The landscape of financial services is being rapidly reshaped by alternative finance platforms and the rise of digital assets. This training course offers a comprehensive and strategic guide for regulators and financial professionals who need to understand and supervise these new markets. We will explore the technologies, business models, and unique risks associated with peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets. This program is an essential resource for those tasked with designing robust regulatory frameworks that can foster innovation while protecting consumers and ensuring financial stability in this evolving ecosystem.

This intensive five-day course delves into the practical challenges of supervising a diverse range of alternative finance platforms and digital asset markets. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the policy trade-offs involved in regulating decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoins, and other crypto-assets. Through a combination of global case studies and practical exercises, attendees will develop the analytical skills to assess risks, enforce compliance, and promote a secure and transparent market. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to lead the integration of innovative and responsible supervision for the future of finance.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Financial regulators and supervisors
• Central bank policy and research staff
• FinTech entrepreneurs and innovation leads
• Compliance officers and risk managers
• Legal and governance professionals
• Information technology and cybersecurity experts
• Academics and students of regulatory policy
• Commercial bank innovation teams
• Investors and asset managers
• Officials from international financial institutions

Objectives:

• Understand the core concepts of alternative finance and digital assets
• Analyze the risks and benefits of peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding
• Formulate regulatory approaches for crypto-assets and stablecoins
• Interpret the legal and governance challenges of decentralized finance
• Evaluate the impact of new technologies on consumer protection
• Develop strategies for supervising virtual asset service providers
• Assess the role of data and technology in regulatory oversight
• Examine the implications of digital assets on monetary policy
• Apply lessons from global case studies to local contexts

Course Modules: Module 1: The Landscape of Alternative Finance

• The evolution of alternative finance platforms
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending and its business models
• The role of crowdfunding in a modern economy
• Key risks associated with alternative finance platforms
• The impact on traditional banking and credit markets

Module 2: Introduction to Digital Assets

• Understanding different types of digital assets: crypto, stablecoins, and NFTs
• The underlying technology of blockchain and distributed ledgers
• The evolution of digital assets and their market dynamics
• Use cases of digital assets in finance and beyond
• The role of virtual asset service providers (VASPs)

Module 3: Regulation of Crypto-Assets

• The regulatory classifications of crypto-assets
• Securities laws and their application to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
• The regulation of exchanges and trading platforms
• Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF)
• The challenges of regulating a decentralized and global market

Module 4: Supervising Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

• The concept of DeFi and its key protocols
• The risks of smart contracts and algorithmic governance
• The regulatory challenges of decentralized applications (dApps)
• The role of a supervisory authority in a decentralized ecosystem
• Policy approaches to managing systemic risks in DeFi

Module 5: Stablecoins and Monetary Policy

• The different types of stablecoins and their backing mechanisms
• The role of stablecoins in the payments ecosystem
• The risks of stablecoin collapse and financial stability
• The impact of stablecoins on monetary policy and financial sovereignty
• The regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers and operators

Module 6: Regulatory Technology (RegTech) for Supervision

• The use of technology to enhance regulatory compliance
• The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in supervision
• Implementing data analytics for market surveillance
• The challenges of data management in a digital asset environment
• The potential of RegTech to automate compliance tasks

Module 7: Consumer Protection and Market Integrity

• Ensuring fair and transparent practices in digital asset markets
• Investor protection in the face of volatility and fraud
• The role of financial literacy in a digital asset environment
• Addressing market manipulation and illicit activities
• The importance of clear disclosure and product suitability

Module 8: International Cooperation and Standards

• The need for a coordinated global approach to digital asset regulation
• The role of international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• Harmonizing regulatory standards across jurisdictions
• The impact of global standards on local markets
• Case studies in international cooperation

Module 9: The Future of Digital Finance

• The integration of digital assets into the traditional financial system
• The role of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
• The challenges of regulating the next wave of innovation
• The long-term implications for financial stability and economic growth
• Adapting supervisory frameworks for a digital-first future

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.