Which role academia should play in crypto and the role of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center
In this thought-provoking episode of Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll (BFRR), hosts Jonas and Alex dive deep into the future of digital finance with special guest Co-Pierre Georg, Professor of Practice in Digital Finance and Technology at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and the new Director of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center.
Co-Pierre shares his journey from physicist to economist, central banker to academic innovator—touching on systemic risk, interbank markets, and his early fascination with blockchain technology. The discussion spans his work across continents, including a transformative fintech program in South Africa aimed at empowering underrepresented students and incubating real-world blockchain startups.
As the new director of the Blockchain Center, Co-Pierre outlines a bold, academically rigorous vision for the future—pivoting the center toward deeper research while maintaining strong ties with the industry. He outlines three core research themes: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), blockchain-based digital property rights, and systemic risks in crypto markets. The episode sheds light on key developments, such as Frankfurt School’s upcoming MSc in Financial Technology and the rethinking of flagship programs like Web3 Talents.
The latter half of the episode sparks a candid and critical debate around Bitcoin’s role as a payment system, store of value, and speculative asset. Co-Pierre explains why he views Bitcoin’s use case as fundamentally flawed—from systemic liquidity concerns, Tether-related risks, and inequality of ownership, to its suitability as a societal instrument of value. Jonas and Alex counter with insights on Bitcoin’s resilience, digital scarcity, and potential as a decentralized hedge or digital gold.
Whether you’re a crypto skeptic, advocate, or curious thinker, this episode delivers a rich, nuanced perspective on the tensions between academic rigor, market hype, and technological promise in the evolving world of digital money.
Tune in to challenge your assumptions—and help shape the future of money.
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