Master Speaker Series: Željko Ivanković, The Cryptocurrency Challenge!

The lecture will take place on Tuesday 15 December at 19:00 CET with an introduction from the School of Business Head, Dr Stefano Cavagnetto and following the presentation there will be a Q&A session moderated by Associate Head, Bruce Gahir.

Željko's lecture is essential for anyone with an interest in the global economy, cryptocurrency and the future of banking and finance. His lecture will examine the the idea that cryptocurrencies do not need formal regulation, the view that some call 'libertarian'. According to this understanding regulation of cryptocurrencies is only forced from governments.

By analysing three of the largest hacks in the crypto world to date: Mt Gox hack (2014), DAO hack (2016), and Coincheck hack (2018), Željko will show an unexpected evolution of self-regulation of cryptocurrencies as the relationship between sides in transactions is loaded with informal norms and expectations beyond the technical connection between them.

He will also compare cryptocurrencies with the evolution of bank money and discuss if it's possible - following the principle 'code is law' - to create money as a pure asset without obligation.

The conclusion is that if cryptocurrencies are to be used in business, the relationships between sides in transactions should include specification of rights and responsibilities. This applies to various types of crypto exchanges, ICOs, DeFi and other businesses.

The event is open to the general public and students from the School of Business and the School of Media & IT are especially encouraged to attend as the content is highly relevant to their programmes.