LAWS 9952 Law, Finance, and Technology

In this seminar, we will analyze the laws governing money, banking, and finance and how those laws relate to technological innovation. Instead of treating innovation as exogenous to law, we will examine how law shapes innovation. Themes include power over data, knowledge, communications, media, and culture, as well as financial surveillance. Students will engage with diverse theories of financial innovation; deepen their understanding of relevant statutes, regulations, doctrines, constitutional provisions, international agreements, industry rules and norms, and community customs; and develop a practical understanding of emerging financial technologies, including digital wallets, blockchain systems, cryptocurrency, and money in video games and virtual reality. We will also discuss the evolving use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial system. Students will write a paper that satisfies the upper-level writing requirement. The seminar is interactive and requires full participation in group activities, including presentations on innovative financial products. No background in finance or technology is required.