This course demystifies blockchain and its growing role in financial markets, starting with foundational concepts such as distributed ledger structures, cryptographic hashing, consensus mechanisms (Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake), smart contracts, and Merkle trees. Participants then explore how these technologies enable tokenization, programmable money, and real-time settlement across payments, trade finance, and capital markets. Real-world case studies include blockchain applications in repo and OTC derivatives, along with a deep dive into stablecoin and CBDC issuance — examining how emerging geopolitical fragmentation presents both risks and opportunities for the future of digital finance.