Singapore, 5 August 2021 (Thursday) – Singapore Management University (SMU) has introduced a new course focusing on the emerging financial ecosystem on blockchain. Conducted by advisory firm, Lightbulb Capital, SMU Academy (SMUA) now offers “Decentralised Finance (DeFi): A New Financial Ecosystem”, a course that covers DeFi’s infrastructure, use-cases and its relevance to the industry.

DeFi is an emerging phenomenon set to replace traditional finance, commonly known as centralised finance. It challenges the centralised financial system by disempowering middlemen and gatekeepers, such as banks and empowering everyday people via peer-to-peer exchanges.

The two-day programme offers a more comprehensive than usual learning of various aspects of DeFi from its origins to potential risks in the fintech world, among other courses in Singapore. It is designed for professionals in the financial services and fintech industries and will be conducted over lectures, group discussions, exercises, as well as guest lectures featuring industry experts.

Mr. Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy says, “While many find technological trends a disruption, this course will help finance professionals attain a holistic view of decentralised finance and understand its role in the financial world. With practical insight, professionals can also learn to use DeFi to their advantage.”

Lightbulb Capital’s founder and Adjunct Faculty Member of SMU Academy, Mr. Daniel Liebau, will share practical expertise in investment banking technology and academic research know-how on digital assets to educate professionals on the growing trends and impacts.

“DeFi is a disruptive development in finance, not only because it has the potential to bring financial inclusion to the next level, but banks, insurers, asset managers and exchanges are also facing a risk of being replaced. It is therefore key to understand how to engage the growing eco-system and be part of it, and most importantly, be able to identify the risks associated with it.” says Mr Liebau.

The Decentralised Finance (DeFi) - The New Finance Ecosystem course is currently funded up to 90% by SkillsFuture Singapore, with fees starting from S$242. The course starts from 14 October 2021 and is now open for application. More details can be found here.