We conduct research in all areas of economic theory, with a special focus on monetary economics (i.a. Bitcoin and Blockchain), monetary policy, financial economics and game theory. The work of our doctoral and Master students is an important part of our research. We provide a rigorous teaching of economic theory, but always focus on relevant applications. The economic theory team is led by Prof Dr Aleksander Berentsen.

The Center for Innovative Finance (CIF) of the University of Basel is dedicated to researching practical issues in the fields of Fintech, Digital Banking and Innovative Finance. Our research focuses on the scientific analysis and practical implementation of blockchain projects, venturing and innovative financial solutions.

With this research focus, the CIF is unique in Switzerland and makes a decisive contribution to the research and application of future-oriented technologies - also in the context of societal consequences. In pursuing these objectives, great importance is attached to comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis.

Bitcoin, Blockchain und Kryptoassets (A. Berentsen, F. Schär 2017)

The Blockchain techonolgy might be the innovation of this decade with the potential to change the world in a similar manner as the Internet did. Our book includes all information required to understand this fascinating technology. The interdisciplinary and the technical completeness ensure that the book is interesting and worth reading for rookies as well as for advanced readers.

On December 1st, 2015, the national referendum on sovereign money in Switzerland was submitted. It aims for a radical change in the existing payment- and financial system. We are providing information on the referendum on our webpage Vollgeld-Initiative. We discuss the background of the referendum, what it aims to change, its weaknesses and propose an alternative.

Cash is accused of three sins: First, cash is inefficient and costly to use, and society would be better off without it. Second, it promotes crime, and facilitates money laundering and tax evasion. Third, it makes negative nominal interest rates infeasible. In certain situations, this may hinder central banks from implementing optimal monetary policies. In the article the fallacy of a cashless society, we argue that all three accusations are fallacies.