An introduction to the new asset class.
As part of this module, you will learn:

• The global economic conditions that led to the invention of bitcoin.
• Who created bitcoin and what problems the creator was attempting to solve.
• How new bitcoins are created, who creates them, how often and the maximum number that will ever be created.
• Why bitcoin’s scarcity is a component of its value thesis.
• How bitcoin’s role in commerce, trade and finance has evolved and what place it may take on the global stage going forward.

The underlying technology that makes Bitcoin work.
As part of this module, you will learn:

• The basics of blockchain technology.
• The novel technological elements that enable blockchain to work as a distributed ledger.
• The different types of blockchain networks.
• How digital assets rely on blockchain technology to work.
• The benefits that can arise from broader use of blockchain technology.

• The application of digital assets as a payments mechanism.
• The concepts of money and currency in the framework of digital assets.
• At a high level, variations of digital currencies, including virtual currencies, Central Bank Digital Currencies and stablecoins.
• Common digital asset concepts including ICOs, forks, airdrops, digital wallets and digital exchanges.
• Concepts of ‘base-layer’ digital assets beyond bitcoin and the learn about the most common real-world examples including Ethereum.

• The difference between base layer blockchain networks and second layer protocols.
• What a token is and how it is different from a base layer digital coin.
• The different types of tokens and how they differ.
• How decentralized finance (DeFi) differs from traditional centralized finance and why so many are talking about its potential.
• The concept of an oracle as it relates to blockchain technology.

• How blockchain technology concepts might be utilized in real world applications.
• Specific examples and projects where industries are implementing blockchain technology to have transformative effects.
• How blockchain technology may disrupt existing markets and create new markets in the future.
• Which markets are most likely to be impacted by broader adoption of blockchain technology.

• Institutional investors’ views on digital assets as investments and why those investors are allocating to digital assets.
• About digital assets as an asset class and correlation to other asset classes.
• About bitcoin and digital assets as a component of diversification in a balanced portfolio.
• Technical analysis components applied to digital assets.
• Volatility and rebalancing considerations.
• Risks of investing in digital assets and return potential.
• Valuation frameworks for digital assets.

• The types of digital asset investments available through direct or indirect exposure.
• About digital asset exchanges and their fee structures.
• About various forms of custody for digital assets.
• Many of the categories of public and private investments available for digital assets, including funds, SMAs, tokens, ETPs, derivatives and more.
• What categories are available for investments in companies that build, deploy and utilize blockchain technologies, derivatives, and tokens.

• How to include digital assets in a diversified portfolio.
• Factors to consider in determining an allocation of digital assets to client portfolios.
• The differences between buy & hold vs. market timing of digital assets through the lens of Bitcoin.
• How to reduce risk when investing in digital assets.
• The application of dollar cost averaging and rebalancing when investing in digital assets.
• How to add digital assets to an investment portfolio.

• The various Federal authorities including the SEC, CFTC, FinCen who have jurisdiction over digital assets.
• How the analysis of investment contracts under the Howey test has been applied to the analysis of certain digital assets as securities.
• The primary income tax recognition and compliance / reporting issues related to acquisition, ownership and sale of digital assets.
• The tax treatment of infrequent events such as forks and airdrops.
• Why like-kind exchange treatment and wash-sale tax rules don’t apply to most digital assets and tax planning opportunities related to tax basis.
• Current developments in US tax enforcement and how foreign regulators are providing guidance that could shape US tax and regulatory enforcement policy.

• Compliance, reporting and risk considerations.
• Enterprise risk management considerations and insurance.
• Opportunities to implement best-practices in areas of firm operations.
• The importance of documentation when adding digital assets to your practice.
• Opportunities to improve fee collection processes.