Training course on Blockchain Technology and its Central Bank Applications

Module 1: Introduction to Blockchain Technology

Core concepts: decentralization, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts

Blockchain vs. traditional databases

Public, private, and consortium blockchains

Module 2: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Financial Infrastructure

How DLT works in financial systems

Blockchain for payment, clearing, and settlement systems

Efficiency and resilience benefits

Module 3: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

CBDC design models (wholesale vs. retail)

Case studies: e-CNY (China), Sand Dollar (Bahamas), eNaira (Nigeria), digital euro

Policy trade-offs in CBDC implementation

Module 4: Blockchain for Payments and Cross-Border Transactions

Real-time gross settlement (RTGS) on blockchain

Cross-border payments and remittance innovations

Projects by BIS Innovation Hub and global central banks

Module 5: Smart Contracts and Regulatory Applications

Automating compliance and reporting

Use in KYC/AML processes

Tokenization of assets and its implications for central banks

Module 6: Risks and Challenges of Blockchain Adoption

Cybersecurity and operational risks

Scalability, interoperability, and energy concerns

Legal and regulatory hurdles

Module 7: Blockchain, Monetary Policy, and Financial Stability

Potential impact of CBDCs on money supply and transmission mechanisms

Risks of disintermediation in the banking system

Blockchain in crisis management and liquidity provision

Module 8: Global Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Experiments by leading central banks (Sweden’s e-krona, Canada’s Project Jasper, Singapore’s Project Ubin)

Regional initiatives and cross-border collaborations

Lessons for emerging and developing economies

Module 9: Future of Blockchain in Central Banking

Integration with AI, IoT, and big data

Blockchain for green finance and sustainable investments

Strategic roadmaps for central banks

Module 10: Capstone Workshop

Group exercise: Designing a blockchain use case for a central bank (CBDC, payment system, or regulatory tool)

Presentation and peer feedback

Policy recommendations and strategic planning