Blockchain for Islamic Finance

Overview of the Program:

Blockchain has emerged as a disruptive technology, particularly for finance. Many experts consider this latest technology as the second biggest innovation after the internet. Blockchain is not simply a digital record keeping ledger, rather it is decentralized and distributed ledger technology. Additionally, smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) can be created and executed on the blockchain platform, utilizing its features of transparency, security, public (open) platform and self-governance. This breakthrough has been followed by innovative ideas and concepts of digitalized, automated, decentralized, and distributed financial system, products, and services.

In view of this backdrop, the objectives of this course are to introduce the participants to blockchain technology and give them an overview of its complete ecosystem in the context of Islamic financial system. By attending this program, the participants become familiar with the technology, avoid any confusion or misconception about it, its major components, how it works, how it can be utilized, its features, advantages, limitations, and potential applications in the Islamic finance industry. This will be achieved by developing their understanding of the complete ecosystem along its main building blocks and components, and latest knowledge about how it is going to impact the Islamic finance industry. They will also gain thorough insights of smart contracts (self-executing algorithms and programs) and decentralized applications (DApps) in the industry, so they would be able to successfully design, execute, implement, and benefit from this technology in their specific areas of interests and expertise.

Key Takeaways for Participants:

·         Understand the core technology of blockchain and how it works

·         Recognize the difference between various types of blockchain and differentiate them from cryptocurrencies

·         Examine how blockchain is disrupting the current financial supply chain management

·         Comprehend the smart contracts and decentralized applications and how they work

·         Learn how the blockchain infrastructure can be implemented in various Islamic financial products and services

·         Explore the regulatory framework, including legal, governance and shariah compliance issues related to smart contracts and DApps, and their challenges

·         Examine the latest developments and trends in the technological advancements of blockchain and harness the future implications

Program Outline:

1.       Introduction to Blockchain (3 Hours)

a)       Historical Tech Developments of the Major Components of the Blockchain

b)      Understanding Blockchain and Decentralized Environment

c)       How Blockchain Works: A Virtual Demo

d)      Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications

2.       Blockchain Beyond Crypto Assets (3 Hours)

a)       Types of Blockchain and their Unique Features

b)      Difference between Blockchain and Crypto Assets

c)       Blockchain as a Payment and Value Transferring System

d)      Tokenization and Token Economy

e)      Issues, Challenges and Limitations of Blockchain

3.       Blockchain for Islamic Finance (3 Hours)

a)       Major Issues with the Islamic Finance Industry That Blockchain Can Solve

b)      Legal, Regulatory and Shariah Issues with Smart Contracts and DApps

c)       Blockchain Strategy for Islamic Finance

d)      Use Cases of Blockchain for Islamic Finance

e)      Blockchain Future Potential for Islamic Finance

Who should attend (Participants):

This important course is designed for middle and senior professionals as well as academicians, students, startups, entrepreneurs, and regulators who are interested in having a general understanding and overview of the blockchain, smart contracts and decentralize applications in the Islamic finance industry, including:

·         Islamic Finance Professionals

·         Researchers

·         Regulators and Policy Makers

·         University Faculty Members and Students

·         Product Developers and Architect

·         Business Developers

·         Startups and Entrepreneurs