Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Blockchain and the Future of Finance
Unravel the complexities of blockchain technology, delve into its vast potential, and explore its diverse applications within the world of finance.
Start date
09 April 2025
Course duration
5 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
5–6.5 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Program overview
The percentage of financial services industry leaders who believe that digital assets will be a strong alternative to, or replacement for, fiat currencies in the next five to 10 years.
Deloitte (2021).
The annual rate at which the global blockchain finance market is expected to grow between 2025 to 2037.
Research Nester (Oct, 2024).
Duration: 5 weeks (excluding orientation)
The emergence of blockchain technology has been a catalyst for many advancements within the financial technology (fintech) sphere, which are currently transforming the finance industry. To stay relevant, businesses and financial institutions must adapt to these innovations or risk becoming obsolete. However, many professionals and company leaders still do not understand what blockchain entails and how it can be effectively applied in business contexts.
At the Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Blockchain and the Future of Finance online program provides an opportunity to explore the current fintech landscape, engage in discussions about the future of the sector, and delve into the various financial applications of blockchain technology. This five-week course utilizes case studies and real-life examples to clarify intricate concepts and provide a comprehensive understanding of open banking strategies, the world of cryptocurrencies, and how tokenization creates novel business models. Ultimately, participants will gain an appreciation for the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi), the potential of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the myriad possibilities that lie ahead for finance.
Is this program for you?
This program is ideal for professionals and individuals who want to stay ahead of disruptions and opportunities in the financial sector. Business leaders and financial professionals looking to delve into money digitalization and capitalize on blockchain's potential will find the content particularly valuable. Technology professionals can also unlock career opportunities by learning more about fintech innovations, while entrepreneurs can explore ways to leverage blockchain, tokenization, DeFi, and digital assets. The program is relevant to a range of roles, including C-suite executives, investment bankers, traders, and software engineers.
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By taking this program, you have the opportunity to accelerate your career with the IMD Online Executive Certificate. Customize your learning journey with 90–100 units of programs that are relevant to your needs and pass an exam to earn the certificate. See the programs here, and discover how participants are customizing their certificate.
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IMD is a triple-accredited academic institution, with the Financial Times ranking it first for its open programs, nine years in a row. IMD attributes its success to its unique “Real Learning. Real Impact” approach. Based in Switzerland and Singapore, IMD is led by expert and diverse faculty who use their insights, tools, and perspectives to prepare participants for the future of business. As an independent academic institution with a global reach, IMD strives to educate ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide.
By taking this program, you have the opportunity to accelerate your career with the IMD Digital Excellence Diploma. Customize your learning journey with 15 days of programs that are relevant to your digital needs and pass an exam to earn the Diploma. See the programs here, and discover how participants are customizing their diploma.
Program overview
Introduction
Duration: 5 weeks (excluding orientation)
The emergence of blockchain technology has been a catalyst for many advancements within the financial technology (fintech) sphere, which are currently transforming the finance industry. To stay relevant, businesses and financial institutions must adapt to these innovations or risk becoming obsolete. However, many professionals and company leaders still do not understand what blockchain entails and how it can be effectively applied in business contexts.
At the Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Blockchain and the Future of Finance online program provides an opportunity to explore the current fintech landscape, engage in discussions about the future of the sector, and delve into the various financial applications of blockchain technology. This five-week course utilizes case studies and real-life examples to clarify intricate concepts and provide a comprehensive understanding of open banking strategies, the world of cryptocurrencies, and how tokenization creates novel business models. Ultimately, participants will gain an appreciation for the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi), the potential of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the myriad possibilities that lie ahead for finance.
Is this program for you?
This program is ideal for professionals and individuals who want to stay ahead of disruptions and opportunities in the financial sector. Business leaders and financial professionals looking to delve into money digitalization and capitalize on blockchain's potential will find the content particularly valuable. Technology professionals can also unlock career opportunities by learning more about fintech innovations, while entrepreneurs can explore ways to leverage blockchain, tokenization, DeFi, and digital assets. The program is relevant to a range of roles, including C-suite executives, investment bankers, traders, and software engineers.
By taking this program, you have the opportunity to accelerate your career with the IMD Online Executive Certificate. Customize your learning journey with 90–100 units of programs that are relevant to your needs and pass an exam to earn the certificate. See the programs here, and discover how participants are customizing their certificate.
IMD is a triple-accredited academic institution, with the Financial Times ranking it first for its open programs, nine years in a row. IMD attributes its success to its unique “Real Learning. Real Impact” approach. Based in Switzerland and Singapore, IMD is led by expert and diverse faculty who use their insights, tools, and perspectives to prepare participants for the future of business. As an independent academic institution with a global reach, IMD strives to educate ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide.
By taking this program, you have the opportunity to accelerate your career with the IMD Digital Excellence Diploma. Customize your learning journey with 15 days of programs that are relevant to your digital needs and pass an exam to earn the Diploma. See the programs here, and discover how participants are customizing their diploma.
What will set you apart
Insight into the major players shaping fintech, and core strategies for responding to disruption.
An understanding of how blockchain technology is changing the banking system, and a grasp of the regulations impacting open banking.
An overview of the token economy, the functions of different tokens, and the impact of tokenization on finance.
Knowledge of the benefits, limitations, and risks of DeFi, and the use of digital assets like NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
Unlimited access to 2U’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Program curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Fintech as disruption
Module 2
The open banking ecosystem
Module 3
Blockchain and its finance applications
Module 4
The token economy
Module 5
Decentralized finance
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Program Director
Arturo Bris
Professor of Finance, Institute for Management Development; Director, IMD World Competitiveness Center
About the certificate
Discover how fintech and blockchain innovations are reshaping the financial landscape and earn an official certificate of completion from the Institute for Management Development (IMD).
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the program handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the program.
Successful completion of this online program counts towards your IMD alumni status. Find out more.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
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GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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