LFU:online

The aim of this course is to introduce students to banking and capital market law issues that arise due to the digital transformation of the financial industry; in particular, to the legal framework applicable to so-called "FinTechs". Students will gain a better understanding of the legal challenges and possible approaches to digital business models in general.

FinTech is an umbrella term for information technology-based financial innovations that result in new financial instruments, services or intermediaries. FinTechs are usually start-ups that operate using such technological innovations. But established market participants are also increasingly to be found in this area.

The course starts with a brief overview of banking and capital markets law and a primer on the topic of "FinTech". Building on this, the main business models of the FinTech universe will be addressed from a legal perspective.

The intended "case studies" include:

• Neo- or challenger banks
• New payment service providers
• Crypto assets & crypto service providers
• Robo-advice
• Algorithmic & High Frequency Trading

The course concludes with the new supervisory concept of the "Regulatory Sandbox".

The content of the course is taught in lectures with a focus on practical applications. Before the legal treatment of the selected business models, the basic technical features are briefly presented in each case. Knowledge of banking and capital market law is helpful, but not a prerequisite.

Written examination at the end of the semester on the course content

Recommended readings will be announced in the first lesson and in the syllabus on OLAT.