Training being delivered in conjunction with Blockstation out of Canada

Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), through its e-Campus, is deploying a new investor-focused certification course on blockchain technology and digital asset trading.

The course is a key part of the JSE’s activities to prepare for the launch of its new Digital Asset Platform later this year. The introduction to Blockchain and Digital Assets course joins the e-Campus, which delivers educational programs recognized and accredited by the University Council of Jamaica and the FSC.

The course was developed in conjunction with Canada’s Blockstation, which provides training to regulators and market operators around the world. Blockstation is a holistic, blockchain-driven platform for the entire lifecycle of tokenizing, listing, trading, clearing and settlement of digital assets and securities within the regulated capital marketplace.

Preparing for digital assets trading

The course was created to satisfy the Financial Services Commission (FSC) requirements that investors be knowledgeable in digital assets prior to trading through authorised broker-dealers. Certificates of completion will be accepted by JSE broker-dealers as satisfying FSC requirements for investors to open a digital asset trading account.

Blockstation leveraged its technological and regulatory expertise to build a curriculum that covers essential concepts such as blockchain, digital currencies, tokenized securities and Security Token Offerings (STOs), and what trading digital assets through the JSE versus unregulated crypto exchanges means for investors.

The course is available at an introductory price of US$50 and investors can sign in and work through at their own pace and in their own time, making it the most flexible course in e-Campus history. Retail investors must demonstrate knowledge of digital assets prior to opening a trading account with participating broker-dealers

Commenting on the new course, Blockstation Communications and Education Manager Michael Spiar said: “Investors finally have a pathway to participate in digital assets with the protection of financial regulations – and they have the JSE, FSC, and JSE e-Campus to thank. Developing the material for this course makes a safe and compliant digital asset marketplace possible, and the fully digital nature of this course will make trading on the JSE more accessible to more investors everywhere.”

In his response, Kevin Powell, principal of the JSE e-Campus, commented: “What excites me most about this course is that it will provide investors with the knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology they need to make informed investment decisions. That it’s our first-ever fully digital, entirely self-guided educational resource – a modern approach to education for a modern digital asset market, makes it better still.”