Recent Works in Crypto
Discover my new book
Blockchain, Crypto and DeFi: Bridging Finance and Technology is a definitive resource on the rapidly evolving fields of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance (DeFi) that expertly bridges academic theory with real-world applications and coding practices. In-depth Harvard Business School cases on Uniswap, Axie Infinity, and Facebook’s Libra, among others, are included throughout to illustrate the business and strategy decisions behind major protocols.
Most blockchain books fall into one of two traps: tech experts miss what really drives a protocol’s success, while business gurus often don’t get the tech’s nuts and bolts. This book breaks that mold, offering a rare blend of deep technical insight and sharp business acumen to give you the full picture.
This book serves as the ultimate reference guide―a comprehensive resource that caters to everyone, from the curious beginner to the seasoned professional. Whether you’re exploring the world of crypto for the first time, deeply involved in the industry, or an entrepreneur eager to build or invest, this book is your go-to resource.
Each chapter offers a balanced approach, featuring clear explanations of core concepts, hands-on coding examples to help you dive into the technical details, and real-world business cases that illuminate the new challenges and opportunities in this evolving space. This structure allows readers to not only grasp the concepts but also to get their hands dirty.
This book starts with the essentials of blockchain like Proof of Work and Proof of Stake, then progresses to advanced topics like layers 2, AMMs, and CBDCs. It also explores cutting-edge developments, including Zero-Knowledge proofs, tokenization, AI’s influence on crypto, and global regulatory frameworks.
Whether used as a textbook for students or a professional guide, Blockchain, Crypto, and DeFi: Bridging Finance and Technology offers both depth and breadth. Its thoughtful combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world cases makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to understand and succeed in the future of finance and technology.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
2008–2013
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA
Ph.D. in Economics
Dissertation: Essays on Amplification Mechanisms in Financial Markets
2006–2008
Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University
and University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
2003–2008
B.A., summa cum laude (110/110 cum laude) in Economics, University of Naples Federico II
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
May 2022–June 2023
Strategic Advisor (Fintech) for GBK collective
May 2021–Present
Member of Advisory Board, Coinbase Institute
Jan 2019–Present
Consultant for Dimensional Fund Advisors
2021–2023
Economic advisor, Sperax
Oct 2018– Dec 2020
Economic Consultant, Terra Money
MAIN AFFILIATIONS
2024–present
Professor of Finance, Imperial College Business School
2016–2023
Ogunlesi Family Associate Professor, Harvard Business School, Boston, MA
2013–August 2016
Assistant Professor, Columbia Business School, New York, NY