Blockchain, Crypto and DeFi: Bridging Finance and Technology

Written by Marco Di Maggio, Professor of Finance at Imperial College Business School, 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.

Professor Di Maggio blends academic rigor with practical applications. 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.

Praise for BLOCKCHAIN, CRYPTO AND DEFI

“Professor Di Maggio’s book uniquely bridges finance and tech with up-to-date HBS cases and coding examples. Each chapter takes you from concepts to applications, blending technical depth and business insights―a rare combination in blockchain literature, perfect for both engineers and finance professionals.”
―John Wu, President at Ava Labs, Venture Investor, Board Member

“Blockchain, Crypto and DeFi is the ideal textbook introduction to this subject. Comprehensive clear expert explanations of each important concept are delivered with loads of whimsy and practical knowledge. This is fun reading!”
―Darrell Duffie, Adams Distinguished Professor of Management and Professor of Finance at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University

“Professor Di Maggio has been one of the most methodical and longstanding students of the emergence of blockchain, cryptocurrency and DeFi. Now he illuminates the pages of an important new book with years of insights on where crypto has been, currently stands and is likely going. No library on financial and emerging technology would be complete without this book.”
―Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy, Circle

“A comprehensive and practical guide to understanding the most important aspects in crypto. Marco demystifies this emerging technology and answers what so many want to know―how crypto works!”
―Adam White, Senior Advisor at Blackstone, Previously President and COO at Bakkt, and VP at Coinbase