PFP2501. Beyond Bitcoin: DeFi, Smart Contracts, Altcoins, and More! | Preceded by the PFP Standing Ovation Awards and the PFP Distinguished Service Award

This session provides a practical introduction to blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and digital assets for accounting professionals. Participants will learn how blockchain ensures transparency and security, and how consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work and Proof of Stake affect auditability. Key terminology—wallets, tokens, mining, gas fees—is defined in context. The course also covers smart contracts and their role in automating financial agreements. Finally, attendees will compare Bitcoin with altcoins and stablecoins, focusing on their technical structures and market behaviors. Ideal for those advising clients or assessing risks in crypto-related engagements.

Major Topics:
• Key cryptocurrency terms including Blockchains, Validation, consensus, altcoins, swaps, and more
• Smart contracts
• Altcoins and stablecoins

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate the core components of blockchain technology and how they support transparency, immutability, and security in financial transactions.
• Determine how blockchain transactions are validated and compare consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work and Proof of Stake in terms of reliability, energy use, and audit implications.
• Identify key cryptocurrency terms including wallets, private/public keys, tokens, gas fees, mining, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
• Analyze the function of smart contracts and analyze their role in automating and enforcing digital financial agreements.