimes involving digital currency.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems and applications. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Systems Analysts understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digital currency in systems design and implementation. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the security and privacy considerations they raise, Systems Analysts can design and implement more secure, efficient, and user-friendly systems for digital currency.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations. They help clients with a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Lawyers understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding digital currency. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the legal issues they raise, Lawyers can provide more informed advice to clients on digital currency transactions and help them navigate the complex legal and regulatory environment.

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Tax Adviser

Tax Advisers provide advice and assistance to individuals and businesses on tax matters. They help clients minimize their tax liability and comply with tax laws and regulations. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Tax Advisers understand the unique tax implications of digital currency. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the tax laws and regulations that apply to them, Tax Advisers can provide more informed advice to clients on how to minimize their tax liability and comply with tax laws and regulations.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists provide funding to early-stage companies with high growth potential. They invest in companies that have the potential to become successful and profitable businesses. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Venture Capitalists understand the potential impact of digital currency on early-stage companies. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the opportunities and challenges they present, Venture Capitalists can make more informed investment decisions and help early-stage companies leverage digital currency to achieve their business objectives.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work on a wide range of software applications, from operating systems to mobile apps. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Software Engineers understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digital currency in software development. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the security and privacy considerations they raise, Software Engineers can develop more secure, efficient, and user-friendly software applications for digital currency.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. They use their skills to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in data. The Digital Currency course can help aspiring Data Analysts develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data related to digital currency. By understanding the different types of digital currency, their underlying technologies, and the factors that influence their value, Data Analysts can provide valuable insights to businesses and organizations.

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